Chief Communications Officer

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Job Category: Public Relations | Marketing,

Employment Type:

Posted: 07.17.2026

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 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 Schools 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.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) reports to the Dean of Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and serves on the Schools Leadership Team.

As Chief Communications Officer (CCO), you will motivate, lead, manage, and develop a talented team of 17+ staff that comprise Harvard Kennedy Schools Office of Communications and Public Affairs (OCPA). In coordination with the Deans Office, HKS research centers, and other key offices, you will design, execute, and assess integrated strategic communications that: (1) highlight the Schools strategy and priorities for both internal and external stakeholders;

(2) amplify the policy impact of the School, giving voice to research; (3) set a strategic direction to promote and market educational programs and events; and (4) strengthen and protect the Schools institutional position and reputation. In addition, you will coordinate a network of 30+ communicators distributed across the Schools research centers and programs. The CCO will approach this mission-centered work with a high degree of strategic thinking, creativity, and discretion;

a commitment to open inquiry and supporting a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and points of view; a willingness to experiment and take calculated risks; and a commitment to leading, maintaining, and empowering an exceptional team.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

As CCO, you will:

• Work closely with the Dean and Chief of Staff, as well as with other HKS senior administrators, faculty, and communications experts, in further developing and delivering an effective and innovative communications strategy that reflects and advances the Schools HKS 2036 vision, strategy, and associated priorities.
• By leveraging the skills and talents of the OCPA team, develop, execute, and assess integrated strategic communications programs encompassing editorial content creation, media relations, digital communications, executive communications, publications, brand management, and marketing campaigns, for both internal and external audiences, using various modalities and channels to reach different audiences.
• Provide leadership and effective personnel management to the OCPA team, promoting collaborative interdisciplinary teamwork, experimentation, creativity, open communication, responsible self-direction, and professional development.
• Act as chief spokesperson for the school with the media and oversee media relations (e.g., working with press, writing talking points and statements) for the School, to include proactive press outreach to drive the Schools message and leadership in crisis communications situations.
• Lead the HKS-wide communications affinity group (CAG), which includes communications staff from other administrative departments and HKS research centers, to ensure integration, collaboration, consistency, and improved cross-unit communication processes.
• Strengthen relationships with communications professionals across the School and University.
• Lead and strengthen coordination and alignment of priorities and information sharing between OCPA and leadership and communications/marketing staff in…