"Executive Director of Content and Editorial Strategy"

Job Description

About HPAC: Harvard Public Affairs and Communications (HPAC) manages and facilitates the University’s relationships with the general public, media outlets, federal, state, and local governments, and our neighboring communities. HPAC advances information and communications related to the University’s mission of excellence in teaching, learning, and research.

The Executive Director of Content and Editorial Strategy leads the development and production of creative, innovative and proactive storytelling strategies to advance the mission of Harvard University. Responsible for the quality, accuracy, and creativity of content, the Executive Director will manage highly effective teams to ensure the university’s content has optimal reach and impact, deploying best-in-class products and projects across all mediums. Reporting to the Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications, this role is a senior member of the university’s central communications and public affairs team and requires deep collaboration within the department and across the university, bringing seasoned judgement and expertise on the intersection of digital, journalistic and multi-media brand management.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Oversee the university’s flagship news publications and content channels, including the Harvard Gazette and Harvard.edu, as well as a team of creative, editorial, multimedia and digital communications professionals.
• Develop creative and innovative approaches to advance the university’s long-term integrated creative and content strategy.
• Strong diplomacy, leadership and management skills will be required.
• Collaborates closely with peers across HPAC’s communications and government relations functions to ensure consistent positioning and messaging.
• Must be an accomplished team leader and collaborative colleague with a relevant portfolio.
• Manage strategic direction, administration, and budget for flagship and other content properties.
• Should have a track record of driving successful content strategy across multiple channels.
• Creativity, initiative and team orientation skills are required.
• Manage a team of communications professionals, and responsible for hands-on management, training, and mentoring of staff.
• Provide meaningful development and career growth opportunities for existing staff.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Fifteen or more years of experience in content strategy, journalism, marketing communications or related fields with extensive background in editorial management.
• Graduate of an accredited four-year college.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience overseeing communications functions, preferably in a complex or decentralized setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in writing, editing, and content development.
• Experience developing and implementing communications strategy, managing direct and indirect reports, and overseeing departmental budgets.
• Ability to think strategically as well as operationally.
• Able to juggle multiple projects and work in a collaborative and deadline-oriented environment.
• Advanced digital and social understanding; fluent in use of Microsoft office tools as well as web-based project management tools.
• Proven ability to function effectively in highly complex organizational environments.
• Skilled communicator in many different media and for multiple audiences.
• Experience developing social media campaigns.
• Experience with mobile marketing programs and SMS.
• Strongly committed to the higher education mission, with a willingness to function effectively as a university citizen.
• Five or more years of management experience.

Additional Information

For consideration, please include a cover letter. Work Format: Strong in office presence and attendance at relevant events and functions will be required in alignment with HPAC’s current hybrid work practices. This hybrid position requires a minimum of two days per week on campus, with additional on-site days anticipated based on business needs. Occasional travel, as well as evening and weekend hours, may be required. This position has a 6-month orientation and review period. Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education.

Benefits: Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and more.