[Hiring] Communications and Digital Director @Harvard University

Role Description

The Communications & Digital Director leads CDT's communications strategy and external engagement, along with the management of the digital channels needed to reach educators, peers, the field, and the public. The Director serves as a key thought partner to CDT leadership in advancing its mission: helping youth thrive in a tech-filled world, with educators as essential partners. The Director strengthens CDT's position as a trusted amplifier of youth voices and supporter of educators. They share CDT's research, resources, and professional development offerings, and communicate research-based insights in an accessible and engaging way to help shift public discourse.

A senior role on a (small) nimble team, the Director sets strategy and also does much of the execution. They may be shaping launch messaging for a report one day and writing a newsletter the next. The Director supervises two student interns, coordinates media engagement with external support, and works with the Operations Coordinator on process and infrastructure. The role suits someone who collaborates well across functions and can balance communications priorities with the measured pace of a rigorous research-to-practice center.

The Director is also CDT's internal lead for the website, including helping to identify and work with an external vendor to manage a brand and digital refresh.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Communications Strategy and Planning (25%):
  • Develop and implement CDT's communications strategy.
  • Steward brand identity, messaging, and voice.
  • Set the editorial framework, including quarterly themes.
  • Lead quarterly and launch planning.
  • Own the intake relationship with the research team.
  • Collaborate with leadership on high-impact, translational applications of research.
• Writing, Editing, and Content (20%):
  • Own the editorial calendar.
  • Write and edit content for various channels.
  • Provide editorial direction and quality review for intern-produced content.
  • Produce simple visuals and collateral using CDT templates.
• Digital Channels and Website (15%):
  • Set the role and audience of each digital channel.
  • Serve as internal lead for the website refresh.
  • Oversee the website's content, accessibility, and search visibility.
  • Manage external web, design, and technology partners.
• External Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement (10%):
  • Lead communications for strategic partnerships.
  • Represent CDT at public events as needed.
• Media Relations (10%):
  • Support media engagement and coordination.
  • Develop media prep materials for researchers.
  • Build relationships with key journalists.
• Fundraising and Development Support (10%):
  • Work with leadership to integrate communications into fundraising.
  • Create funder/donor engagement materials.
• Team, Systems, and Process (10%):
  • Supervise two student interns.
  • Design and document communications processes.
  • Coordinate with the Operations Coordinator and partner organizations.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, strategy, or audience engagement.
• A minimum of three years supervising staff or interns.
• Experience managing external vendors, agencies, or consultants.
• Hands-on experience with content management systems, email newsletter platforms, social media tools, and digital analytics.
• Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience translating research for practitioner audiences.
• Experience leading a website project with an external vendor or agency.
• Experience building systems, workflows, and processes within a small or resource-constrained organization.
• Experience supporting fundraising through grant reports, impact reports, or funder materials.
• Editorial background or experience leading an editorial calendar is a plus.
• Experience in education or the technology sector is a plus.
• WordPress, Canva, Notion, Slack, Kit, and G-Suite preferred.
• Organized and process-oriented, with strong written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

• 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.