Associate Director, Content Strategy & Digital Storytelling, Harvard College

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.