Job Code
319057 Public/Media Information

Duties & Responsibilities

The Sustainability Communications Officer is responsible for providing high-quality communications services, acting as the organization’s brand ambassador and creative agent, and developing and distributing immersive, multi-media content. This person will also collaborate closely with colleagues at OFS, as well as Harvard Public Affairs & Communications (HPAC) and across the University’s Schools and academic/research initiatives, to streamline communications about the University’s holistic commitment to sustainable development, climate action, and translating research and teaching into action on-campus in benefit to society.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Serve as primary communications strategist and officer for Harvard’s OFS team.
  • Develop, execute and maintain a communications, marketing and branding strategy designed to drive Harvard’s sustainability narrative through creative and engaging storytelling via multiple platforms (digital, print, etc.) to a range of stakeholders (internal and external).
    • Translate research into action with case studies, stories and other media forms.
    • Supervise the dissemination of timely information to internal and external audiences.
    • Ensure accurate, consistent, and timely information across all communications channels.
    • Work with internal customers across all Schools and units.
    • Manage external consultant assignments as needed to assure relevance, consistency and timely completion of projects.
    • Create, implement and manage the OFS social media strategy and content.
  • Lead development and maintenance of various marketing and communications materials in conjunction with OFS senior management team, including strategic memos and briefings, websites, brochures, PowerPoint presentations, talking points, and annual reports in support of the communications strategy.
    • Write, edit, produce, and coordinate material for OFS website, monthly newsletter, senior leadership updates, quarterly Sustainability Management Council meetings, etc. (including all PowerPoint presentations and talking points).
    • Assist technical owners (including OFS staff across Schools and units) to develop in-house communications (brochures, flyers, posters, templates, signage, etc.) as needed for various projects and programs such as the climate goals, our holistic sustainability plan, University-wide working groups, Healthier Building Materials Academy (HBMA), etc.
    • Write, edit, create and/or coordinate production of sustainability communications and sustainability-related content.
    • Generate, coordinate and edit content suitable for delivery through a variety of media (email, web, mobile).
  • Implement branding across OFS by altering existing materials and developing new materials as needed to achieve organizational goals.
  • Manage media relations; serve as gatekeeper for media inquiries from local, national, and international organizations; work closely with OFS senior management and HPAC on message development.
  • Oversee sustainability website strategic vision and priorities including content organization, creating, reviewing and posting content for updates as well as overseeing consultants related to website and graphic design.
  • Manage and prepare sustainability reporting including annual internal and external reporting and other sustainability rankings and awards.
  • Coordinate with HPAC on Harvard community publications, events, programs and website content to integrate sustainability content University-wide.
  • Manage other projects and programs, as needed.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Five to seven years of exceptional communications strategy and management experience including writing, editing, graphical, and content production.
  • Strong understanding of sustainability issues.
  • Experience with media relations and cultivating strong relationships with beat reporters.
  • Strong knowledge and experience deploying effective digital, social and online strategies.

Additional Qualifications

  • Highly adept at translating complex information into relevant and understandable communications for multiple audiences.
  • Skilled at diplomatically and successfully achieving goals in a complex, matrixed environment.
  • Ability to manage projects, from conception to implementation with proven record of creating project plans with deadlines and aggressive timetables for implementation and review of materials.
  • Experience working with outside vendors and consultants, including the ability to set project milestones and keep internal and external team members on time and on budget.
  • Understanding of integrated marketing communications, strategy development, and implementation within large organizations serving a diverse population.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and across departments.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with proven project management abilities.
  • Graphical and multi-media skills.

Additional Information

Harvard University has a decade’s-long commitment to confronting the global challenges of climate change and sustainable development through its research, teaching, and institutional action. The Office for Sustainability (OFS) plays a pivotal role in bringing together students, faculty, and staff to use the campus as a living laboratory for piloting and proving solutions that address sustainable goals and strive to model pathways to a fossil fuel-free future. Our efforts are driven by a University-wide Sustainability Plan and ambitious climate goals.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team of effective, dedicated, high-energy sustainability professionals working to drive organizational change to benefit Harvard and help others address complex systematic sustainable challenges at Harvard and beyond. The Office for Sustainability is a fast-paced, dynamic, and changing organization and we look for talented, passionate individuals who thrive in this environment.

Visit the Sustainability at Harvard website, http://www.green.harvard.edu for more information.

Job Function
Communications

Location
USA – MA – Cambridge

Department
Harvard Public Affairs and Communications

Time Status
Full-time

Union
00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Salary Grade
057

Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICATION INFORMATION