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 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 Description
Job Summary:
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) at Harvard University seeks a Manager, Digital Content to lead the development, management, and optimization of content across FAS digital platforms. Reporting to the Director of Marketing, this role combines strong editorial judgment with expertise in digital content strategy, web management, user experience, accessibility, and analytics to ensure that FAS digital properties are engaging, intuitive, and aligned with institutional priorities. The Manager develops and produces high-quality digital content; advises on content structure, navigation, and information architecture; and uses data and digital best practices to continually improve content performance and the user experience. Working closely with colleagues across FAS Communications and Marketing, IT, external partners, and content contributors, the Manager also helps shape the evolution of FAS digital platforms and provides guidance on effective, accessible, and user-centered digital communications. The role plays an important part in advancing FAS priorities and amplifying key initiatives of the Dean through compelling digital storytelling. This position will be based in Cambridge, MA and there is an expectation of three (3) workdays per week on campus.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Content Development
- Write, edit, and produce and/or aggregate content for the FAS flagship website, FAS Communications and Marketing Hub, and FAS administrative unit websites.
- Adapt and repurpose content across channels and formats to maximize engagement and accessibility.
- 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 Marketing to create a comprehensive content plan aligned with institutional priorities.
- Adapt and repurpose content across channels and formats to maximize engagement and accessibility.
- Develop and implement editorial frameworks to elevate high-priority content related to the Dean’s initiatives.
Digital Content Strategy & Web Management
- Advise on digital content strategy, web layout, content hierarchy, taxonomy, navigation, and information architecture to support institutional priorities and intuitive user experiences.
- Manage digital content production and implementation within the CMS, including text, images, teaser copy, metadata, and other page elements, in accordance with editorial, technical, brand, and accessibility standards.
- Provide strategic guidance on storytelling structures, content organization, and discoverability across FAS digital platforms.
- Monitor and enhance the effectiveness of FAS digital properties through analytics, user-centered design, accessibility, and digital content best practices.
- Troubleshoot CMS content and formatting issues, coordinate with web development and other partners as needed, and contribute to the long-term evolution of FAS digital platforms and content strategy.
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.
- Serve as partner to external data and analytics consultant to create dashboards and metrics to measure effectiveness of content on the FAS flagship website and other platforms.
Collaboration & Communication
- Act as a liaison between FAS Communications and Marketing, IT, and external vendors to align technical and content objectives for FAS platforms.
- Facilitate cross-functional meetings to gather input on content priorities and ensure stakeholder alignment.
- Sit on the FAS Web Governance Committee to review various website requests and content questions alongside HUIT colleagues.
- 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.
- Serve as a partner to FAS Communications and Marketing colleagues, including serving as a back-up producer for the FAS newsletters and the FAS Current.
Working Conditions:
Hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of three (3) days per week on campus.
Availability to respond to urgent communications needs outside of business hours if necessary.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 5+ years digital and multi-media experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Experience with digital content creation and in developing and maintaining relevant and interactive online presence, such as web sites or e-newsletters.
- Experience with Microsoft products (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), HTML, content management systems, including Drupal, and other digital platforms.
- 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.
Additional Information
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
- Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
NOTE: Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter.
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 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, 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.