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
Candace Bertotti
Austin Bogues
James Geary
Nancy Gibbs
Alex Green
Jon Haber
Gregory Harris
Stephen Krupin
MaryRose Mazzola
Hong Qu
Lawrence Quartana
Jeffrey Seglin
Allison Shapira
Adam Stumacher
Margaret Talev
Communications Courses, Workshops, & Study Groups
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 not for credit, 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, Harvard Kennedy School 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.
Additional Resources
Featured Program News
Student Published Work
Many HKS students get their op-eds published in major news outlets, read a few of the most recent pieces below:
HKS Student Policy Review | November 10, 2025
An Unrecorded Crisis in California's Courts Must Be Fixed
Dana Cruz
The Cleveland Plain Dealer | November 9, 2025
How a gunshot wound transformed my life and outlook on service
Patrick D. Nugent
The Sacramento Bee | November 7, 2025
What D.C. can learn from California about ending shutdowns
Dana Cruz
Devex | October 29, 2025
A USAID-funded demographic survey is in peril. The global south can save it.
Pooja Joshi
The Harbus | October 1, 2025
Cross the Bridge
Surbhi Bharadwaj
The Australian | September 24, 2025
Campus Extremism must be Eradicated
Max Yong
View the Student Published Work archives for more.