Digital Strategist, Content and Marketing Strategy

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

7h • Hybrid

About The Position

As part of the Advancement Communications Content and Marketing Strategy (CMS) team within Alumni Affairs and Development (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 and stories. The role oversees the day-to-day management of the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) and Harvard College Alumni (HCA) social media channels and designs and executes cross-channel digital marketing assets and strategies to elevate storytelling, deepen alumni and donor engagement, and support HAA and Faculty of Arts and Sciences priorities. Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, Content and Marketing Strategy, the Digital Strategist combines writing, editorial judgment, and visual skills to strengthen AA&D’s digital presence and advance awareness of Harvard news, initiatives, and resources while encouraging alumni participation in University, HAA, and FAS programs.

The Digital Strategist plans and produces marketing content, writes for HAA and FAS event campaigns, manages content calendars and production timelines, and monitors performance through social analytics and listening reports. The position develops and curates content for email, digital newsletters, social media, web, and select print platforms; produces multimedia assets; and partners with HAA and FAS colleagues on content and campaign approaches. The role also mentors student content producers, collaborates with University public affairs social media partners, and provides direction to the CMS Staff Assistant on social media and digital content support.

The position is hybrid, with the work schedule and location set by the department according to operational needs. Evening and weekend work is required at least once or twice monthly, including on-site coverage in Cambridge. The role also requires on-site event coverage in Cambridge for Harvard Class Day, Commencement, Reunions, and Harvard Alumni Day for most days from the last full week of May through the first Saturday in June. Standard hours are 35 per week.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience working in marketing, communications, content strategy, or a related area.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Strong experience developing written communications for digital marketing channels.
• Experience writing marketing copy for email and/or social media; experience with both is preferred.
• Evening and weekend work at least once or twice monthly, including on-site coverage in Cambridge; on-site coverage for Harvard Class Day, Commencement, Reunions, and Harvard Alumni Day for most days from the last full week of May through the first Saturday in June.
• Proven experience using marketing communications to increase digital engagement across channels, especially email and social media.
• Experience overseeing strategy for social platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads.
• Demonstrable success building engaged communities across social networks.
• Excellent writing and multimedia skills, with the ability to adapt voice and tone to the audience.
• Strong project management, partnership-building, interpersonal, organization, and attention-to-detail skills; ability to collaborate with diverse constituents and varying levels of authority.
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness of diversity issues within the internal and external Harvard community.
• Experience using social media metrics to adapt and shift strategy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a complex organizational environment.
• Ability to evaluate problems accurately and exercise sound judgment.
• Learning mindset and interest in staying current with marketing best practices.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks under deadline pressure.

Nice To Haves

• Adobe Creative Cloud experience.
• Experience using social media management, listening, and analytics platforms such as Hootsuite, Buffer, or Sprout.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day management of HAA and HCA social media channels, developing engaging written, visual, and multimedia content aligned with HAA and FAS content strategies.
• Plan and produce core marketing content, write for HAA and FAS event campaigns, manage content calendars and production timelines, and monitor performance through analytics and listening reports.
• Execute AA&D’s digital marketing strategy by creating and curating content for email, digital newsletters, social media, web, and select print platforms in line with University, FAS, and HAA priorities.
• Develop marketing emails, social posts, and web content for HAA and College alumni, independently or with AA&D partner teams, and produce graphics, photography, and video for HAA and HCA channels.
• Manage HAA and College alumni social media across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and emerging platforms; develop strategies to grow audiences and deepen engagement; and represent HAA and FAS with sound judgment.
• Produce, edit, and optimize short-form video and social-first content, including Reels and Stories, to feature campus life, events, and alumni stories.
• Manage content calendars, production schedules, and audience engagement strategies; curate University content; draft and publish content; monitor and respond across social channels and email newsletters; and steward account voice, tone, and messaging.
• Maintain deep knowledge of University-wide programs and priorities, supporting AA&D content strategy and informing newsletter and campaign themes and story selection.
• Plan and execute paid and organic social media campaigns with CMS project leads to drive engagement and participation in HAA events and programs.
• Cultivate and manage working relationships with social media partners in the University’s public affairs office (HPAC).
• Oversee and mentor student content producers during the academic year, providing guidance, feedback, and coordination.
• Lead social listening and analytics, monitor platform performance, produce regular engagement and listening reports, and inform HPAC and AA&D senior leadership of trends, risks, and opportunities related to major University news and initiatives.
• Provide direction to the CMS Staff Assistant on social media and digital content support.
• Contribute to special projects with CMS team leadership and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision 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: Mid Level