Digital Communications Associate
Entry-level Communications role at Harvard University. Cambridge · full-time · $70,000–$73,000 base.
Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Turn research, events, and video into content people can share
- Run the Substack, social channels, publishing schedule, and audience-growth efforts
- Create podcast and video pieces that extend the initiative’s written content
- Shape team and faculty contributions into a consistent, adaptable voice
- Capture event media, write recaps, and produce short web and event copy
What you bring
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent background in communications, journalism, media, or a related area
- At least two years creating content, running social media, or handling communications
- Experience with Substack, newsletter tools, or content management systems
- Hands-on ability with audio and video production software such as Descript, Canva, or Adobe Suite
- Strong writing, editing, organization, initiative, audience-building, and analytics skills, plus flexibility for event-related overtime
Who this fits
You’ll suit a hands-on communications role where you create content, manage channels, grow an audience, and work independently while collaborating with others. The position is hybrid in Cambridge, with some event work at night or on weekends and occasional overtime. It is a one-year appointment, and Harvard cannot sponsor visas; hybrid staff must work from a Harvard-registered state when away from campus.
From the employer
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 Graduate School of Education?
The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.
Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu.
Job Summary:
The Digital Communications Associate supports the day-to-day content and communications work that keeps an exciting new initiative visible, connected, and active between major convenings, extending its reach and impact. Reporting to the Communications Lead, this role manages the initiative’s Substack, social channels, and content calendar, and plays a hands-on role in creating and managing multimedia content that reflects the initiative’s voice and audience.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
- Package video, events, and research updates into shareable content.
- Produce podcast and video segments that complement and/or amplify the Substack.
- Set up and manage a dedicated Substack, helping to determine publishing cadence, formatting, and collecting metrics to document subscriber growth.
- Manage subscriber or audience growth efforts including outreach and cross-promotion with other HGSE initiatives and coordinate collabs.
- Suggest, draft, collate, and edit posts from the team and faculty into a consistent voice.
- Oversee the day-to-day social channels, track performance, and report on what resonates.
- Own and maintain the content calendar to ensure steady and reliable cadence.
- Support convenings from a communications angle including capturing photo, audio, and video content and drafting recaps (may require hours beyond regular workday when necessary)
- Draft short-form written content beyond the Substack, e.g., bios, web copy updates, or event descriptions; proofread and light copyedit communications as needed.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in communications, journalism, media, or a related field.
- Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in content creation, social media, or communications.
- Experience with Substack, newsletter platforms, or content management systems.
- Experience with audio and video production tools (e.g., Descript, Canva, Adobe Suite, or similar).
- Able to work occasional OT, including nights and weekends to support events.
- Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume as a single PDF document. Any applicant wishing to be considered for this position should indicate that they meet all of the basic requirements in either the cover letter or resume.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- You have grown an audience for something on your own.
- You reach for new tools fast and are collaborative in your process.
- You can be a one-person content operation when you need to be.
- Strong writing and editing skills with a clear, adaptable voice.
- Experience managing social media channels and using analytics to inform strategy.
- Highly organized and proactive; able to hold a calendar and stay ahead of deadlines without close supervision.
- Appointment End Date: 1 year from date of hire
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $70,000 - $73,000 commensurate with experience
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
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 055. 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.
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