Program Coordinator, Events and Communications

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.

The John

F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting‑edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match.

When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

The Middle East Initiative (MEI) at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is Harvard University’s principal forum for policy‑relevant research and teaching on the contemporary Middle East and North Africa. Through the integration of scholarly research, policy analysis, executive and graduate education, and community engagement, MEI aims to advance public policy and build capacity in the Middle East, with the goal of enhancing the lives of all the region’s peoples.

As part of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, MEI believes that being a diverse and inclusive organization is not only morally right, but also central to our ability to achieve our mission. We do not discriminate against any person based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, income, or status as a veteran.

MEI is seeking an enthusiastic and resourceful Program Coordinator, Events and Communications, to support the program’s high‑profile public engagement, research dissemination, and community‑building efforts. Reporting to the Associate Director, this role is responsible for coordinating and executing events with faculty, senior policymakers, and scholars, while also managing MEI’s communications channels, including web, social media, publications, and email outreach. This is an early‑to‑mid‑career role ideal for someone with 2‑5 years of experience who is eager to support communications and events in a mission‑driven academic environment.

Communications:

• Under the direction of the MEI Associate Director, develop and implement MEI communications strategies aligned with program priorities.
• Maintain MEI's website content, ensuring it is up-to-date, accurately curated, and aligned with best practices.
• Manage MEI’s social media channels through content planning, posting, and engagement to effectively communicate MEI’s research and activities.
• Coordinate production and distribution of publicity and outreach materials for MEI events and programs, including social media, email campaigns, press releases, annual newsletter, You Tube channel, and website content.
• Coordinate with Belfer communications on the production of MEI publications, including reports, briefs, and papers.
• Draft content for new proposals and stewardship reports.
• Facilitate MEI blog, podcast, and related public‑facing initiatives to bolster faculty and fellows’ public engagement.
• Use analytics, metrics, and industry best practices to assess communications performance and recommend continuous improvements to MEI leadership.
• Maintain and update MEI contacts database and special lists.
• Develop and maintain targeted student outreach strategies, including student group lists and tailored communications, to increase student engagement with MEI programming.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, including graphic designers and printers, ensuring high‑quality deliverables.
• Attend relevant Center‑wide meetings related to communications on behalf of MEI and brief MEI Associate Director.
• Monitor and maintain MEI’s general email account and Salesforce Marketing Cloud inbox.

Events:

• Coo…