Associate Director, Digital Strategy

About the Role

Supporting the development and execution of innovative digital marketing initiatives for Harvard Kennedy School (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, with a proven track record in strategic thinking, program growth/scaling, and a high degree of innovation, initiative, and vision.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Analyze and report on the performance of digital marketing campaigns using available analytical tools. 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.
• Work closely with other ARRD teams to ensure the alignment and timely implementation of digital strategies. Partner with the Office of Communications and Public Affairs (OCPA) to repurpose content, generate ideas, and create overall content synergy.
• Develop audience segmentation strategies and create tailored digital marketing initiatives that effectively engage key customer segments.
• Support the Associate Director of Communications in developing digital content strategies, including social media content, landing pages, and other digital assets.
• 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.
• Develop a detailed plan to produce original videos in-house for ARRD digital marketing strategies.
• 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.
• Identify opportunities for efficiencies and create processes and procedures to address them. Help canonize best practices into ARRD guidelines and share with the broader School and university community.
• Partner with other offices as needed to support University-wide digital initiatives.
• Assume ARRD writing and proofreading responsibilities if/as needed.

Requirements

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

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data in a clear, engaging way.
• Experience with HTML, video editing (iMovie, Final Cut Pro), email marketing, content management technologies, Photoshop, 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

This position is a fully benefits-eligible 6-month term appointment backfilling for a leave of absence. Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

This position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA, and requires working on campus at least 2 days per week. Some duties may be performed remotely, with the work schedule and location set by the department based on operational needs.

Benefits

• 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.

Pay

This position is salary grade level 058. Visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.