The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University was established in 2006 by Center Director Jack P. Shonkoff, M.D. The founding mission was to generate, translate, and apply scientific knowledge that would close the gap between what we know and what we do to improve the lives of children facing adversity. Initially, the Center used existing knowledge about early childhood development to educate policymakers and build support for early investment. Over time, the Center increasingly turned to science as a source of new ideas for dramatically improving child outcomes. The Center now views existing best practices as a starting point, not a destination. The Center’s current mission is to drive science-based innovation that achieves breakthrough outcomes for children facing adversity.

The vision of the Center leverages science and the real-world experience of practitioners, policymakers, pediatricians, and families to build the knowledge, shape the mindsets, and develop the skills and tools required to create more effective early childhood policies and programs.

The Opportunity

The Center seeks a Director of Communications who will bring energy and creativity to reaching target audiences in new ways through its widely respected global platform for effective communication of the translated science of child development. As a member of the Center Leadership Team, this person will be responsible for developing and implementing the Center’s strategy for using communications to achieve a mindset shift about the importance of the early years and the impact of early experiences — both positive and negative — on lifelong health, learning, and behavior.

If you are a driven communications professional who strives for excellence, can work across multiple platforms, and cares about creating a world where all children can reach their highest potential, then consider joining the Center to support their vision.