Digital Content Specialist

Harvard University is a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. The university is dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Faculty of Arts and Sciences:

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It encompasses Harvard's undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636), all of Harvard's Ph.D. programs, Harvard Athletics, and the Division of Continuing Education. The FAS supports a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across a broad range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines.

At FAS, there is a focus on fostering an environment of ambition, curiosity, and shared commitment to knowledge and truth, while preparing the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) at Harvard University seeks a Digital Content Specialist for a two-year term position to support two high-impact digital communications initiatives: the creation of a new digital storytelling platform and the redesign and migration of the FAS flagship website to the HarvardSites Drupal platform.

The Specialist will be responsible for producing engaging, high-quality content; optimizing the user experience across platforms; and contributing to strategic and technical aspects of digital content execution.

Job Specific Responsibilities:

• Content Development
  • Write, edit, and produce original editorial content, including articles, reports, and initiative overviews for the FAS Storytelling Platform Initiative and FAS flagship website.
  • Plan, design, and develop written and multimedia content with a focus on Dean’s initiatives.
  • Adapt and repurpose content across channels and formats to maximize engagement and accessibility.
• Platform Management
  • Advise on web layout, content structure, and taxonomy to ensure alignment with institutional messaging and best practices for digital navigation.
  • Audit, update, migrate, and sunset existing content to maintain accuracy, relevance, and consistency.
• Content Architecture
  • Manage content production within the CMS, including text, images, pull quotes, teaser copy, and metadata.
  • Offer strategic recommendations on content hierarchies, storytelling structures, and metadata implementation.
• 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.
• 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.
• Collaboration & Communication
  • Act as a liaison between FAS Communications, IT, and external vendors to align technical and content objectives for FAS initiatives.
  • Facilitate cross-functional meetings to gather input on content priorities and ensure stakeholder alignment.
  • Provide regular updates and recommendations to leadership on project milestones, content strategy, and performance metrics.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience with digital content creation and in developing and maintaining a relevant and interactive online presence, such as websites or e-newsletters; if no degree, at least 7 years of experience required.
• Experience with Microsoft products, HTML, content management systems, including Drupal, and other digital platforms.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, and strong attention to detail.
• Familiarity with digital accessibility standards.
• Demonstrated experience implementing digital distribution strategies and content management processes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Information

Appointment End Date: This is a 24-month term position, commencing from the date of hire, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability.

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week; this is a hybrid position based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There is an expectation of one (1) day per week in-office (Thursday is the department anchor day).

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States.

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. The benefits include:

• 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. The university seeks talent from all parts of society and the world, and strives to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines the commitment to prohibiting discrimination on various bases. The policy helps all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.