Institutional Writer

Come work with me at Harvard! We're looking for an institutional writer, preferably someone with experience in science and academic storytelling. It's a brand-new role on a great team! Feel free to DM with me any questions!

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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 Institutional Writer for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) plays a central role in advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the FAS through compelling storytelling. Reporting to the Senior Director, Editorial and Content within the FAS Office of Communications, the writer will produce news articles and features for multiple channels highlighting FAS research, teaching, community engagement, and academic leadership. This role requires a proven ability to report and write on complex academic topics with clarity and impact. Importantly, the skill in engaging a range of stakeholders is critical. The Institutional Writer will focus on elevating FAS initiatives, leadership messages, and high-priority themes, such as faculty achievements, research innovations, undergraduate and graduate education, and interdisciplinary academic collaboration. Success in the role requires intellectual curiosity, journalistic rigor, strong editorial judgment, and a collaborative mindset.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Research, report, and write original news, announcements, and feature stories related to FAS strategic priorities and initiatives. 

• Develop and produce strategic content aligned with FAS leadership priorities, including deans and other senior administrators. 

• Translate research into accessible and engaging stories for internal and external audiences. 

• Cover panels, symposia, and events within the FAS, producing timely and accurate coverage under deadline. Available for evening and weekend work, as needed. 

• Collaborate closely with colleagues within the FAS Office of Communications, Harvard Public Affairs and Communications/Harvard Gazette, alumni affairs, and academic departments and centers to shape and refine content.   

• Partner with creative (video, photo) as well as social media to create and amplify content. 

• As part of a writing team, collaborate with FAS and Harvard College colleagues, as well as partners in the Harvard Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, FAS Development, and across the University. 

• Ensure institutional standards of excellence and accuracy in reporting. 

• Stay informed of developments across the University and, more broadly, the higher education landscape to contextualize FAS work within national and global conversations.

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 the remaining days working remotely. Complying with the office’s work location requirements is a condition of continued employment.

 

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required. 

• 5+ years of news writing or comparable journalism experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Exceptional writing skills. Skilled in both short- and long-form writing. 

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 

• Experience engaging with senior-level stakeholders and complex subject matter. 

• Some experience writing in science desired. 

• Familiarity with higher education and the nuances of communicating to both scholarly and public audiences. 

• Proven track record of collaboration across diverse teams, and a commitment to excellence and inclusivity. 

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills; ability to pivot and adept at managing stakeholder feedback with diplomacy and professionalism.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date:  This is a two-year term role based on the date of hire.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week; must be available for evening and weekend work, as needed. 
• Compensation Range/Rate:  New hires can anticipate a salary somewhere in the lower end of the salary range. The amount will vary based on the position and the candidate’s relevant experience.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:  All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. 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. 

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.

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⚠️ Please DO NOT APPLY if you cannot demonstrate relevant experience in the key areas listed above or meet the location requirements. 

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