Assistant Director, Media Relations, Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability Job at Harvard University
Job Summary
The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability develops and promotes durable, effective, and equitable solutions to the climate change challenges confronting humanity. The Institute pursues its mission by strengthening the Harvard-wide community of scholars, students, practitioners, and staff working towards climate solutions by providing a home for research, teaching, and engagement in climate and the environment. With the Institute’s support, Harvard scholars tackle the climate challenge in their classrooms and their laboratories. The Institute also leverages Harvard’s convening power to engage and influence government, business, civil society, and communities in ways that lead to a sustainable future.
Reporting to the Director of Communications for the Salata Institute, the Assistant Director, Media Relations (Assistant Director), will be a core member of the Institute’s communications team with a high degree of responsibility. The Assistant Director will also be a member of the University’s central communications team within Harvard Public Affairs and Communications (HPAC).
Because media relations strategy will touch on and support all aspects of the Institute’s programs, the Assistant Director must be exceptionally organized and possess the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with the climate- and sustainability-related issues on which the Institute works is strongly preferred. As one of the first employees of the recently created Salata Institute, the Assistant Director will also be expected to contribute to the development of this new organization by helping to develop efficient work processes. The Assistant Director will help cultivate a mission-driven organizational culture of collaboration, creativity, respect, diversity, and inclusivity. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, be flexible and adaptive to change, and demonstrate professionalism and enthusiasm for the endeavor.
Applicants must submit a cover letter with the application to be considered for the position.
Reporting to the Director of Communications for the Salata Institute, the Assistant Director, Media Relations (Assistant Director), will be a core member of the Institute’s communications team with a high degree of responsibility. The Assistant Director will also be a member of the University’s central communications team within Harvard Public Affairs and Communications (HPAC).
Because media relations strategy will touch on and support all aspects of the Institute’s programs, the Assistant Director must be exceptionally organized and possess the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with the climate- and sustainability-related issues on which the Institute works is strongly preferred. As one of the first employees of the recently created Salata Institute, the Assistant Director will also be expected to contribute to the development of this new organization by helping to develop efficient work processes. The Assistant Director will help cultivate a mission-driven organizational culture of collaboration, creativity, respect, diversity, and inclusivity. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, be flexible and adaptive to change, and demonstrate professionalism and enthusiasm for the endeavor.
Applicants must submit a cover letter with the application to be considered for the position.
Position Description
The Assistant Director will lead media relations strategy and efforts for the Institute, including: developing and executing a strategy to engage a diverse range of media outlets; cultivating and maintaining relationships with climate and sustainability reporters nationally and globally; proactively pitching compelling stories to media outlets; providing media monitoring and analysis; and providing staffing support around high-impact media engagements as needed.
Leadership, Collaboration and Strategic Planning:
Leadership, Collaboration and Strategic Planning:
- Collaborate with HPAC and School-based media relations colleagues on both proactive media outreach and incoming media inquiries to ensure coordination around key announcements and issues management.
- Develop and carry out a strategic media relations plan to support and strengthen the Salata Institute’s role as a global leader in advancing climate solutions, including working with the Director to define key messages that resonate with target audiences through a range of media channels.
- Through execution of the strategic media relations plan, reach key audiences and decision-makers with Harvard’s authoritative contributions on climate solutions.
- Produce and leverage a wide range of written materials and content, including press releases, op-eds, and web copy. Work directly with Harvard faculty and experts to write and place op-eds, comments, and other communications products.
- Develop and maintain relationships with a diverse range of print, broadcast, radio, digital, and other media outlets.
- Proactively pitch media contacts on compelling stories, research findings, and developments related to the Salata Institute.
- Facilitate communication between media outlets and experts across Harvard to provide impactful comments on climate-related news.
- Provide media training and guidance to Salata Institute leadership and Institute-affiliated faculty, students, and researchers in preparation for high-impact media engagements around climate issues.
- Prep and staff spokespeople during high-impact media engagements as needed.
- Track media coverage of the Salata Institute, as well as Harvard’s work on climate broadly.
- Monitor media for any developments relevant to the Salata Institute’s work.
- Provide reports and analysis on media coverage to the Institute’s leadership
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- At least seven years of related experience in media relations, including at least three years of direct experience managing press relations.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Strong connections with major media outlets, particularly those with significant climate and sustainability coverage.
- Strong connections with specialized climate and sustainability media outlets, including podcasts.
- Deep understanding of the media landscape and an ability to determine which platforms, mediums, and outlets to prioritize for various communications objectives.
- Proven ability to communicate about complex topics in a clear and compelling way.
- Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing.
- Ability to work well under pressure to meet deadlines, as well as a record of working successfully both independently and as part of a team.
- A proven record of innovation in media relations strategy. A history of engaging both traditional and emerging outlets to maximize impact.
- Advanced degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field, and/or relevant work experience strongly preferred.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
- Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Job Function
Communications
Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code
CM0558 Public/Media Rltn Mgmt I
Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Department
Harvard Public Affairs and Communications
Sub-Unit
Harvard Public Affairs and Communications
Time Status
Full-time
Salary Grade
058
Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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