Senior Media Relations and Communications Lead

Harvard Divinity School - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Cambridge, MA

About the position

The Senior Media Relations and Communications Lead at Harvard Divinity School (HDS) plays a pivotal role in shaping the public narrative and media presence of the institution. Reporting directly to the Associate Director of Communications, this position serves as the primary media contact for the School, actively engaging with media outlets to promote press-worthy events and feature stories that highlight the achievements of the School and its community members. The Lead is responsible for showcasing HDS's relevance and impact in alignment with the School's strategic initiatives, ensuring that the institution's successes are communicated effectively to both internal and external audiences. In addition to managing proactive media relations, the Senior Media Relations and Communications Lead is tasked with overseeing crisis communications. This involves maintaining constant communication with School leadership during critical times to strategize and convey clear messages that uphold the School's image. The Lead drafts and disseminates official communications from the Dean and other leadership figures, ensuring that institutional messaging is consistent and impactful. Collaboration is key in this role, as the Lead works closely with various partners across Harvard University, including Public Affairs and Communications, to coordinate messaging and storytelling efforts. The position also includes supervisory responsibilities, overseeing student writers and work-study students, while managing competing priorities in a high-volume environment. The Lead must be adept at balancing multiple projects and deadlines, demonstrating strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the media point-of-contact for the School.
• Manage crisis communications and proactively communicate with the media about press-worthy events and feature stories.
• Proactively seek out story ideas from faculty, students, and staff; cover events and report other HDS stories.
• Work with the HDS Communications team to define and translate key editorial/messaging priorities into editorial plans and media relations efforts.
• Initiate and develop proactive media relations efforts with various media outlets based on an editorial calendar.
• Assist the Associate Director in pitching story ideas to media and understanding media interests in the HDS community.
• Develop and maintain relationships with journalists in key areas using social and digital channels.
• Collaborate with media relations colleagues throughout the University to provide proactive media relations support.
• Draft and disseminate quotes and messages from the Dean and School leadership.
• Manage the HDS events calendar and web calendar system, ensuring accurate event information is posted.
• Supervise a student editorial assistant and manage competing priorities.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years' work experience in media relations and/or editorial.
• Strong experience in a communications and media relations setting.
• Experience with media relations tools and creating content for websites.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience at the intersection of new and traditional media.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Motivated to learn and flexible to change.
• Collegiality and team-orientation are important attributes.
• Ability to influence others and listen carefully.

Benefits

• Flex-work options including an optional summer compressed workweek.
• 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year, 12 accrued sick days, 12.5 holidays, and 3 personal days.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary caregivers.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs.
• Child and elder/adult care resources, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs.
• University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation.
• Tuition Assistance Program including reduced tuition at Harvard Extension School.
• Professional Development programs and classes at little or no cost.
• Various commuter options including discounted parking and public transportation passes.