Social Media Intern

About the Role

The Harvard Black Postdoctoral Association (HBPA) is seeking a creative, motivated, and detail-oriented Social Media Intern to support its digital communications and social media presence. This is an excellent opportunity for a college student, recent graduate, or aspiring communications professional looking to gain practical experience in social media management, digital marketing, content creation, and science communication. The intern will assist in managing HBPA's social media platforms, developing engaging digital content, highlighting the research and achievements of Black scholars, promoting association events and initiatives, and strengthening the organization's online presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Social Media Management

• Assist in managing the Association's social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

• Schedule and publish posts in accordance with the Association's content calendar and communication strategy.

• Maintain a consistent posting schedule, brand voice, and professional online presence.

• Monitor social media activity and respond to comments, messages, and engagement opportunities.

• Identify opportunities to expand the Association's digital reach and audience engagement.

• Content Creation and Digital Communications

• Create engaging social media content, including graphics, flyers, carousels, short videos, reels, and event announcements.

• Develop captions, post descriptions, and other written content tailored to different platforms.

• Translate academic and research-related information into accessible, engaging content.

• Assist in developing visual and written content that reflects the Association's mission, activities, and community.

• Ensure all content is accurate, professional, visually appealing, and consistent with HBPA's branding.

• Research and Scholar Spotlight

• Highlight the research, publications, discoveries, and professional achievements of Black postdoctoral researchers and affiliated scholars within the Harvard community.

• Develop researcher spotlights, member features, publication highlights, and career achievement announcements.

• Help communicate the significance and broader impact of scientific discoveries and academic contributions.

• Identify relevant research stories, academic milestones, and opportunities to showcase HBPA members.

• Assist with collecting information and coordinating content submissions from researchers.

• Events and Community Engagement

• Promote HBPA events, seminars, workshops, networking opportunities, conferences, and professional development programs.

• Create pre-event promotional materials and post-event highlights.

• Capture and share appropriate event-related content, including photographs, short videos, and key takeaways.

• Support campaigns that encourage membership, participation, and engagement within the academic community.

• Help amplify relevant opportunities, resources, and announcements for postdoctoral researchers.

• Analytics and Performance Monitoring

• Track basic social media performance metrics, including reach, impressions, engagement, follower growth, and content performance.

• Assist in preparing periodic social media activity and performance reports.

• Identify successful content formats and engagement strategies.

• Provide recommendations for improving content visibility, consistency, and audience engagement.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Familiarity with major social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn and Instagram.
• Prior professional social media experience is not required.

Qualifications

• Current college student or recent college graduate.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest in social media management, digital communications, marketing, or content creation.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, manage assigned tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to learn, receive feedback, and work collaboratively.

Preferred Skills (but not required)

• Experience creating social media content, graphics, or promotional materials.
• Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, CapCut, or similar content creation tools.
• Basic understanding of social media analytics and digital engagement strategies.
• Interest in science communication, higher education, academic research, or diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Experience managing a personal, student organization, or professional social media account.

What You Will Gain

• Hands-on experience managing the digital presence of an academic and professional association.
• Exposure to Harvard University's academic, research, and postdoctoral community.
• Opportunities to develop practical skills in social media strategy, digital marketing, content creation, and science communication.
• Experience showcasing scientific research, academic achievements, and professional accomplishments.
• Opportunities to build a professional portfolio of digital communications and creative projects.
• Mentorship and guidance from the Association's Social Media Manager.
• Experience working with an academic organization and collaborating with researchers and professionals.