Associate Director, Digital Strategy

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The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

Supporting the development and execution of innovative digital marketing initiatives for HKS Alumni Relations and Resource Development (ARRD), this role helps shape and implement digital strategies that drive fundraising revenue, increase engagement, and maximize campaign awareness. The employee will work closely with the Director of Communications and cross-functional teams (within ARRD and beyond) to ensure the alignment of digital marketing efforts with overall business goals.  

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for effective development communications through impactful digital campaigns. She/he/they should have a proven track record in strategic thinking, program growth/scaling, and possess a high degree of innovation, initiative, and vision.  

Key Responsibilities:  

• Digital Strategy Support: Assist in the creation, execution, and optimization of comprehensive digital marketing strategies across multiple platforms (email marketing, social media, etc.) to meet ARRD goals for special alumni and donor events and initiatives.  
• Campaign Execution & Management: Lead the execution of digital campaigns, ensuring they are launched on time, within budget, and meet key performance indicators (KPIs). Collaborate with colleagues on creative, content, and analytics to ensure campaigns are high-quality and impactful. 
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Using available analytical tools, analyze and report on the performance of digital marketing campaigns. Use data-driven insights to refine strategies, improve performance, and optimize ROI. Present regular reports to senior leadership, highlighting key metrics like traffic, conversions, and engagement. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other ARRD teams to ensure the alignment and timely implementation of digital strategies. Partner with Office of Communications and Public Affairs (OCPA) to repurpose content, generate ideas, and create overall content synergy. Act as a liaison between digital and non-digital teams to ensure cohesive messaging. 
• Audience Segmentation & Targeting: Develop audience segmentation strategies and create tailored digital marketing initiatives that effectively engage key customer segments. 
• Content Strategy & Optimization: Support the Associate Director of Communications from a broad content perspective in developing digital content strategies, including social media content, landing pages, etc.  
• Innovation & Trends: Stay up-to-date with the latest digital marketing trends and emerging technologies. Recommend and implement new tools, platforms, and strategies to keep the digital marketing approach fresh and innovative. 
• Nurture In-house Video Development: Develop detailed plan to produce original videos in-house for ARRD digital marketing strategies.  
• Management & Leadership: Manage the Communications Specialist, helping them grow their skills and contribute to the success of digital initiatives. Collaborate with the Director of Communications to ensure team alignment and success. 
• Process and Procedure: Identify opportunities for efficiencies and create processes and procedures to solve for them. Help canonize best practices into ARRD guidelines and share with broader School and university community. Partner with other offices as needed to support University-wide digital initiatives. 
• Content Development: Assume ARRD writing and proofreading responsibilities if/as needed. 

Basic Qualifications:  

• BA or BS degree  
• Minimum of seven years of experience in marketing communications, with demonstrated success in developing and executing digital campaigns. 
• Application instructions: A complete application must include a resume and cover letter.

Additional Qualifications:  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data in a clear, engaging way. 
• Experience with HTML, video, email marketing, content management technologies, Photoshop, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and Acrobat 
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights to drive campaign success. 
• Strong project management skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams and ensuring campaigns are executed on time and within budget. 
• Knowledge of digital tools, platforms, and technologies used in paid media, social media, email marketing, and SEO/SEM. 
• Creative and strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and staying ahead of digital marketing trends. 
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines. 
• Strong leadership abilities, with a collaborative and team-oriented approach. 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities effectively. 
• Proactive attitude and problem-solving mindset with a focus on driving results. 

• Appointment End Date: This position is a fully benefits-eligible 6 month term appointment backfilling for a leave of absence.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: This position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA, and required to work on campus at least 2 days/week.
• Application instructions: A complete application must include a resume and cover letter.
  
  
   
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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health 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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.