Director of Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement

Director of Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement

Reporting to the Managing Director of Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS), this role is a strategic member of the HUDS Senior Leadership Team. The Director leads the development and execution of integrated marketing, communications, and community engagement strategies to strengthen the HUDS brand, enhance customer experience, and advance the mission and strategic priorities of the department, which serves over 6,500 students and manages 4,000+ annual events.

Responsibilities:

• Student, Community Engagement & Customer Experience: Lead student engagement strategies; manage the Student Coordinator; facilitate feedback mechanisms; serve as primary liaison to university communications; lead internal departmental communications; and promote culinary and sustainability storytelling.
• Marketing, Digital & Consumer Technology: Lead comprehensive marketing and merchandising strategies across residential dining, retail, catering, and events; oversee brand standards; direct digital communications strategy (web, social, signage); and lead communication strategies for consumer-facing technology initiatives.
• Market Research & Strategic Planning: Monitor trends in hospitality and higher education; analyze performance metrics and customer insights to develop strategic recommendations.
• Communications & Brand Management: Direct all internal/external communication strategies; serve as brand steward; and lead crisis and emergency communication planning.

Qualifications:

• Basic: Bachelor's degree (BA/BS); minimum of 10 years of related work experience in marketing, communications, or PR with increasing responsibility.
• Preferred: Advanced degree; work experience in higher education, hospitality, or food service; strong strategic thinking, management, and project management skills.
• Technology: Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with CMS, email marketing, social media management, and digital analytics. Familiarity with food service management software (e.g., FoodPro) is a plus.

Salary: Salary Grade 060 (see Harvard's published salary ranges).