Associate Director, Digital Strategy

Harvarduniversity; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA is seeking a senior digital marketing lead to support HKS Alumni Relations and Resource Development (ARRD). You will help shape and execute digital strategies to drive fundraising, engagement, and campaign awareness, collaborating with the Director of Communications and cross‑functional teams.

The role requires proven strategic thinking, program growth, and a proactive, innovative mindset.

Qualifications

• BA or BS degree.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in marketing communications with success in digital campaigns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present complex data clearly.
• Experience with HTML, video, email marketing, CMS, Photoshop, iMovie, Final Cut Pro and Acrobat.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Creative and strategic thinker with a passion for innovation in digital marketing.

Responsibilities

• Digital Strategy Support: Develop and optimize digital strategies across platforms to meet ARRD goals for events and initiatives.
• Campaign Execution & Management: Lead digital campaigns, ensuring on-time delivery, budget alignment, and KPI achievement.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Analyze performance data and present findings to senior leadership.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Align with ARRD, OCPA, and other offices to ensure cohesive messaging.
• Audience Segmentation & Targeting: Develop segmentation to engage key donor and alumni segments.
• Content Strategy & Optimization: Support content planning across social, email, and landing pages.
• Innovation & Trends: Stay current with digital marketing tools and trends; propose new capabilities.
• Nurture In-house Video Development: Plan and oversee in-house video initiatives for ARRD campaigns.
• Management & Leadership: Supervise the Communications Specialist and collaborate with Director of Communications.
• Process and Procedure: codify best practices and support university-wide digital initiatives.
• Content Development: Take on writing/proofreading duties as needed.

Skills

Digital marketing

Campaign management

Data analysis

HTML

Video editing

Project management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BA or BS degree

7+ years marketing communications experience

Tools

Photoshop

iMovie

Final Cut Pro

Acrobat

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.

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.

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