Social Media and Digital Storytelling Strategist, Bloomberg Center for Cities

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About the Bloomberg Center for Cities

The Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University serves a global community committed to improving public management, leadership, and governance. The Center’s cross-Harvard collaboration unites expertise focused on cities across disciplines and schools to produce research, train leaders, and develop resources for global use. The Center is designed to have practical impact on the future of cities, where more than half of the world’s people now live, by informing and inspiring local government leaders, scholars, students, and others who work to improve the lives of residents around the world.

The Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University seeks a Social Media and Digital Storytelling Strategist with at least 3 years of experience to lead its social media presence and produce compelling digital content that amplifies the Center’s research, programs, and thought leadership. This role is responsible for developing and executing social media and digital campaign strategies, creating short-form video and visual content, and translating complex ideas into engaging stories for global audiences.. The Center connects research, teaching, and practice to support mayors and city leaders around the world. The Communications team translates the Center’s work into compelling stories that reach city leaders, policymakers, scholars, and practitioners.

The Social Media and Digital Storytelling Strategist will lead the Center’s social media presence and produce high-impact digital content. This role blends strategy and hands-on content creation, with a particular focus on short-form video and visual storytelling for social platforms.

The successful candidate will be a creative and versatile digital communicator who can move across formats-developing social strategy, producing Reels and short-form video, designing graphics, and translating research into accessible and engaging content. This individual will work closely with faculty, researchers, and program teams to proactively identify stories and bring them to life for digital audiences. This position reports to the Senior Director of Communications and Engagement.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Social Media Strategy and Management

• Manage the Bloomberg Center for Cities’ social media platforms across channels.
• Develop and implement social media strategies to elevate research, programs, and thought leadership.
• Manage and support social media presence for Center leadership, ensuring alignment with the Center’s overall digital strategy and voice.
• Lead the strategy and execution of digital campaigns across social media platforms to support major initiatives, research releases, and events.
• Plan and maintain a content calendar aligned with communications priorities.
• Track and analyze performance metrics to inform strategy and optimize engagement.

Short-Form Video and Digital Storytelling

• Lead the creation of short-form video content (including Reels and other platform-native formats) as a core storytelling vehicle.
• Film, edit, and publish video content using mobile or lightweight production tools.
• Develop creative approaches to translate research, policy insights, and leadership stories into compelling visual narratives.
• Produce content on timely topics and respond to emerging conversations relevant to cities and local government.

Content Development and Story Sourcing

• Proactively identify and develop story ideas by working with faculty, researchers, fellows, and program staff.
• Conduct interviews and gather information to shape storylines and surface insights.
• Translate complex research and policy ideas into clear, engaging digital content, including social posts, scripts, and multimedia storytelling.

Digital Content Creation

• Design and produce social media graphics and visual assets using templates and brand guidelines.
• Contribute to content across formats as needed, including web, email, and other digital channels.
• Ensure consistency in voice, tone, and visual identity across platforms.

Audience Engagement and Growth

• Monitor and engage with audiences across social platforms.
• Track conversations and trends related to cities, urban policy, and local government.
• Identify opportunities to expand reach and elevate the voices of city leaders and program participants.

Collaboration and Planning

• Collaborate with communications colleagues on integrated campaigns and research rollouts.
• Partner with internal teams to plan and execute digital campaigns that align with broader communications goals.
• Recommend content approaches, formats, and distribution strategies for new research and initiatives.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of professional experience in social media, digital communications, or content creation.  Relevant internships will count toward experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing organizational social media accounts.

Important Application instructions:

• A complete application must include:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Portfolios or links to digital work, including short-form video (Reels or equivalent) and social media content that demonstrates experience translating complex ideas into engaging storytelling.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience producing and editing short-form video content for social media platforms.
• Experience creating visual and graphic content for digital channels.
• Ability to work as a digital generalist, moving across formats including video, graphics, and written content.
• Strong storytelling skills and ability to translate complex research into accessible content for broad audiences.
• Experience using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, CapCut, Premiere Pro, or similar.
• Experience working with or supporting faculty, researchers, or subject matter experts.
• Familiarity with social media analytics and performance tracking.
• Experience working in higher education, public policy, nonprofit, journalism, or local government environments strongly preferred.
• Ability to produce high-quality content on tight timelines and manage multiple priorities.
• Interest in cities, urban policy, or civic leadership.

• Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits eligible term appointment through June 30, 2027, with the strong possibility of renewal.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 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 position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA, and primarily in person, with some flexibility possible.

Important Application instructions:

• A complete application must include:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Portfolios or links to digital work, including short-form video (Reels or equivalent) and social media content that demonstrates experience translating complex ideas into engaging storytelling.

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.