Outreach & Communications Coordinator

Founded in 1987, the Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development (Harvard Project) is located at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and is associated with the Harvard University Native American Program. Through applied research and service, the Harvard Project aims to understand and foster the conditions under which sustained, self-determined social and economic development is achieved among American Indian nations. The Harvard Project's core activities include research, advisory services, executive education, and administering the Honoring Nations awards program. The Harvard Project also collaborates with the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management, and Policy at the University of Arizona.

The Harvard Project Project is a research initiative dedicated to advancing scholarship and providing practical tools for Indigenous nation rebuilding. The Outreach and Communications Coordinator supports the dissemination of the Project’s research, resources, and program opportunities to Indigenous leaders, scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and partner organizations in the United States and internationally.

Job Summary:

Working as part of a small, collaborative team, the Outreach and Communications Coordinator plays an active role in the day-to-day operations of the Harvard Project’s communications work across digital media, print, and outreach channels, while also providing support for public programs and events. Reporting to the Senior Program Director, this position helps ensure that the Project’s publications, events, and initiatives are communicated clearly, consistently, and accessibly to a range of audiences. The Ash Center, the Project’s home at HKS, is a global, values-driven community that believes diverse perspectives are essential to understanding and addressing real-world problems and seeks candidates who share this commitment.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Support implementation of the Harvard Project’s communications calendar and promotion schedule to ensure timely release of materials, publications, announcements, and event promotions.
• Draft, edit, and distribute newsletters, email campaigns, announcements, and other public-facing communications related to research, publications, Honoring Nations, and other relevant topics.
• Maintain and update the Harvard Project website, including posting research, news, profiles, events, and program information, and coordinating with technical staff as needed.
• Assist with drafting and scheduling content for social media channels, monitor engagement, and help strengthen the Project’s digital presence in alignment with Ash Center, HKS, and University guidance.
• Assist with creating and producing communications materials, including stories, profiles, Q&As, outreach copy, graphics, presentations, and related content that highlight Indigenous governance innovations and Project research and resources, including Honoring Nations awardees.
• Support communications and outreach for the Honoring Nations program, including award announcements, calls for applications, dissemination of case materials, and related promotional activities.
• Help maintain contact lists and support email audience development and tracking through Salesforce, including basic reporting on campaign performance and engagement.
• Coordinate with colleagues across the Ash Center, HKS, Harvard University, and external partner organizations to support outreach, dissemination, and co-sponsored activities.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for key external organizations (e.g., NNI, Native Governance Center, NCAI, Google) and communities of interest (e.g., tribal leaders, public officials, scholars, practitioners, and others in the field of American Indian affairs).
• Provide communications and basic logistical support for seminars, webinars, conferences, and other events, including drafting promotional copy, posting calendar listings, managing registration, supporting speakers and virtual platforms, and assisting with follow-up communications and dissemination of recordings or materials.
• Assist with maintaining and updating Nation Building Toolboxes and other online educational materials, including supporting design and storyboarding and tracking use and outcomes.
• Contribute to other communications, outreach, and program support tasks as needed in a small-team environment.

Basic Qualifications:

Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in communications, public policy, journalism, marketing, public relations, Indigenous studies, or a related field.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, journalism, marketing, public relations, Indigenous studies, or a related field.
• Knowledge of American Indian affairs, Indigenous governance, or related policy issues. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor content to different audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a collaborative environment.
• Experience in website content management, graphic design, video editing and design tools such as Canva, iMovie, and Adobe Creative Cloud. 
• Experience with and use of LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media outlets as well as Salesforce or other CRM platforms.
• Ability to travel, including nights and weekends, as needed.

• Appointment End Date: One year from date of hire, with possibility of renewal
• 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
• Other Information: This position is based on our campus in Cambridge, MA, and is not eligible for remote work. The minimum on-site requirements is 3 days/week.

Work Format Details

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 054. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

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.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.