Digital Strategist, Content and Marketing Strategy

Job description

As part of the Advancement Communications Content and Marketing Strategy (CMS) team within AA&D, the Digital Strategist leads the creation and management of digital content for email, social media, and web channels—including short-form writing, video, digital assets, and social media reels/stories. The Digital Strategist oversees and implements the day-to-day management of the HAA and Harvard College Alumni (HCA) social media channels. The role designs and executes cross-channel digital marketing assets and strategies that elevate storytelling, deepen alumni and donor engagement across a global community, and align with key HAA and FAS priorities. Bringing creative and innovative approaches to content development, the Digital Strategist ensures all digital touchpoints are cohesive, compelling, and measurable. Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, Content and Marketing Strategy, the Digital Strategist is a versatile digital storyteller and marketer who strengthens AA&D’s overall digital presence. The role combines excellent writing, sharp editorial judgment, and strong visual instincts to advance awareness of Harvard news, initiatives, and resources while driving alumni participation in key University, HAA, and FAS programs. Job-Specific Responsibilities: The Digital Strategist leads the day-to-day management of the HAA and HCA social media channels, reaching more than 260,000 followers with engaging written, visual, and multimedia content aligned with HAA and FAS content strategies. This position brings advanced short-form video editing skills to create and optimize video for social platforms and has a keen eye for capturing compelling moments on campus and at events that resonate with alumni audiences. Sitting within the CMS Events and Marketing group, the Digital Strategist plans and produces core marketing content; writes for HAA and FAS event campaigns; manages content calendars and production timelines; and monitors performance through regular social analytics and listening reports. With deep knowledge of University-wide priorities, this role serves as a strategic partner to HAA and FAS colleagues, helping to shape content and campaign approaches that strengthen digital engagement across the global alumni community. Manages the execution of AA&D’s digital marketing strategy, creating and curating content for email, digital newsletters, social media, web, and select print platforms in accordance with University, FAS, and HAA priorities. Develops and manages key marketing content for HAA and College alumni—including marketing emails, social posts, and web content—writing independently or in collaboration with AA&D partner teams and producing multimedia assets (graphics, photography, and video) for HAA and HCA marketing channels. Manages the HAA and College alumni social media presence across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and emerging platforms, collectively reaching more than 260,000 followers; leads strategies to grow audiences and deepen alumni engagement in support of AA&D and University-wide initiatives and campaigns; demonstrates sound judgment in representing the HAA and FAS on digital channels. Produces, edits, and optimizes short-form video and social-first content (e.g., Reels, Stories) to highlight campus life, alumni and student events, and alumni stories, using a strong visual eye to capture compelling moments that resonate with alumni audiences. Manages content calendars, production schedules, and day-to-day implementation of audience engagement strategies, including curating University content, drafting and posting content, and monitoring/responding across social channels and email newsletters; stewards and refines voice, tone, and messaging for all accounts. Develops and maintains deep content knowledge on a range of University-wide programs and priorities, serving as a resource for AA&D’s overall content strategy and informing themes and story selection for newsletters and campaigns. In partnership with CMS project leads, plans and executes paid and organic social media campaigns with the goal of driving broad audience engagement and participation in HAA events and programs. Cultivates and manages strong working relationships with the University’s public affairs office (HPAC) social media partners. Oversees and mentors student content producers during the academic year, providing guidance, feedback, and coordination to support high-quality digital content creation across HAA and HCA channels. Leads social listening and analytics efforts, monitoring performance across platforms, producing regular engagement and listening reports, and keeping HPAC and AA&D senior leadership apprised of trends, risks, and opportunities related to major University news and initiatives. Provides direction to the CMS Staff Assistant as it relates to social media and digital content support. Contributes to special projects in collaboration with the CMS team’s Associate Director, Assistant Director, and other team leadership. Performs other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications: 3+ years working in marketing, communications, content strategy, or related experience; Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; Strong experience developing written communications for digital marketing channels; Experience in writing marketing copy for email and/or social media (preferably both) Evening and weekend work required at least once or twice monthly throughout the year that will require an on-site presence in Cambridge; this role is also required to be on-site covering Harvard Class Day, Commencement, Reunions, and Harvard Alumni Day events in Cambridge office for most days from the last full week of May through the first Saturday in June. Provides social media coverage at events that may occur outside of standard office hours. Additional Qualifications and Skills: Proven experience using marketing communications to drive higher levels of digital engagement across a wide variety of channels, especially email and social media; Experience overseeing strategy for social platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads; Demonstrable success building engaged community across social networks; Excellent writing and multimedia skills; Ability to adapt voice and tone to audience; Strong project management, partnership building, and interpersonal skills; ability to cooperate and collaborate with a variety of constituents with multiple interests and varying levels of authority; Must have cultural sensitivity and awareness of diversity issues regarding the internal and external Harvard community; Experience using social media metrics to adapt and shift strategy; Able to work independently and part of a team with an ability to function effectively in a highly complex organizational environment; Adept at evaluating problems accurately and displaying sound judgment; Possess a learning mindset with an interest in staying up to date on marketing best practices; Must be flexible, quick to adapt, and possess the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks under deadline pressure; Adobe Creative Cloud experience a plus; Experience using social media management platforms, listening, and analytics tools (Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout, etc.) a plus; Strong organization skills and attention to detail. Please include a cover letter as a part of your application to help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role. Orientation and Review Period: 3 months 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 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 056. 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. 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. Alumni Affairs and Development is a dedicated team supporting Harvard’s advancement activity through front-line fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, technology, prospect management and research, business process, events, communications, and many other areas. Our goal is to create an environment of respect that leverages the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our employees; to deliver the strongest possible results by incorporating diverse perspectives into our daily work; and to make AA&D a great place to work for everyone. We strive to live our values of respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation; and open communication and effective information sharing in our daily interactions and our work. AA&D is comprised of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, Advancement Communications, Events & Donor Relations (ACED), University Development and Advancement Solutions (UDAS), the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and Office of Talent, Administration and Policy (OTAP).