Chief Communications Officer

Job Summary: The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) reports to the Dean of Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and serves on the School’s Leadership Team. As Chief Communications Officer (CCO), you will motivate, lead, manage, and develop a talented team of 17+ staff that comprise Harvard Kennedy School’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs (OCPA).  In coordination with the Dean’s Office, HKS research centers, and other key offices, you will design, execute, and assess integrated strategic communications that: (1) highlight the School’s strategy and priorities for both internal and external stakeholders; (2) amplify the policy impact of the School, giving “voice” to research; (3) set a strategic direction to promote and market educational programs and events; and (4) strengthen and protect the School’s institutional position and reputation. In addition, you will coordinate a network of 30+ communicators distributed across the School’s research centers and programs. The CCO will approach this mission-centered work with a high degree of strategic thinking, creativity, and discretion; a commitment to open inquiry and supporting a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and points of view; a willingness to experiment and take calculated risks; and a commitment to leading, maintaining, and empowering an exceptional team. Important Application Instructions:   A complete application must include a resume and cover letter. Job-Specific Responsibilities: As CCO, you will: • Work closely with the Dean and Chief of Staff, as well as with other HKS senior administrators, faculty, and communications experts, in further developing and delivering an effective and innovative communications strategy that reflects and advances the School’s HKS 2036 vision, strategy, and associated priorities. • By leveraging the skills and talents of the OCPA team, develop, execute, and assess integrated strategic communications programs encompassing editorial content creation, media relations, digital communications, executive communications, publications, brand management, and marketing campaigns, for both internal and external audiences, using various modalities and channels to reach different audiences. • Provide leadership and effective personnel management to the OCPA team, promoting collaborative interdisciplinary teamwork, experimentation, creativity, open communication, responsible self-direction, and professional development. • Act as chief spokesperson for the school with the media and oversee media relations (e.g., working with press, writing talking points and statements) for the School, to include proactive press outreach to drive the School’s message and leadership in crisis communications situations. • Lead the HKS-wide communications affinity group (CAG), which includes communications staff from other administrative departments and HKS research centers, to ensure integration, collaboration, consistency, and improved cross-unit communication processes. • Strengthen relationships with communications professionals across the School and University. • Lead and strengthen coordination and alignment of priorities and information sharing between OCPA and leadership and communications/marketing staff in Professional and Lifelong Learning (Executive Education & Public Leadership Credential), Degree Programs and Student Affairs, and Alumni Relations and Resource Development. • Provide strategic guidance to support the enrollment goals of all academic programs, including Professional and Lifelong Learning. • Lead internal communications for HKS, working closely with and serving as a thought partner to the Dean and Chief of Staff. • Drive the development of a compelling and effective digital, video, and editorial presence, resulting in vibrant an