Assistant Director of Marketing & Outreach – Strategic Brand & Community Engagement Leader for Harvard Recreation (Cambridge, MA)

Why Join Harvard Recreation & HealthFitness?

Make an impact every day. Harvard Recreation, a flagship program of Harvard University, is more than a collection of gyms and pools – it is a vibrant community that inspires students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader Cambridge community to achieve their health and fitness goals. Partnered with HealthFitness, a Trustmark company renowned for innovative wellness solutions, this role sits at the intersection of sport, technology, and storytelling. If you are passionate about creating compelling narratives, driving member engagement, and shaping a world‑class recreation brand, this is the place where your ideas will be amplified.

About the Role

As the Assistant Director of Marketing & Outreach, you will be the architectural mind behind all marketing communications, outreach initiatives, and digital experiences for Harvard Recreation’s six premier facilities: Malkin Athletic Center, Hemenway Gymnasium, the Quadrangle Recreational Athletic Center, Blodgett Pool, the Murr Fitness Center, and the new mobile app platform. Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Athletics, you will lead a dynamic, cross‑functional team, collaborates closely with the university’s Athletics Marketing Department, and ensure that every poster, tweet, email, and video reflects the excellence and inclusivity of Harvard’s fitness ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Marketing Leadership

• Develop, articulate, and execute an annual marketing plan that aligns with Harvard Recreation’s mission, enrollment targets, and community‑building objectives.
• Set measurable goals (KPIs) for membership growth, event attendance, digital engagement, and brand awareness, and provide quarterly performance dashboards to senior leadership.
• Oversee the redesign and continual optimization of the Harvard Recreation website, ensuring responsive design, SEO best practices, and seamless integration with the mobile app.
• Manage the Harvard Recreation mobile app lifecycle, from content updates to feature roll‑outs, to drive member retention and real‑time communication.
• Champion brand consistency across all touchpoints by collaborating with the Harvard University Trademark Office and adhering to Harvard Athletics brand guidelines.

Creative Production & Content Management

• Conceptualize, design, and produce high‑impact marketing collateral, including event flyers, banners, digital ads, social media graphics, and facility signage.
• Lead the photography and videography strategy—capture facility tours, event highlights, athlete profiles, and user‑generated content that tells authentic Harvard stories.
• Supervise the printing process for large‑format assets, ensuring color accuracy, timely delivery, and cost‑effective budgeting.
• Direct the creation of giveaway items, promotional merchandise, and swag, managing vendor relationships and inventory control.

Digital & Social Media Stewardship

• Own the editorial calendar for Harvard Recreation’s social platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok), crafting engaging copy, scheduling posts, and responding to community comments.
• Produce and distribute the monthly Harvard Recreation newsletter, curating stories, event spotlights, and health‑tips that drive open‑rate and click‑through success.
• Implement email marketing campaigns using the university’s CRM, segmenting audiences, A/B testing subject lines, and analyzing performance metrics.
• Monitor digital analytics (Google Analytics, social insights) to continuously refine content strategy and improve ROI.

Outreach & Community Partnerships

• Plan, coordinate, and execute on‑campus and off‑campus outreach events, including the “Grow. Play. Achieve.” program, wellness fairs, and collaborative initiatives with academic departments.
• Build strategic relationships with student organizations, faculty groups, alumni associations, and local community partners to expand the reach of recreation programming.
• Serve as a liaison with the Senior Associate Director of Athletics to align marketing efforts with athletic department schedules, championships, and special events.

Budget & Operations Management

• Administer the marketing and outreach budget, forecasting expenses, tracking spend, and ensuring alignment with fiscal objectives.
• Collaborate with the Director of Recreational Facilities and Fitness on member retention strategies, satisfaction surveys, and service enhancements.
• Support day‑to‑day facility operations as needed, reinforcing the seamless integration of marketing with the member experience.

