Program Coordinator, Events and Communications

002292SR

School/Unit: Harvard Kennedy School

Department: Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

Job Function: General Administration

Location: Cambridge

Job Type: Full-time

Salary Grade: 055

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Term Appointment: Yes

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 Kennedy School?

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.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the MEI Associate Director, develops and implements MEI communications strategies aligned with program priorities.
• Maintains MEI's website content, ensuring it is up-to-date, accurately curated, and aligned with best practices.
• Manages MEI's social media channels through content planning, posting, and engagement to effectively communicate MEI's research and activities.
• Coordinates 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.
• Coordinates with Belfer communications on the production of MEI publications, including reports, briefs, and papers.
• Drafts content for new proposals and stewardship reports.
• Facilitates MEI blog, podcast, and related public-facing initiatives to bolster faculty and fellows' public engagement.
• Uses analytics, metrics, and industry best practices to assess communications performance and recommend continuous improvements to MEI leadership.
• Maintains and updates MEI contacts database and special lists.
• Develops and maintains targeted student outreach strategies, including student group lists and tailored communications, to increase student engagement with MEI programming.
• Manages relationships with external vendors, including graphic designers and printers, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Attends relevant Center-wide meetings related to communications on behalf of MEI and briefs MEI Associate Director.
• Monitors and maintains MEI's general email account and Salesforce Marketing Cloud inbox.

• Coordinates and executes MEI's events with visiting dignitaries, scholars, and other speakers. Events include seminars, study groups, formal dinners, high-profile public events, conferences, and special meetings.
• Manages all event logistics, including but not limited to drafting invitations and other correspondence; booking event spaces; working with internal and external vendors; preparing travel arrangements (including visas as needed) and detailed visit itineraries; managing day-of event production; coordinating post-event…