Associate Director, Digital Strategy

Harvard Kennedy School; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge (MA) seeks a seasoned digital marketing strategist to advance ARRD’s fundraising and engagement through integrated campaigns. You will shape digital strategy, oversee campaigns, analyze data, and collaborate with Communications to align content across channels.

The role requires leadership in cross-functional teams, strong analytics, and a passion for innovation in higher education marketing. Hybrid on-campus work is expected.

Qualifications

• Seven years of experience in marketing communications with digital campaigns.
• Strong written and verbal communication with ability to present data clearly.
• Experience with HTML, video, email marketing, CMS, Photoshop and video tools.

Responsibilities

• Digital Strategy Support: create and optimize digital marketing strategies across multiple platforms to meet ARR
• Campaign Execution & Management: lead campaigns on time and within budget, meet KPIs.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: analyze campaign performance and present insights to senior leadership.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: coordinate with ARRD and OCPA to align messaging.
• Audience Segmentation & Targeting: develop segmentation strategies for key donor audiences.
• Content Strategy & Optimization: support content development, including social media and landing pages.

Skills

Marketing communications

Digital campaign strategy

Data analysis

Project management

Leadership

Education

BA or BS degree

Tools

HTML

Video editing

Photoshop

Acrobat

CMS

Job description

• Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
• Salary Grade: 058
• Department: Alumni Relations and Resource Development
• FLSA Status: Exempt

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 Kennedy School?

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.

Job Description

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.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• BA or BS degree
• Minimum of seven years of experience in marketing communications, with demonstrated success in developing and executing digital campaigns.

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.

Additional Information

• 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.

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 visitHarvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

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

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.