Associate Director, Video Strategy

20-Jan-2023

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

61268BR

Job Summary

The Harvard Chan School Office of Communications seeks a creative, energetic, and highly collaborative Associate Director for Video Strategy to lead our efforts to create video content that showcases compelling stories about public health and our School, and to share that content across multiple platforms. Key responsibilities include developing our short-form video strategy in collaboration with our head of social media; shaping the storytelling approach for each video; and managing ambitious projects involving in-house video shooters and editors from multiple departments as well as external freelancers. The job will also include hands-on work writing scripts and shooting and editing video.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in video strategy, storytelling, and execution; experience pivoting to different formats, platforms, and types of content as projects require; and an outstanding ability to convene and supervise cross-functional teams within a large organization. The ADVS should be familiar with best practices in capturing quality video and sound, editing content for the web and social, and packaging content with accessibility and SEO in mind.

This position will initially report to the Dean for Communications and Strategic Initiatives.

Position Description

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Working closely with colleagues in social media, audience development, and editorial, develop a video strategy for the School, including but not limited to social platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube
• Conceptualize and develop ideas for original video projects and series aligned with our broader communication goals
• Scope and prioritize incoming requests for video projects from colleagues on the Communications team and partners throughout the School
• Identify appropriate platforms for each project
• Develop storytelling approach for each project and supervise or personally execute the hands-on work, including writing outlines or scripts, identifying interviewees, scouting locations and talent, shooting on location or virtually, managing the editorial process, and editing videos.
• Optimize and package content with accessibility and SEO in mind
• Working with colleagues, assess analytics for our video and adjust strategy accordingly   
• Other duties as assigned  

PLEASE NOTE: This is a hybrid position and this position will be based in Boston, MA.  Additional detail pertaining to this position will be discussed during the interview process.  All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, California, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, and Washington).

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience required
• 7+ years of experience in multimedia production, podcast production, and/or video production required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

• Advanced non-linear editing skills (preferably with Adobe Premiere, Adobe Audition, Descript, Canva, and/or CapCut)
• Advanced video and audio production skills, including using professional recording equipment
• Experience with project management tools (such as Basecamp, Wrike, or Asana)
• Outstanding storytelling skills
• Experience producing video on public health, science, or public policy topics
• Experience with advanced motion graphics software
• Fluency in current video trends on social media and the web
• Knowledge of accessibility best practices for video production
• Experience selecting and managing freelance talent for complex projects (such as videographers or animators)
• Excellent communication and writing skills

• Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity

Additional Information

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3-4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12+ paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: Excellent and affordable medical, dental & vision plans, with coverage beginning as of an employee's start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance & Reimbursement Programs: $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School, discounted options through participating Harvard graduate schools, and reimbursement options for accredited schools outside of Harvard.
• Transportation: 50% discount on MBTA passes, as well as additional options (rideshare, biking, etc.) to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness & Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, hard & soft skills development, career planning, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services. Additionally, access to Harvard athletic facilities, libraries, campus events -- and many discounts for various cultural and leisure activities throughout metro Boston.

• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. 

Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage . Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website .

Job Function

Communications

Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

CM0858 Communications Management III

Department

Office of Communications

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, we believe that diversity is integral to the Harvard experience and our mission of improving public health education, research and policy. Diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world enriches our community and enables us to best meet the public health needs of the United States and the world. Ongoing learning and development related to diversity allows for both individual and institutional growth, and is necessary to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for learning, living, and working at the Harvard Chan School. We maintain an unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging as core to our institutional values and to actively counter, minimize, and address racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, gender bias, and all forms of discrimination.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values and our diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.

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.