Staff Writer, Harvard Magazine

August 3, 2023
Cambridge, MA

Job Summary

The Staff Writer/Editor is responsible for conceiving story ideas; conducting research (background reading, field visits, etc.); reporting (interviewing, reading, other information-gathering); writing; fact-checking; and revising (in light of fellow editors’ comments) contextual, explanatory news articles, features, profiles, and other articles in diverse formats, for all parts of Harvard Magazine, in print and online, focusing on Harvard-affiliated research, teaching, faculty and staff members, alumni, and students.

Position Description

Responsibilities also include deadline news reporting; developing—in collaboration with Harvard Magazine colleagues—article ideas for fellow staff members, and for assignment to contracted freelance writers; and reading and editing colleagues’ and freelance writers’ work.
He/she sees manuscripts through production; works closely with the art director to identify and acquire suitable visual materials to accompany texts; and works closely with online colleagues to produce social-media and related communications, and to acquire/produce audiovisual and other contents.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required.
Demonstrated skill in nonfiction writing, principally reporting/journalism. (The magazine publishes no staff-written personal or opinion essays; and most reviews are commissioned from outside experts.)

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Relentless attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to work under frequent deadlines
Ability to work independently (to take initiative and to set priorities in research, reporting, and writing) and, simultaneously, to collaborate with a small professional team to deliver published contents to readers
Ability to travel (domestically and internationally) and work nights and weekends, based on business needs

Applications must be accompanied by:
Cover letter
Résumé, including writing and work history
At least three nonfiction writing samples, presenting diverse formats, assignments, lengths, and subjects covered

Working Conditions

Work Format: Hybrid – Minimum of 2 days/week in office

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines

Additional Information

Applications will be reviewed as they are received; qualified candidates will be required to complete a writing test before any interviews are conducted.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

  • Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
  • Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
  • Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
  • Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
  • Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
  • Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function
Communications

Job Code
CM0056 Writer II

Department
100901

Time Status
Full-time

Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge

Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit
Harvard Magazine

Salary Grade
056

Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Employment, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For more information, or to apply, click here.