Digital Content Specialist - Military veterans preferred

Digital Content Specialist

ID: 001178SR
JOB FUNCTION: Communications
LOCATION: Cambridge
WORK FORMAT: Hybrid
JOB TYPE: Full-time
BRAND: Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences

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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) at Harvard University seeks a Digital Content Specialist for a two-year term position to support two high-impact digital communications initiatives: the creation of a new digital storytelling platform and the redesign and migration of the FAS flagship website to the HarvardSites Drupal platform. Reporting to the Director of Employee Communications & Engagement and working closely with the Associate Director of Digital Strategy at Harvard College/FAS, this role is responsible for producing engaging, high-quality content; optimizing the user experience across platforms; and contributing to strategic and technical aspects of digital content execution. The Specialist will play a key role in amplifying the Dean’s initiatives, particularly those focused on artificial intelligence, civil discourse, and academic community engagement, through compelling, accessible, and user-centered digital storytelling. play a critical role in advancing the FAS’s research and teaching mission by enhancing its online presence through thoughtful content development and implementation, website management, analytics, and digital design and accessibility best practices.

Job Specific Responsibilities:

Content Development

• Write, edit, and produce original editorial content, including articles, reports, and initiative overviews, for the FAS Storytelling Platform Initiative and FAS flagship website.
• Plan, design, and develop written and multimedia content with a focus on Dean’s initiatives, including artificial intelligence, civil discourse, and academic community engagement.
• Source and format high-quality imagery; draft accurate and compelling captions; and advise on optimal integration of video into editorial content.
• Collaborate with the Director of Employee Communications and Engagement to create a comprehensive content plan aligned with institutional priorities.
• Adapt and repurpose content across channels and formats to maximize engagement and accessibility.
• Develops and implements editorial frameworks to elevate high-priority content related to the Dean’s initiatives.

Platform Management

• Advise on web layout, content structure, and taxonomy to ensure alignment with institutional messaging and best practices for digital navigation.
• Audit, update, migrate, and sunset existing content to maintain accuracy, relevance, and consistency across FAS digital properties in collaboration with the Associate Director of Digital Strategy.
• Troubleshoot technical or formatting issues within the CMS, coordinating with web development teams as needed for resolution.
• Serve as a resource for internal CMS users by providing training and ensuring compliance with content governance and accessibility standards.

Content Architecture

• Manage content production within the CMS, including text, images, pull quotes, teaser copy, and metadata in accordance with editorial, technical, and digital accessibility guidelines.
• Offer strategic recommendations on content hierarchies, storytelling structures, and metadata implementation.
• Provide expert input on platform taxonomy, navigation, and information architecture to support intuitive user experiences.
• Shapes long-term content strategy for evolving digital platforms in coordination with institutional leadership.
• Work collaboratively with vendor and internal partners to review and optimize content layout, structure, and discoverability.
• Participate in long-term content planning efforts, ensuring alignment with institutional objectives and digital communication goals.

Compliance & Accessibility

• Ensure all content complies with institutional accessibility policies and follows WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
• Apply universal design principles across all digital content formats to support usability for all audiences.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews to verify compliance with brand, editorial, and accessibility guidelines.
• Stay current with evolving standards and best practices to recommend updates as needed.

User Experience & Analytics

• Conduct user testing and collect feedback through surveys, analytics, and usability testing sessions.
• Evaluate user behavior and engagement metrics to assess content performance and platform usability.
• Translate data insights into actionable recommendations to enhance user experience and content strategy.

Collaboration & Communication

• Act as a liaison between FAS Communications, IT, and external vendors to align technical and content objectives for FAS Storytelling Platform Initiative and the FAS flagship Website.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings to gather input on content priorities and ensure stakeholder alignment.
• Provide regular updates and recommendations to leadership on project milestones, content strategy, and performance metrics.
• Support internal content contributors by offering editorial and digital strategy guidance.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in an office setting.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience with digital content creation and in developing and maintaining a relevant and interactive online presence, such as websites or e-newsletters; if no degree, at least 7 years of experience required.
• Experience with Microsoft products (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), HTML, content management systems, including Drupal, and other digital platforms.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, and strong attention to detail.
• Familiarity with digital accessibility standards.
• Demonstrated experience implementing digital distribution strategies across channels/platforms and content management processes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Appointment End Date: This is a 24-month term position, commencing from the date of hire, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability.
  
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week; this is a hybrid position based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There is an expectation of one (1) day per week in-office (Thursday is the department anchor day). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.
  
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

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Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). 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 057. 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, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, 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.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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