The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University is a community of 30+ people committed to making the world a better place for children, particularly those who face adversity early in life. Our vision is an equitable world where all kids are able to live up to their full potential. We do this by leveraging science and the real-world experience of practitioners, policymakers, pediatricians, and families to build the knowledge, skills, and tools required to create more effective early childhood policies and programs. To learn more about the Center click here.

We are excited to welcome to our team a Director of Communications. As the manager of the Center's communications team, this position will be responsible for overseeing the production of creative communication materials in multiple forms and dissemination strategies in support of the Center's mission. This role will help the Center engage target audiences and support a dynamic learning community that is united by a commitment to achieving breakthroughs in the lives of young children and families facing adversity, with a particular focus on the effects of poverty, racism, and other structural inequities on early development and lifelong health. Building on the Center's widely respected, global platform for clear, effective communication of the science of early childhood development, this position will manage the team that maintains the Center's world-leading position by continuing to innovate and create creative, credible, accurate, and memorable communication products and strategies of the highest quality. Publications, briefs, videos, podcasts, social media, presentations, and more are all a part of our current tool kit: What will be next, and how will it support our work to achieve the Center's vision?

• Reporting to the Chief Knowledge Officer (CKO), manage team of 4-5 responsible for web content, social media, publications, videos, design, and marketing functions, including developing content in support of the Center's other workstreams and service lines. (30%)
  • In consultation with CKO and other stakeholders, craft and execute multifaceted communications product development and dissemination strategy in alignment with the Center's Theory of Change
  • Create and oversee the implementation of plans to advance and promote the Center's priorities through a variety of platforms
  • Primary responsibility for driving the timely implementation of the communications strategy by managing the team responsible for its outputs and outcomes and ensuring the highest possible credibility and quality
  • Allocate and manage communications budget
  • Oversee management of contracts with vendors
  • Oversee the collection and use of impact and reach data/anecdotes to learn about how our materials are used and improve products and strategies
  • Set work plans and goals for the team and individuals, support staff and team cohesion, and attend to professional development and performance management of team members, including establishing annual objectives for staff, measuring effectiveness against goals
  • Provide leadership and inclusive supervision and management to the team, and promote collaborative interdisciplinary teamwork, open communication, and responsible self-direction within the department

• Manage the Center's end-to-end communication product development and dissemination process (60%)
  • Write, delegate, and/or approve creative briefs in consultation with CKO
  • Edit drafts at each stage in the process with an eye toward readability and organization; approve layout and design; oversee staff to maintain accuracy and consistency of citations; final edit and sign-off on all significant communications pieces
  • Coordinate reviews by partners (e.g., scientists, FrameWorks Institute, diversity/equity partners, policy experts, practitioners) and make judgements about suggestions
  • Hire/oversee hiring of specialty contractors (design, web, video, etc.)
  • Consult/approve at key stages all products created by comms staff (e.g., videos, podcasts, handouts, infographics)
  • Lead conceptualizing/steering some high-complexity projects
  • Write/develop mission-critical or executive-level drafts and materials, including progress reports and proposals for funders
  • Maintain broad oversight of the front-facing information, visual display, and functioning of the Center's website and social media channels
  • Work with Digital Solutions Developer to maintain/enhance/maximize our use of global web platforms in support of the Center's Theory of Change
  • Employ metrics and analytics to ensure efficacy of all online and offline communications efforts
• Other (10%)
  • Participate in cross-Center teams of peers and staff from other workstreams as needed to ensure alignment and shared learning
  • Act as in-house resource for communication framing concepts and application, including Strategic Frame Analysis
  • Oversee the establishment and adherence to Center-wide style guidelines
  • Oversee staff handling media relations, presentation requests, complex permissions requests
  • Oversee staff providing presentation support and development, including instituting systems and processes for:
    • Assessing presentation requests and gathering information needed for effective preparation
    • Creating new PPT slides depicting complex concepts
    • Establishing and enforcing design guidelines for PPT and other media
    • Mentoring presenters in slide creation, selection, and presenting skills
    • Providing referrals for presentation requests
    • Overseeing/delegating comms team PPT support
    • Gathering/analyzing/acting on impact/reach data

This is a two year term position with strong possibility of renewal

HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms, and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions. We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows each individual to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.
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