Associate Director, Content Strategy & Digital Storytelling, Harvard College

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 C