Content Creator

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Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

The Office of Communications and Public Affairs (OCPA) at Harvard Kennedy School seeks a creative and versatile digital content professional to serve as a Content Creator. This 2-year term position will be part of a team designed to amplify faculty research and impact work, and it will report to the Assistant Director of Digital Communications.

The role focuses on elevating faculty research and thought leadership through clear, compelling digital storytelling. The successful candidate will be a digital generalist who can move fluidly across formats, including scripting and editing video, writing articles, producing newsletters, crafting social content, capturing photography, and conducting interviews. This person will be creative, have an eye for compelling content, and be able to produce content on a tight timeline.

This position blends strategic planning with hands-on execution. You will proactively solicit information about upcoming research, build relationships with faculty, and make recommendations to the broader OCPA team about communications plans for each research rollout during the content creation phase. The role also supports the launch of a monthly research newsletter and the development of a faculty rapid response team to elevate timely research insights.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Edit video and produce short-form clips.
• Write clear, engaging digital content that translates complex research for broad audiences, including articles, newsletters, video scripts, press releases, one pagers, and social posts.
• Leverage templates and established design conventions to develop consistent, on-brand web, email, and social design assets.
• Capture and curate photography for use across platforms.
• Conduct interviews with faculty and researchers to surface insights and shape storylines.
• Solicit information about upcoming research projects, publications, and events.
• Meet regularly with faculty and research leads to understand expertise, timelines, and communications needs.
• Recommend communications approaches for research rollouts, including messaging, formats, and channels, in collaboration with the Research Amplification Team and broader OCPA staff.
• Support the launch and ongoing production of a monthly research newsletter.
• Support the coordination and activation of a faculty rapid response team to contribute research-based insights to timely public conversations.
• Work closely with editorial, digital, multimedia, and web colleagues to ensure integrated, audience-focused content.
• Use analytics and audience insights to inform content decisions and continuous improvement.
• Manage your time and competing tasks to meet tight deadlines and deliver excellent, compelling content. 
• Be a great, kind, hard-working team member.

A resume, cover letter, and work/content samples or link to your portfolio are required as part of your application. 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, digital marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in digital content creation or communications.
• Experience producing content across multiple platforms.
• Demonstrated experience with video editing tools and basic photography and video capture.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience working in higher education, politics, government, research communications, or mission-driven organizations.
• Ability to conduct interviews and translate source material into compelling narratives.
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Familiarity with digital analytics, SEO best practices, and audience development.
• Experience working with Adobe After Effects and motion graphics
• Experience working collaboratively in a fast-paced, matrixed communications environment.

• Appointment End Date: This position is funded as part of the school’s vision and strategy process and is a fully benefits-eligible two-year term appointment, with the possibility of renewal. 
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:  This is a hybrid position and is expected to work on campus in Cambridge, MA a minimum of 3 days/week.

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 056. 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.