Summary of the Associate Director, Content Strategy & Digital Storytelling, Harvard College job at Harvard University

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Associate Director, Content Strategy & Digital Storytelling leads the development and execution of Harvard College’s integrated editorial and content strategy, translating institutional priorities into compelling narratives that strengthen engagement, visibility, and reputation. Reporting to the Senior Director, Harvard College Communications & Marketing, this role oversees editorial planning, content creation, and storytelling initiatives across multiple communications channels and audiences.

The Associate Director is responsible for establishing and managing a comprehensive annual content strategy and editorial calendar, ensuring content aligns with Harvard College priorities and advances a clear, authentic, and affirmative narrative. The role leads editorial operations, supervises content and editorial staff, manages content production workflows, and uses performance analytics to continuously improve content effectiveness and audience engagement.

Working closely with College leadership and cross-functional communications teams, the Associate Director identifies strategic storytelling opportunities, develops content that highlights the impact and mission of Harvard College, and contributes to reputation-building efforts through proactive, high-quality communications.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Content Strategy and Editorial Leadership

• Develop and lead a comprehensive content and editorial strategy that advances Harvard College priorities and strategic objectives.
• Translate institutional goals and initiatives into a cohesive annual content plan that includes story themes, audiences, formats, channels, collaborators, timelines, and success measures.
• Establish editorial priorities and ensure content supports an authentic, engaging, and affirmative narrative about Harvard College.
• Maintain a long-term editorial vision while balancing emerging opportunities and institutional needs.

Editorial Planning and Content Production

• Develop, maintain, and manage a comprehensive annual editorial calendar.
• Lead editorial planning processes and oversee the creation, assignment, editing, and publication of content across multiple communications channels.
• Write, edit, and assign stories and content while establishing clear expectations, deadlines, and quality standards.
• Ensure content is accurate, engaging, audience-focused, and aligned with brand and editorial guidelines.
• Coordinate content production schedules and workflows to support timely and effective execution.

Team Leadership and Staff Development

• Supervise, coach, and develop editorial and content staff.
• Establish performance expectations, conduct performance evaluations, and support professional growth and development.
• Manage workload distribution and prioritize resources to meet organizational goals and deadlines.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture focused on creativity, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Promote editorial excellence and innovation across the team.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Partner with College leadership, faculty, administrators, and communications colleagues to identify and develop strategic storytelling opportunities.
• Collaborate with communications, marketing, digital, media relations, and creative services teams to ensure integrated communications efforts.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on content strategy, editorial planning, and audience engagement.
• Build strong relationships across Harvard College to facilitate content development and information sharing.

Analytics, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

• Monitor and evaluate content performance across communications channels.
• Develop and disseminate regular reports, including editorial planning updates, monthly look-ahead reports, and performance summaries for College leadership.
• Analyze audience engagement, content effectiveness, and communications trends to inform future strategies.
• Translate data and analytics into actionable recommendations that improve content quality, reach, and impact.
• Establish and track key performance indicators for content initiatives.

Reputation Building and Strategic Storytelling

• Partner with the Senior Director, Harvard College Communications & Marketing to maintain awareness of emerging issues and reputational risks.
• Identify opportunities to proactively address challenges and strengthen institutional reputation through strategic storytelling.
• Develop content that highlights Harvard College’s mission, community, achievements, and impact.
• Ensure storytelling efforts support broader communications, engagement, and reputation goals.

Process Improvement and Editorial Excellence

• Continuously assess and improve editorial workflows, tools, governance, and best practices.
• Implement processes that increase efficiency, consistency, and quality across content operations.
• Stay current on content strategy, digital storytelling, audience engagement, and communications trends.
• Recommend and adopt innovative approaches that enhance content effectiveness and operational performance.

Working Conditions:

• This position will be based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. Our office works on a hybrid schedule, and this role will be on-campus four days per week.
• Complying with the office’s work location requirements is a condition of continued employment. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT).
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support major initiatives, events, or institutional priorities.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in journalism, higher education communications, content strategy, editorial operations, marketing communications, or a related field.
• Experience supervising, managing, and developing professional staff.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong editorial judgment and storytelling expertise across multiple formats, channels, and audiences.
• Demonstrated experience leading editorial strategy and managing content production.
• Experience with content management systems, editorial planning tools, analytics platforms, and digital communications channels preferred.
• Experience interpreting analytics and audience insights to drive content strategy and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing content strategies that support organizational goals.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong people management skills, including coaching, mentoring, performance management, and team development.
• Proven project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively across a complex and highly decentralized organization.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality, consistency, and brand standards.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.