Director of Digital Strategy & Communications | Harvard University Faculty of Arts and Sciences - Military Veterans

Job Summary The Director of Digital Strategy and Communications for the Dean of Students Office (DSO) at Harvard College will establish and set communication goals and priorities that advance the work of the department and illuminate the richly complex and multi-faceted undergraduate experience at Harvard. Reporting to the Dean of Students, the incumbent will collaborate closely with colleagues who direct the following areas: Residential Life and the First-Year Experience, Student Engagement, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. These areas are responsible for developing the conditions for a thriving learning environment where students can succeed intellectually, socially, and personally. All communication (web-based, email, social media, et. al.) will be based on the priorities, programs, initiatives, and emergent needs identified by the Dean of Students and senior leaders of these areas. The Director will determine the most effective and strategic means & methods to convey these messages to a variety of audiences including students, parents, alumni, staff & faculty. Position Description Content Strategy (40%): Develop and implement communication strategies for the department, collaborate closely with College communications colleagues to support content strategies that advance the mission of Harvard College and the DSO, provide context and nuance to key initiatives, and increase engagement with students (both current and prospective), alumni, faculty, and staff. The communication strategies will be specific plans to meet the needs of the message and include critical informational content, audience, delivery channel, and specific timing all to support the identified goals and objectives. Work collaboratively with communications professionals from across the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and the broader University community to align the content strategy of the DSO with broader institutional messaging. Create and develop annual communications schedules that follow the traditional arc of the academic year; develop and maintain consistent and cohesive themes throughout the year, yet also provide the dexterity needed to respond periodically to emergent and unexpected communications as required. Lead the communications efforts of all DSO staff within the various program areas so that individual offices can develop best practices and high professional standards of communication while also maintaining an authentic voice that is resonant with the communities that they serve. Lead the project management efforts of all DSO staff responsible for the following: the Dean of Students Office annual report, departmental websites, and other relevant digital platforms. Utilize all available data from website traffic, email read rates and social media interaction to inform and recommend communications strategies to the DSO leadership teams. Regularly monitor and report on analytics from email campaigns, websites, and other digital channels. Conduct and share user research findings. Content Creation (30%): Develop, write, edit, and publish content for distribution in different formats across communications channels including web, digital, social media, and print publications. After identifying the priorities, programs, initiatives and emergent needs with the Dean of Students and senior leaders create feature stories, newsletters, announcements, and reports that enhance the visibility of initiatives related to the Dean of Students Office and its departments. Our goal is to create content that accurately represents the vibrant and diverse community that inhabits Harvard's campus. Collaborate closely with colleagues in College Communications to align DSO content creation with the broader institutional priorities and ensure that all members of the DSO are adhering to institutional policies and practices regarding media outreach and externally facing communications. Using software like Adobe Pro, Photo Shop and Canva, coordinate the integration of graphics, photography, video, and other visual materials to elevate the presentation and effectiveness of print and digital communications. Ensure well-written, accurate, and consistent messaging and content across communication channels and platforms. Utilize effective composition, visual design, and editorial skills to ensure that communications adhere to DSO visual standards and comply with university style guides. Establish best practices and guidelines for content creation within all social media accounts associated with the Dean of Students Office. Please see remaining responsibilities in ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a relevant area of study. 7+ years' experience in communications, marketing or public relations, digital and multi-media Additional Qualifications and Skills Strong oral and written communications skills. Demonstrated ability to constructively edit others' work for grammar, spelling, format, and tone. Knowledge of AP and/or Chicago Manual style. Experience managing social media platforms to deliver content and messaging. Experience hiring and managing freelancers (photographers, writers, copy editors, and designers). Knowledge of print and digital content production and best practices. Familiarity with web design and content management systems. Proven success in project management. Ability to meet tight deadlines, set priorities, and work on several projects simultaneously. Exhibit excellent judgement and exercises discretion, personal integrity, and professionalism. Self- motivated with an ability to work independently and as part of multiple interdependent teams. Experience in an educational setting, with particular interest in an academically rigorous University environment. Advanced degree, coursework, or certificates in communications and/or design Demonstrated understanding of student-led communities that span myriad interests, viewpoints, and identities. Some exploration with artificial intelligence tools to improve effectiveness and efficiency in communications. Success in fast-paced and dynamic environments that provide varied and unique challenges and require creative problem-solving. Physical Requirements Typical office work Working Conditions Office work Hybrid - 4 days in office / 1 day remote Additional Information Creative Direction (20%): The director will serve as a key advisor for all creative aspects of our work. In an office charged with maintaining campus rituals and traditions, the director will utilize creativity to produce work that is reflective of our standards, values, and aspirations. Provide direction regarding the best practices and high standards of graphic design, photography, event management, and video production. Develop logos and branding that promote consistency and clarity throughout the Dean of Students Office and ensure compliance with University standards and policies. Create bench-marking resource guides for campaigns, both inside and outside of higher education with parallels that may have effective and transferable communication approaches, which will inspire and encourage us to do our best work. Provide creative art direction and production oversight of materials needed for DSO initiatives, including branded items such as t-shirts, hats, clothing, awards, and gifts for visitors, in partnership with the Trademark Office. Administration and Compliance (10%): The director will create policies and procedures to facilitate communications work across the DSO team. Additionally, the director will serve as a member of the senior leadership team of the DSO organization, and in this role, will actively participate in developing goals and objectives for the Dean of Students Office. Develop and maintain documentation for digital media assets and publications. Regularly audit digital projects to ensure compliance with Harvard Digital Accessibility Policy. Hire and manage a communications support team comprised of contractors, two graduate assistants, and potentially other student workers depending on the need and available budget. Related, the position will indirectly supervise and provide functional guidance to full-time DSO staff that support communications with the Dean of Students Office. Actively participate in departmental-wide meetings, retreats, professional development activities, and social gatherings. By focusing on the content, style and medium of communication create, sustain, and reinforce a culture that aligns with the departmental goals of creating an inclusive and supportive community for staff, students, and faculty. Occasionally work some nights and weekends during particularly important campus rituals and traditions (i.e. Harvard-Yale football, orientation, families weekend). Develop, manage, track, and document a budget and expenditures related to Communications work and resources. Other duties as assigned. Benefits We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (