Assistant Director of Digital Media (Term
SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Editorial Director of Harvard Design Magazine, the Assistant Director of Digital Media oversees an array of digital media projects for the GSD’s Office of Communications. Primary responsibilities include executing a communications strategy for the school’s flagship social media channels (@HarvardGSD with a combined following of over 380K followers as of November 2021) and producing editorial content inspired by the work of the school for publication on the GSD’s website (gsd.harvard.edu). Informed by a data-driven approach and working closely with a team of design writers and artists, the Assistant Director of Digital Media will create compelling digital narratives that support the school’s output. She/he/they will help to produce the bi-semesterly email newsletter Design News from the GSD, which showcases editorial content, public programs, exhibitions, publications, and more.
NOTE: This is a one-year term position.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Manages a social media calendar that advances the school’s long-term mission and short-term priorities
· Develops social media campaigns around the school’s major public announcements, working in collaboration with members of the broader Communications team
· Monitors mentions of the GSD found online, identifying opportunities for engagement
· In collaboration with the Editorial Director, commissions features, announcements, and other news items from freelance writers, staff writers, and student assistants, and works with them to produce editorial on a range of design topics
· Updates the editorial runsheet and meets weekly with the Editorial Director to discuss short- and long- term editorial and digital media planning
· Works with an external copyeditor to ensure that items published on the GSD digital editorial channels and social media are edited and proofread
· In collaboration with the Editorial Director, organizes and manages digital editorial meetings
· Develops the table of contents for each Design News mailing and works with the Editorial Director, Art Director, and Assistant Dean of Communications to prepare and finalize content (including overseeing the proofreading process and ensuring accessibility standards are met)
· Performs research and analysis of available data to plan and improve editorial planning
· Hires and manages a team of student content contributors
· Stays abreast of current social media trends and industry news, including digital accessibility best practices
· Convenes monthly editorial meetings with Editorial Director, Assistant Director of Communications, Senior Multimedia Producer and Assistant Director of Alumni and Donor Relations to share editorial updates
· Uses discretion in handling sensitive information about the school and upholds a high level of consideration for security standards and procedures
· Performs other duties as necessary
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
BA required, minimum of 5 years’ experience in a communications or editorial role with demonstrated writing, editing, and content production experience required. Proven project management skills required.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
· Experience with social media platforms, e-mail management, and analytics systems (i.e. Sprout Social, Creator Studio, Mailchimp, and Google Analytics).
· Experience with WordPress or similar content management system.
· Excellent written communication skills and keen editorial eye.
· Experience commissioning, editing, and finalizing text for the web.
· Knowledge of image copyright and permission-seeking process.
· Familiarity with best practices in social media, mobile/tablet, and e-mail marketing.
· Experience with digital story-telling formats, including best practices in presenting multi-media content.
· Understands principles of metadata schemas, search engine optimization, and other best practices of the digital environment.
· Strong interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with internal and external teams, such as students, faculty, and staff.
· Knowledge of photo and video editing software a plus.
· Experience working in higher education, media or arts organization is a plus, as well as an interest in, and knowledge of, the design disciplines and the educational landscape related to nontraditional students and lifelong learners.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Some evening and weekend work required. All applicants to provide writing samples.
The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.
The interview process and position may be modified and is currently circumstantial, including a mix of virtual and in-person interviews, and remote and in-person onboarding.
In order to be considered for this role, a cover letter is required. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States now and in the future. We regret that we cannot sponsor a work visa.
Please apply online at the Harvard Careers website. Upload a cover letter and resume to: hr.harvard.edu/search-jobs and keyword search to requisition #57168BR.