Director, Internal Communications

• Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
• Salary Grade: 059
• Department: Dean - FAS Office of Communications
• FLSA Status: Exempt

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary

Reporting directly to the Chief of Marketing & Operations, FAS, the Director of Internal Communications leads the strategy and execution of comprehensive employee communications that advance FAS priorities, strengthen connection across the organization, and support an informed and engaged community. The Director serves as the primary voice for internal news, announcements, leadership communications, and employee-facing campaigns; oversees communications across email, digital, multimedia, and live events; and partners with academic and administrative leaders to reach faculty, researchers, and staff across a large, complex, and decentralized organization. The Director leads the editorial strategy and day-to-day management of The FAS Reporter, one of FAS’s central employee communications vehicles, and partners closely with the Director of Marketing on its channels, presentation, accuracy, and evolution. The Director also leads emergency communications, manages public reports and internal communications tools, and provides strategic guidance to FAS offices seeking to communicate with employees.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Internal communications strategy and content: Leads internal communications for FAS, establishing content standards and publishing rhythms for employee news, announcements, community messages, staff announcements, leadership communications, and related content across email, digital, multimedia, and live-event channels.
• Message development and rollouts: Crafts and facilitates communications rollouts from end-to-end, coordinating messaging, timing, audiences, approvals, and cadence across multiple offices and channels as needed.
• Emergency communications: Drafts FAS-wide messages providing guidance on weather-related and other emergency impacts, closures, and changes to operations; occasionally works nights and weekends when emergencies arise.
• The FAS Reporter: Leads the editorial strategy and day-to-day management of The FAS Reporter, including outreach to departments and FAS offices; soliciting, gathering, and aggregating content; and curating and editing submissions related to faculty and staff news, events, trainings, reminders, resources, and other information of value to the FAS community. Establishes an efficient content intake and review process and maintains a forward-looking editorial calendar. Partners closely with the Director of Marketing, who manages the Reporter template, channel, branding, format, and related communications tools; reviews content together to ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency, and appropriate presentation; and identifies opportunities to improve reach and engagement.
• Public reports: Manages the development of public reports for FAS, assembling content, coordinating design, copyediting materials, and working with outside vendors as needed.
• FAS calendar and channel coordination: Serves as the internal communications lead and core partner for the FAS calendar solution and other employee-facing channels. Develops and executes communications strategies that promote alignment, coordination, awareness, and adoption across departments. Partners with the Director of Marketing on channel strategy, content review, and the development of new or evolving tools and formats.
• Partnership with FAS offices: Serves as the primary liaison and partner to flagship FAS offices seeking to communicate or market announcements, programs, events, training, or other opportunities to employees. Build relationships that support a reliable flow of timely, accurate content into The FAS Reporter and other employee-facing channels, and provides communications guidance and tactical support to reach employees directly and amplify efforts through staff-specific communications channels.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in communications and/or marketing.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Strong writing and editing skills, including substantial experience writing for senior leaders and employee audiences.
• Experience developing and executing creative, engaging marketing communications or employee engagement campaigns.
• Experience using digital communications tools, including email marketing and web editing platforms.
• Direct experience supporting an employee audience at a large, complex institution is preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly decentralized environment with multiple, sometimes competing, interests.
• Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, build strong working relationships, and lead by influence.
• Ability to manage a high level of confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.

Additional Information

• Application materials: A cover letter is required along with a resume
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts . Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.