Associate Director, Content Strategy & Digital Storytelling, Harvard College

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

20h • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Strong editorial judgment and storytelling expertise across multiple formats, channels, and audiences.
• Demonstrated experience leading editorial strategy and managing content production.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with content management systems, editorial planning tools, analytics platforms, and digital communications channels preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director