About the Organization
The Middle East Initiative (MEI) at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is Harvard University’s principal forum for policy-relevant research and teaching on the contemporary Middle East and North Africa. Through the integration of scholarly research, policy analysis, executive and graduate education, and community engagement, MEI aims to advance public policy and build capacity in the Middle East, with the goal of enhancing the lives of all the region’s peoples.
As part of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, MEI believes that being a diverse and inclusive organization is not only morally right, but also central to our ability to achieve our mission. We do not discriminate against any person based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, income, or status as a veteran.
About the Position
MEI is seeking an enthusiastic and resourceful Program Coordinator, Events and Communications, to support the program’s high-profile public engagement, research dissemination, and community-building efforts. Reporting to the Associate Director, this role is responsible for coordinating and executing events with faculty, senior policymakers, and scholars, while also managing MEI’s communications channels, including web, social media, publications, and email outreach. This is an early- to mid-career role ideal for someone with 2-5 years of experience who is eager to support communications and events in a mission-driven academic environment.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Communications:
- Under the direction of the MEI Associate Director, develops and implements MEI communications strategies aligned with program priorities.
- Maintains MEI's website content, ensuring it is up-to-date, accurately curated, and aligned with best practices.
- Manages MEI’s social media channels through content planning, posting, and engagement to effectively communicate MEI’s research and activities.
- Coordinates production and distribution of publicity and outreach materials for MEI events and programs, including social media, email campaigns, press releases, annual newsletter, YouTube channel, and website content.
- Coordinates with Belfer communications on the production of MEI publications, including reports, briefs, and papers.
- Drafts content for new proposals and stewardship reports.
- Facilitates MEI blog, podcast, and related public-facing initiatives to bolster faculty and fellows’ public engagement.
- Uses analytics, metrics, and industry best practices to assess communications performance and recommend continuous improvements to MEI leadership.
- Maintains and updates MEI contacts database and special lists.
- Develops and maintains targeted student outreach strategies, including student group lists and tailored communications, to increase student engagement with MEI programming.
- Manages relationships with external vendors, including graphic designers and printers, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
- Attends relevant Center-wide meetings related to communications on behalf of MEI and briefs MEI Associate Director.
- Monitors and maintains MEI’s general email account and Salesforce Marketing Cloud inbox.
Events:
- Coordinates and executes MEI’s events with visiting dignitaries, scholars, and other speakers. Events include seminars, study groups, formal dinners, high-profile public events, conferences, and special meetings.
- Manages all event logistics, including but not limited to drafting invitations and other correspondence; booking event spaces; working with internal and external vendors; preparing travel arrangements (including visas as needed) and detailed visit itineraries; managing day-of event production; coordinating post-event production and follow-up; processing payments and reconciling related costs.
- Prepares internal and external event briefings, coordinating with the Executive Assistant, fellows, or student RAs to prepare event memos for the faculty chair.
- Coordinates logistics for January-term course in the Middle East in collaboration with the Executive Assistant (and potentially including 2 weeks in country).
- Helps identify potential speakers and subjects for MEI programming, in coordination with MEI leadership.
- Fosters relationships across campus to identify opportunities for program collaboration.
- Organizes MEI student-focused activities and events.
- Works with confidential information to assemble and manage guest lists, biographies, and briefing materials for high-level events and school leadership.
Administrative:
- Processes invoices and other expenses related to events and communications activities.
- Helps manage office suite inventory and equipment (e.g., office supplies, printers).
- Other duties as required.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Collaborative, humble, and eager to learn and contribute to a small team.
- Highly detail-oriented and reliable, with a strong sense of ownership and a solutions-oriented mindset.
- Calm, diplomatic, and professional in high-pressure or high-visibility settings.
- Comfortable working closely with the Associate Director and MEI leadership, following guidance and supporting program priorities, while coordinating communications and event activities.
- Comfortable juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and able to embrace frequent change with professionalism, self-assurance, and composure.
- Mission-driven and genuinely interested in the Middle East and public policy.