Jessica Harris

Jessica Harris is the director of communications for the AIR Equity Initiative (EI), where she spearheads strategic efforts to elevate EI’s mission of advancing equity through research and technical assistance. She oversees the team’s public affairs, digital media, federal outreach, internal communications, marketing, and partnership efforts.

With a wealth of experience in strategic communications, Harris has a proven track record in research, public policy, and community engagement. Before joining AIR, she was the director of strategic communications at the Brookings Institution. In this role, she helped raise the profile and preeminence of Brookings and its vast portfolio of work, overseeing media relations, forging partnerships, and collaborating closely with experts to disseminate evidence-based research to a global audience.

Previously, Harris directed communications for Brookings’ Governance Studies Program, offering strategic guidance on a wide range of topics, including education, social mobility, technology innovation, and contemporary political and governance challenges. Her career also includes key communications positions at Democracy Fund and Third Way, where she honed her skills in the public policy and philanthropy sectors.

Harris excels in leading high-profile communications initiatives. Notable projects under her leadership include NewsMatch.org, Electionline.org, and VoterStudyGroup.org, demonstrating her ability to drive successful communications efforts that foster impactful change.