Communications Manager

Harvard Hillel

Role Overview

The Communications Manager is responsible for overseeing a diverse portfolio of communications on behalf of Harvard Hillel. 80% of this professional’s work is geared towards alumni, parents, and supporters, focusing on communications and including event-planning and execution; with the remaining 20% directed towards student-facing communications. 

Communications vehicles within scope include digital (emails, website content, and social media) as well as some print media(direct mail, brochures, signage & business cards).

In partnership with the Director of Development and the Executive Director, the Communications Manager will create and realize Harvard Hillel’s vision in all areas of communication. Areas of responsibility include articulating measurable goals for Harvard Hillel’s communications, evaluating current and ongoing strengths and opportunities for improvement, implementing and creating a marketing/PR calendar, managing production of distinctive promotional content, maintaining Harvard Hillel’s website and social media, crisis communications, and communicating by phone and direct 1-1 email communication with individual alumni as needed. The Communications Manager will be part of the Development Team and will report to the Director of Development.

Successful candidates will possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills; advanced graphic design capabilities and savvy technical skills; facility working on a fast-paced team with colleagues, supervisors, board members, and volunteers; the ability to develop and execute marketing plans; proficiency in database management and usage; and skill in delivering exceptional communication pieces using diverse platforms that include print, electronic communication, social media, video, and other tools to reach diverse stakeholders, all while finding the right “voice.”

The Communications Manager will be responsible for the ongoing evolution and consistency of Harvard Hillel’s brand guidelines, providing direction and strategy for communications, and working collaboratively with all members of the Harvard Hillel staff and community. All members of the Harvard Hillel staff attend several large programs each year - both to help the events run smoothly and to gain a deeper appreciation for the organization’s work.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing & Communications Responsibilities:

- Articulate core goals for Harvard Hillel’s communications, assess current offerings, and lead the ongoing design and implementation of an ever-improving communications portfolio

- Oversee and manage website content and design, ensuring accuracy and relevancy.

- Curate social media presence, with an eye toward reaching parents and alumni.

- Manage all communications and social media platforms, including: Email lists, Website, Facebook pages/groups, Instagram.

- Ensure that all Harvard Hillel messaging and collateral materials are on brand, of the highest quality, demonstrating the most current design trends, and aligned with organizational goals.

- Oversee production of internal and external marketing products, including identifying stories that should be told by video.                              

- Compile and organize photos and videos taken during programs for inclusion in all communications.

- Oversee the utilization and evaluation of new and existing digital technologies to ensure vibrant, relevant, and engaging communications, including event invitations, ad-hoc communications, monthly newsletters, website, and social media presence and content.

- Ensure that the experiences of student leaders & volunteers who contribute to Harvard Hillel’s communications is consistently positive

- Anticipate and proactively communicate publicly around major milestones in the Harvard year such as acceptances going out, commencement, reunions, Harvard-Yale, etc.

- Work with the Director of Jewish Student Life on specific projects to enhance the information students receive and the overall experience of student leaders.

Organizational Materials Management:

- Write and design or work with a designer on direct mail solicitation campaigns (Annual Report and various campaigns including High Holidays, Giving Tuesday, End of Year, and others)

- Develop and maintain a consistent, values- and aesthetics-driven set of physical assets including business cards, signage around Harvard Hillel, banners, repeaters, and others as needed

- Assist with stewardship functions to ensure that donors receive ongoing communication regarding the value of their support, including the creation and execution of a parent and alumni communication program for ongoing engagement.

- Utilize data analytics to make strategic and data-driven decisions when applicable.

- Manage Harvard Hillel’s general inbox and voicemail, either responding directly or directing messages to the appropriate staff

- Supervise production of webinar events, including creation of Zoom links, visuals, spotlighting, uploading of videos, etc.

General Duties:

- Counsel staff on brand implementation and management.

- Participate as a member of the Harvard Hillel staff team in major programs, Shabbat, and holidays.

- Work closely with the programming staff to achieve comprehensive, cohesive, and accurate messaging to align with our branding.

- Perform other duties as required.

What You Do Well

- Be a fast learner who is flexible, adaptable, and has a positive attitude.

- Work creatively within a team environment.

- Have excellent organizational and time management skills that allow you to work effectively under pressure and with tight deadlines.

- Be an excellent problem solver and strategic thinker.

- Work independently in a fast-paced environment with a dynamic workflow while maintaining appropriate priorities and executing timely deliverables.

- Understand that working outside of core business hours will be occasionally required.

What You Bring to the Job

- A bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience in comprehensive strategic marketing and communications programs to advance an organization's mission and goals.

- Self-directed with the ability to prioritize a high volume of work, work effectively with diverse colleagues and students, and meet tight deadlines in a team environment.

- Genuine investment in Hillel’s mission and purpose.

- Knowledge of essential computer software programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel, and the agility and resourcefulness to learn new technologies. Proficiency in using database software and reporting functions (Donor Perfect).

- Excellent written and oral communication skills; able to communicate appropriately through email, formal letters, and reports.

- Exceptional professionalism and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

What You’ll Receive

- Competitive non-profit salary of $75,000-$85,000 based on experience.

- Professional development, skill-building opportunities, and opportunities for advancement.

- Flexible work arrangements.

- A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, and generous vacation/sick time.

About Harvard Hillel

The mission of Harvard Hillel is to be a Jewish home, both physical and virtual, on the Harvard University campus that seeks to welcome all students to experience the variety of Jewish identity, tradition, practice, values, culture, and community and to inspire and enable connections on campus and beyond, At Harvard Hillel students find meaningful connections and friendship, and a sanctuary amid the stresses of student life while they engage in the unique opportunities of Harvard and make Jewish thought and culture integral in the life of the University.

Harvard Hillel is affiliated with Hillel International. Hillel International enriches the lives of Jewish students so they may enrich the Jewish people and the world, and envisions a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel.