Staff Writer/Communications Officer

29-Oct-2024

Staff Writer/Communications Officer

University Administration

67270BR

Job Summary

The Staff Writer/Communications Officer captures the important stories of the University community through reporting for Harvard’s channels, including but not limited to the daily newsletter of the Harvard Gazette, which covers Harvard innovation and discovery in teaching, learning, and research for an audience of 350,000.

This role will have an immediate focus on covering and communicating initiatives and events connected to institutional goals, including but not limited to work originating in the president’s office. The ability to conduct high-level interviews and to seamlessly collect and incorporate feedback is essential. Working as part of Harvard Public Affairs and Communications (HPAC), the Staff Writer collaborates as a member of a team of reporters who produce profiles, features, event coverage and other stories for both external and internal audiences, with a growing emphasis on multimedia storytelling. A successful Staff Writer will be intellectually curious and possess the ability to produce engaging and relevant stories under tight deadlines in a creative, collaborative, fast-paced, environment.

Position Description

• Work with colleagues at HPAC, alumni affairs, and across the University to conduct research and interviews for articles and Q&As focused on institutional priorities, including presidential initiatives.
• Write and research on a variety of topics including but not limited to discoveries in science and medicine, research findings from multiple disciplines, faculty and student achievements, and all aspects of campus life that advance the mission of the University.
• Write stories based on live events, executing on deadline to capture the essential story for the Harvard audience
•  Help develop multimedia packages for Harvard websites and channels, including through audio and video interviews.
• Manage multiple assignments and projects with various timelines while being flexible in working with deadlines and schedules.
• Collaborate and interact with individuals across the university to ensure that all materials are produced with both internal and external audiences in mind.
• Stay abreast of current events and have the capability to translate U.S. and global news into Harvard-related stories.

Basic Qualifications

BA/BS from accredited institution.
Four or more years of news writing and/or content creation background with magazine and/or daily journalism experience.
Experience interviewing senior-level subjects
May be asked to share on-call duties or assist the news clips rotation service; travel on behalf of the university may be required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Strong storytelling and writing skills and relentless in pursuit of newsworthiness
• Skilled in both short- and long-form writing
• Interest in and understanding of graphical storytelling and data visualization
• Video and audio experience preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work across diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Sense of ownership in administrating timely, interesting, and accurate content.
• Demonstrate initiative; problem solving, and scrupulous attention to detail.
• Proven organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated record working both independently and as a team member.
• Able to think critically about writing “voice” to relate to a target audience.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

CM0057 Writer III

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

057

Department

HPAC

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, 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.

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