HBS Digital Initiative

Background

The Digital Initiative is one of several initiatives on campus – research-fueled “communities of engagement” around key subjects (health care, environmental economics, entrepreneurship, and of course, technology) where faculty, students, and alumni connect with practitioners in the field to develop insights that drive impact.

When I joined, the DI was in that awkward startup growth phase – they’d been around for a few years, moving fast and breaking things, but it was time to step back and clarify the group’s mission and big picture strategy.

I had the great fortune of joining the team right at the start of a well-timed website redesign with an all-star team (SuperFriendly) that helped us gain some of the clarity we were seeking…

My role:

Content Strategy:

Starting with the website redesign, I led the DI from a content strategy perspective, ensuring our content production efforts aligned with our overarching strategic goals to 1) amplify the existing tech community at HBS, 2) establish HBS as a thought leader on the digital transformation of the economy and, 3) build community around the subject at HBS, Harvard, and beyond.

I also ensured the DI’s content strategy kept an eye on the dean’s strategic goals, in which a larger tech presence on campus played an important role.

To learn more about the experience working with SuperFriendly, check out this conversation with founder Dan Mall.

Editorial Direction:

I created a monthly digital magazine on the topic of digital transformation and acted as editor-in-chief. I drove voice, tone, and visual branding for the Digital Initiative. I pitched edition topics, curated and/or developed original content around each monthly topic, and established a POV for the Digital Initiative in the space.

Digital Production:

From a 10,000 foot view down to the very nuts and bolts of producing our magazine online, I did it all.

Strategic Partnerships:

I built key relationships across with experts and collaborators across Harvard and in the broader tech community. Through these partnerships, I sourced best-in-class content for our web zine and furthered our mission of building a vibrant tech community at HBS.

Omni-Channel Marketing:

In addition to the website, I also managed the DI’s social media presence, email marketing efforts, event promotion, and social media advertising.