Social Media and Engagement Strategist

11-Oct-2024

Social Media and Engagement Strategist

Harvard Graduate School of Education

67001BR

Job Summary

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. Based in the Office of Communications and Marketing, the Social Media and Digital Communications Strategist will be responsible for developing and executing the overall social media strategy for HGSE, engaging an audience that consists of current and prospective students, alumni, faculty, staff, practicing educators and leaders, media members, donors, and partners. The position will share content and stories through various social media platforms to drive HGSE’s messages, support broader themes and initiatives, and share thought leadership and actionable insights for transforming the field of education. Reporting to the Director of Marketing at HGSE, the position will also assist in developing, and will be responsible for directly executing, the strategy to recruit a diverse population of talented graduate students, on behalf of HGSE’s enrollment marketing efforts.

This individual should be a adaptive strategic thinker with content creation, digital marketing, project management, and interpersonal communication skills. In today’s complex social media climate, the position requires strong organizational skills and professionalism, sound judgment and discretion, and a deep understanding of HGSE’s brand, mission, and marketing goals. The position will be responsible for showcasing HGSE’s academic offerings, student life, campus, and faculty and research to mass audiences — as well as to targeting content to specific audiences through a strong command of digital marketing and advertising tools. Working closely with schoolwide leaders, this person will be critical to the safeguarding of HGSE’s reputation on social media and to advancing its brand and priorities. 

Position Description

Content Management

• Develop, execute, and continuously refine social media strategy and digital content for HGSE’ flagship social media channels (including Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook,)
• Manage posting and monitoring of all HGSE flagship social media feeds.
• Create original social content around faculty research, community stories, and HGSE events, which will require collaboration with content creators, video producers, and the senior designer — as well as faculty, researchers, and staff across campus
• Develop, execute, and continuously refine social media strategy specific to supporting enrollment marketing goals for HGSE’s degrees and programs, working closely with Director of Marketing and senior colleagues in the Office of Admissions. 
• Seek opportunities for engagement and partnership across social platforms, with internal and external audiences. 
• Attend events (Commencement, Askwith Education Forums, Welcome Day, etc.), conferences, talks, and other campus activities in order to represent on social media and to absorb/reflect HGSE’s objectives. 
• Ensure that HGSE’s brand is managed effectively by maintaining a consistent institutional voice; upholding visual brand standards; adhering to copyright and trademark compliance; upholding ADA compliance. 
• With guidance from the Director of Marketing, partner with Professional Education and Harvard Education Press to plan and execute the social component of emerging schoolwide marketing initiatives.
• Ensure consistency, excellence, and accuracy in social content quality by documenting and enforcing best practices.
• Other marketing and communications duties as required.

Community Management

• Serve as the school’s subject matter expert in social media, including establishing best practices, as well as building relationships with — and serving as a resource for — social media account managers across campus.
• Work closely with colleagues at other schools and at the university to ensure that HGSE content is appropriately shared through other digital channels at the university.
• Consult with faculty, departments, and programs on the development of their digital communications approaches.
• Responds to comments and messages in a timely manner.
• Provide leadership in utilizing the Sprout Social platform for designated units within HGSE. 

Listening, Analytics, and Trends

• Monitor channels for education- and HGSE-related news, trends, and people, to inform communications.
• Regularly monitor and report on emerging social media trends and platforms.
• Analyze and report on metrics for measuring engagement and making recommendations for continued growth and improvement.

Basic Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience overseeing social media (including Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn) or digital content for an organization, preferably one with a significant public presence; working with social media management tools, like Sprout Social; running successful campaigns and assessing metrics/analytics.
• Some experience using video, audio, and other multimedia elements to create social media.
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, digital media communications, marketing, education, or related field.

Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume showing that they meet the required basic qualifications.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience and expertise with design and photo and video editing tools, such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, as well as social-only tools for GIFs, etc.
• Familiarity with web content management systems. 
• Experience integrating a social media strategy into an overall digital content strategy.
• Strong interpersonal skills. 
• Vibrant, engaging writing skills, with good editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills.
• Adept at gathering information through interviews.
• Comfortable in a highly visible role, with the ability to interact professionally with all levels of employees, from trainees to leadership.
• Experience sharing a range of content and messages (from news to event promotion to complex research distillations) in social formats.
• Must be flexible and able to manage deadline-driven projects to completion.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and technical skills, project and management skills, and communication skills, creative, innovative thinker, action-oriented, versatile, ability to adapt in dynamic environment, resourceful and honest.
• Experience working in higher education setting preferred. 

Working Conditions

HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (Only Exempt), CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state’s required tax and other withholdings from your paycheck for the time you work there.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship.

Additional Information

HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions.  We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows everyone to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.

We do this by:

• Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve
• Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged
• Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation
• Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion
• Communicating transparently and respectfully; and
• Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment

About the Harvard Graduate School 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

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on campus, in Massachusetts, requiring a minimum of 2 days per week on campus. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Communications

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

405004 Comm Professional (N)

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

056

Department

MarComm

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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