Writer/Editor, Social Science

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard's undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard's Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) seeks a Writer/Editor, Social Science to join the FAS Editorial team, which is a core part of the FAS Communications and Marketing Department. The role centers on storytelling and institutional writing that supports the priorities of both the FAS and Division of Social Science, including coverage of faculty research and teaching, department and center programming, and new initiatives. This robust portfolio of new and ongoing work features, in particular, the FAS' dynamic community of faculty, researchers, and students. The successful candidate will be intellectually curious and able to deliver storytelling on everything from research breakthroughs and breaking news to engaging profiles for the new FAS news platform, The FAS Current, while collaborating with partners across the FAS and the University to promote and elevate the team's work.


Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Research, report, and write original news, backgrounders, profiles, and feature stories that support the priorities of both the FAS and Division of Social Science Dean.

• Translate complex research and interdisciplinary social science themes into compelling narratives accessible to both internal and external audiences.

• Collect and generate story ideas independently, maintaining a robust portfolio of coverage for the new FAS news platform, The FAS Current.

• Cover timely news and events, maintaining flexibility with deadlines and schedules to meet the demands of Harvard's digital news platforms.

• Develop and maintain relationships with faculty, researchers, and students across the Division of Social Science.

• Execute multimedia packages, including conducting video interviews and generating ideas for visual assets to accompany stories on Harvard websites.

• Collaborate closely with colleagues across the FAS and the University to promote and elevate the team's editorial work.

• Draft digital-first content, including catchy headlines and engaging email newsletter copy to drive readership.

• Navigate multiple constituencies with patience and diplomacy to ensure all materials meet institutional standards and audience needs.

Working Conditions: This position will be based on our campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Our office works on a hybrid schedule, and this role requires a minimum of three days per week on campus and additional days as needed. Complying with the office's work location requirements is a condition of continued employment. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT).

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5+ years of news writing background or comparable journalism experience.
• Prior editing experience required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Exceptional storytelling skills, with a proven ability to translate complex issues into clear, impactful prose.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to work independently to source and pitch original story ideas.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and shift deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated record of working effectively as both an independent contributor and a team member.
• Experience with digital platforms, including writing web-optimized headlines.
• A diplomatic approach to feedback; a sense of humor and patience are essential for navigating a complex academic environment.
• Collaborative spirit, with an interest in partnering across the FAS and the wider University.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: This position requires a 3-month orientation and review period.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.


Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.


EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.