Communications Program

About the Program

The Communications Program is the home of John F. Kennedy's legacy in political and policy-based communications at Harvard Kennedy School. Our faculty, staff, and consultants share a deep commitment to public service, backed by pathbreaking, real-world contributions to the field of policy communications.

We provide students with tactical and strategic approaches for developing, improving, and executing written, spoken, and digital policy communications skills at the highest level. In addition to our 30 for-credit courses, we offer 30+ yearly workshops and study groups, and individualized writing and public speaking advice and support.

HKS Communications Senior Director and Lecturer

Lauren Brodsky
Lauren_brodsky@hks.harvard.edu
Belfer Building, Room 208

HKS Communications Program Manager

Alison Kommer
alison_kommer@hks.harvard.edu
Belfer Building, Room 210

Writing Consultants

James Geary (Fall Only)
james_geary@hks.harvard.edu

Austin Bogues (Fall 2 and Spring 1 Only)
austin_bogues@hks.harvard.edu

Jerry Lanson (Spring Only and ONLINE only)
gerald_lanson@hks.harvard.edu

Public Speaking Consultant

Jill Slye
jill_slye@hsdm.harvard.edu

Program Faculty

Lauren Brodsky

Lecturer in Public Policy

Candace Bertotti

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Austin Bogues

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

James Geary

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Nancy Gibbs

Lombard Director of the Shorenstein Center

Edward R. Murrow Professor of the Practice of Press, Politics and Public Policy

Alex Green

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Jon Haber

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Gregory Harris

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Stephen Krupin

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

MaryRose Mazzola

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Hong Qu

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Lawrence Quartana

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Jeffrey Seglin

Senior Lecturer in Public Policy, Emeritus

Allison Shapira

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Adam Stumacher

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Margaret Talev

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Communications Courses, Workshops, & Study Groups

Students in a classroom at HKS. The HKS Communications Program offers both for-credit and not-for-credit options for students, including:

Communications courses taught by HKS faculty, offered for credit, that focus on public speaking, writing, and data visualization.
Workshops and study groups led by faculty and expert consultants, offered in-person and online throughout the academic year.

Current students can see a guide to the communications courses and register for workshops and study groups on the HKS Hub. A full description of each course appears on my.harvard.edu.

Consulting Resources

During the academic year, the Communications Program offers a variety of services to the community:

Writing consultants meet one-on-one with students to help with assignments, editing, and style.
A public speaking consultant is available to offer students individual support and assistance for upcoming presentations and speeches.

Current students can schedule an appointment with a writing or public speaking consultant on the HKS Hub.