Helping higher ed institutions tell better stories

Stories of discovery, transformation, and impact are being created every day at every institution.

Those stories drive engagement and connection — like prompting a prospective student to say, “I see myself there” or the public to say, “They’re doing important research there.”

Yet too often those stories get lost in the day-to-day marketing. Budgets and time are tight, so you check the boxes on what you think is making an impact.

But without stories, your students, alumni, and partners never see what truly makes your institution matter.

Hi! I’m Jessica A. Kent.

I help higher ed teams and leaders increase engagement, authority, and trust by strengthening their storytelling through strategic content writing, narrative strategy, and thought leadership development.

I’ve spent 25 years managing content online and honing my writing craft. With 12 years in higher ed — 9 of which I spent writing and managing content at Harvard University — I know the value of using storytelling to connect to an institutions various audiences.

As a freelance content writer and strategist, I’ve worked with dozens of clients to develop and write content, including thought leadership articles in Newsweek, Fast Company, Forbes, and other industry websites; white papers, reports, case studies, and ebooks used as lead gens; and ghostwritten CEO content on LinkedIn.

Those experiences taught me that the best content doesn’t just inform. It connects, inspires, and leads.

Content Marketing Writing and Strategy Services

I help higher-ed institutions connect strategy and story. That means clarifying your message, improving the quality and impact of your content, and aligning your communications with your mission and goals. I offer:

Execution Support: Done-for-You Writing and Editorial Development

Hands-on writing and editorial partnerships for teams that need quality content done right:

  • Feature stories and student/alumni profiles

  • Faculty, research, and leadership bylines

  • Case studies and impact narratives

  • Executive communications and op-eds

  • Editorial partnerships for ongoing content

Strategic Support: Building Systems, Clarity, and Story Infrastructure

Advisory and frameworks for teams ready to level up how they tell stories:

  • Storytelling audits and content assessments

  • Narrative strategy workshops and intensives

  • Editorial playbooks and process design

  • Messaging and positioning frameworks

How We Can Work Together

Whether you’re building a stronger content program or need a trusted partner to craft your next story, I can help you:

  • Strengthen your institution’s narrative

  • Bring clarity and consistency to your messaging

  • Develop stories that attract and retain your audiences

  • Build systems and frameworks for long-term content success

Learn more and get started today

  • "I had a great experience working with Jessica. She delivered just what we needed, right on time, and was a pleasure to work with. I look forward to working with her again."

    Upwork Client

  • "Jessica's communication throughout the project was top-notch. She was very thorough in her work and continued touch points to ensure we were both on the same page and she delivered a quality product. Will work with again in the future!"

    Upwork Client

  • "It was a pleasure working with Jessica. She perfectly understood what I needed and delivered. I will definitely hire Jessica again."

    Upwork Client