Executive Communications Lead

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 Graduate School of Education?

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (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.

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The Executive Communications Lead at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is responsible for researching, drafting, revising, and finalizing institutional communications. In close partnership with the Dean, the Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Dean, and the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer, the Executive Communications Lead will manage and support a portfolio of work including decanal speech writing, community messages, talking points, and presentations for both internal and external audiences.

Through their work, the Executive Communications Lead will support HGSE’s efforts to amplify and advance its mission: to prepare leaders and innovators committed to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for learners worldwide.

• Generate speeches and talking points for signature HGSE events (Welcome Day, Commencement, Convocation, etc.) as well as high‑priority meetings (donor discussions, external engagements, etc.); includes meeting with the Dean about her communication objectives and conducting relevant research as needed.
• Partner with the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer to craft and revise decanal communications strategy.
• Craft and revise key institutional written communications such as quarterly community updates, announcements, incident response messages, and key donor emails.
• Prepare and refine high‑priority presentation materials—PPTs, memos, etc.—to ensure alignment with institutional vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Manage communication requests for University‑level constituents (e.g., status or project briefings to the President or Provost, talking points for HGSE events, examples of HGSE public service, etc.).
• Partner with the Dean and the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer to identify external thought‑leadership opportunities as well as internal community speakers.
• Participate in meetings and events as needed for communication drafting and delivery.
• Support and contribute to the overall HGSE communications and engagement strategy as needed (researching and/or generating content for the HGSE website and other publications).
• Maintain a comprehensive overview of decanal and institutional communications in their portfolio to ensure shared transparency and timely planning, drafting, review, and delivery.

Please note there is a candidate currently under consideration for this position. This is a term position until August 31, 2026

Bachelor’s degree and minimum 7 years of relevant experience.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in carrying out responsibilities.
• Experience in a higher education setting, including work with senior academic leaders.
• Flexible and responsive to shifting deadlines.
• Ability to interact professionally with a wide range of internal and external constituents.
• Strong organizational skills, including time management.
• Highly collaborative; must work well independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work with and maintain confidential matters with discretion.

• Appointment End Date:
  August 31, 2026
• Standard…