Communications Manager

The Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard Law School (PFC), a leading health law research center celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, seeks an experienced, dynamic, passionate, and flexible Communications Manager to support, promote, and creatively amplify the work of PFC with the overall goal of raising its profile and advancing its mission. PFC is a highly collaborative and agile team that works together on all aspects of our work.

As an integral part of the PFC team, the Communications Manager is responsible for the PFC’s communications, promotion, and marketing work. This position has three major areas of responsibility: (1) communications and marketing to promote PFC’s work, including managing production of a bi-weekly newsletter and sharing information externally about events, sponsored research projects, publications, and other activities; (2) managing all aspects of PFC’s blog Bill of Health, website, and social media accounts; and (3) writing, editing assistance, and proofreading for the PFC’s written products and publications, as well as support for publications from grant partners.

As a Communications Manager, you will:

• Develop strategies for promoting projects, events, announcements, products, and launches.

• Promote, attend, assist with, and document on social media PFC events and other events designated by PFC.

• Draft press pitches; identify and build relationships with relevant journalists; track news coverage and press mentions.

• Assist with PFC development and fundraising efforts.

• Consult and engage with affiliates and grant partners about their communications needs and offer strategic insight into their work.

• Develop, manage, and conduct a press outreach strategy, building positive relationships and increased presence with a broad range of news media.

• Work relatively independently and take initiative to expand PFC’s online and media presence overall.

• Collaborate with individuals across PFC, Harvard Law School, and the University; and liaise with communications colleagues within and beyond Harvard.

• Act as Editor-In-Chief of the PFC’s successful blog, Bill of Health, publishing new posts approximately twice a week.

• Help oversee the PFC Student Fellowship program.

• Performs other duties as assigned or necessary.

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience. Five or more years of professional experience in communications, journalism, or related field.

We are looking for people who have:

• Interest in and knowledge of health law policy, biotechnology, and bioethics.

• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills and exceptional interpersonal skills.

• Prior academic or nonprofit administration or communications experience.

• Strong technology skills, including basic Microsoft suite, WordPress, and social media skills.

• Excellent judgment, attention to detail, and organizational skills.

• Ability to identify tasks that need to be completed with minimal direction and oversight, and to prioritize and adjust according to changing day-to-day needs of a busy program.

• Ability to handle substantial email traffic.

• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

• Positive and flexible personality.

• Prior experience with grant-funded research.

• Prior experience in a high-profile, and fluid environment.

This is a one-year term appointment with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need.

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.

All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.

This position is based primarily on campus, with the opportunity for remote work based on business needs and manager approval.

Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School is a place where you can thrive.

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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.

Communications

USA - MA - Cambridge

405004 Comm Professional (N)

On-Site

-

056

Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Full-time

Education, Identity

35hrs/week, M-F

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.

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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