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 (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

On-Site


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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