Job Summary

The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute's Communications Manager plays a vital role in promoting the work of the Center and its faculty, with the aim of highlighting thought leadership to help drive a conversation and understanding about South Asia both at Harvard and beyond. The Communications Manager envisions, creates, and manages content in accordance with the short- and long-term goals of the Mittal Institute.

Working collaboratively with senior leadership and staff, the Manager's activities and responsibilities will include all aspects of communications and marketing, including managing multimedia marketing and branding for the Institute, as well as event promotion, newsletters, annual reports, press releases and correspondence, programmatic write-ups, enterprising pieces about programs and scholars, and maintenance of the Institute's social media platforms and website. The Communications Manager reports to the Institute's Assistant Director for Programs and Outreach. This position might supervise student interns or other collaborators as needed.

Position Description

Strategic Planning

Strategic planning in collaboration with the Assistant Director for Programs and Outreach and the Executive Director (e.g., gather data, prepare reports, make recommendations), including design strategies on branding for the Mittal Institute. Work with Assistant Director and Executive Director on complex issues related to strategy, faculty and student engagement, and communications with donors, prospects, alumni, and other stakeholders in the US and in South Asia. Increase the Mittal Institute's profile at Harvard and beyond. This position will be responsible for doing research to suggest new communications methods and strategies that will increase global brand awareness for the Institute.

Content creation

Responsible for all content for the Mittal Institute's website, the weekly newsletter, social media, printed and digital materials, media relations and all public content, across platforms. Design and implement editorial standards and guidance, across all media, to ensure best practices. The communication manager envisions, creates, and manages content, in accordance with the mission and values of the Mittal Institute.

• Digital Communications: Develops the strategic direction of the Mittal Institute's website and digital content. Oversees the design, development, and ongoing use of the Institute's website and blog platform. Produces engaging website and video content and oversees external contributions. Identifies and works with outside vendor to implement enhancement features for the website.

• Social Media: Develops the strategic direction of the Institute's social media accounts. Creates engaging content on a daily basis. Develops a social media calendar and designs posts and videos using the Institute's Canva account.

• Newsletter: Ensures weekly publication of the Institute's newsletter. Sets a storyboard and publication calendar and regularly analyzes metrics on readership to make ongoing upgrades and improvements.

• Publications: Authors and produces flagship publications, including the Institute's Annual Report, Arts Report and other key donor communications, including digital communications. Creates brochures, flyers, one-pagers and other materials to promote the Institute's programs and mission.

• Media: Promotes the Institute's presence in the media. Collaborates and serves as the Mittal Institute's liaison with Harvard Public Affairs and Communications, FAS Communications, and the other Asia-related and international studies centers, departments, and programs and other key constituents at Harvard.

Operations

Build relationships and work with faculty, students, staff and key affiliates to create high-value content, such as (but not limited to) podcasts, blog posts, op-eds, videos and written reports, on the Mittal Institute's own platforms and external outlets. Analyze key metrics and keep up-to-date with media innovations, in order to maximize the reach and impact of the Mittal Institute's communications strategies.

• Database/ListServ Planning: Determines the optimal mix of databases and listservs for email, mail, and social media communication with the Institute's community, South Asian thought leaders, and peer institutions both domestically and in South Asia. Develops content and distribution of newsletters and tracks and assesses feedback for greater impact.
  
  
• Accessibility: Working with the Harvard Accessibility Office, monitors and improves the accessibility of content and serves as an accessibility liaison and resource to the Mittal Institute's community.

Basic Qualifications

A minimum of 3 years' experience in journalism or professional communications.
Experience with social media in the workplace.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

B.A./B.S. strongly preferred.
Experience in academia.
Track record of multimedia content production, including creating audiovisual content and knowledge of graphic design, publishing, and photo and video software applications.
Experience of managing a team and external collaborators.
Experience with email service providers (Constant Contact, etc.), Microsoft SharePoint; Adobe Creative Suite, and familiarity with video and audio editing.
Excellent writing and communications skills, highly organized, detail-oriented, and independent.
Experience producing publications (reports, newsletters, promotional material, etc.)
Passion for and understanding of contemporary and historical South Asian issues.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Experience with Wordpress or Website Content Management System.
Basic video editing and graphic design skills.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting.

The position will work on campus a minimum of three (3) days per week.

Additional Information

All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources

We invite individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities to be a part of our community

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

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.

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