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, Web Design, Public Relations, Sport Management, Recreation Administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of progressive experience in marketing, outreach, or communications within a higher‑education, campus recreation, or athletic environment.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro), website CMS platforms (WordPress, Drupal, or similar), and social media management tools (Hootsuite, Sprout Social, Buffer).
• Event Management: Proven track record of planning and executing large‑scale events or campaigns, from concept through post‑event analysis.
• Certifications: Adult CPR/AED certification (American Heart Association, Red Cross, or equivalent) to be obtained within six months of hire.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, with a talent for storytelling that resonates across diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications & Additional Skills

• Experience with video production and editing, including basic motion graphics.
• Knowledge of email marketing platforms (Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or university‑specific CRM).
• Familiarity with data visualization and reporting tools (Tableau, Power BI, Google Data Studio).
• Prior exposure to mobile app content management and push‑notification strategies.
• Understanding of SEO, SEM, and digital advertising best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross‑functionally with athletics, academic units, and external vendors.

Core Competencies for Success

• Strategic Vision: Ability to see the big picture while executing tactical details.
• Creativity & Innovation: Consistently generate fresh ideas that differentiate Harvard Recreation in a competitive landscape.
• Collaboration: Strong team player who thrives in interdisciplinary environments and builds consensus.
• Time Management: Juggle multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and prioritize effectively.
• Customer‑Centric Mindset: Deep empathy for members, anticipating their needs and delivering exceptional experiences.
• Analytical Insight: Interpret data to drive informed decisions and continuous improvement.
• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating a fast‑changing digital environment and shifting university priorities.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

HealthFitness is committed to the professional development of every associate. In this role you will:

• Access a robust learning portal offering courses in digital marketing, analytics, leadership, and emerging media trends.
• Mentor and be mentored by senior leaders within Harvard’s Athletics and Marketing departments, expanding your professional network.
• Participate in industry conferences, such as the National Intramural‑Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) and the Association of College & University Food Services (ACUFS), representing Harvard Recreation.
• Lead high‑visibility projects that directly influence institutional branding, positioning you for future promotion to Director‑level roles or specialized senior positions in corporate wellness.

Work Environment & Culture

Harvard Recreation offers a hybrid experience: while the position is based onsite in Cambridge, MA, you will enjoy the flexibility of remote work for strategic planning, content creation, and data analysis. Our facilities are vibrant hubs where staff interact daily with an inspiring community of athletes, scholars, and health enthusiasts. The culture emphasizes:

• Inclusivity: A respectful, diverse workplace where all voices are heard and valued.
• Innovation: Encouragement to experiment with new technology, storytelling formats, and engagement tactics.
• Wellness: Employee access to on‑campus fitness resources, wellness workshops, and discounted program memberships.
• Collaboration: Regular cross‑departmental brainstorming sessions, town‑hall meetings, and team‑building events.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

• Competitive Salary: Aligned with market benchmarks for Mid‑Level Marketing Leaders in the Boston–Cambridge corridor.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans.
• Retirement Planning: 401(k) with employer match.
• Life & Disability Insurance: Coverage to protect you and your loved ones.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA and HSA options.
• Paid Time Off & Holidays: Generous vacation, sick leave, and university holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling, legal, and financial resources.
• Childcare & Eldercare Backup: Support for working parents and caregivers.
• Wellness Incentives: Programs that reduce insurance premiums for active participation (fitness classes, health screenings, nutrition counseling).
• Professional Development Stipends: Funding for conferences, certifications, and continuing education.

How to Apply

If you are ready to shape the future of campus recreation, drive community engagement, and leave a lasting imprint on one of the world’s most prestigious universities, we want to hear from you. Submit your résumé, a cover letter highlighting your most relevant achievements, and a portfolio of recent campaigns or design work.

Take the Next Step Today

We value enthusiasm, curiosity, and a growth mindset above a perfect checklist. Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, your passion for health, fitness, and storytelling could make you the perfect fit. Apply now and start your journey with Harvard Recreation and HealthFitness.

Apply Now: Assistant Director of Marketing & Outreach Application