Science Writer, FAS at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Harvard University


Position Title: Science Writer, FAS

Req ID: 67586BR

School or Unit: Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Description: Job Summary

Reporting to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Editorial Director, the Science Writer, FAS is an enterprising storyteller and exceptional writer, who is enthusiastic to work with faculty, researchers, students, postdocs, and other subject matter experts to identify, frame, and deliver messages to internal and external audiences, particularly focused within the Division of Science.

Position Description

• Writes research articles, features, news releases, and other materials intended to achieve positive coverage and create favorable impressions within the Harvard community as well as the general public. Ability to tell stories about innovation and discovery in teaching and learning in the life sciences and physical sciences is critical.

• Works with the Director of FAS Editorial and the Dean of Science to develop and implement strategic communications plans. As part of a writing team, collaborates with FAS and College colleagues as well as partners in GSAS, alumni affairs and across the University.

• Develops and maintains strong relationships with faculty, students, and staff in the FAS.

• Must be flexible in working with deadlines and schedules given Harvard's digital news platforms often demand deadline-driven content; must be able to meet research embargo deadlines. Must be able to manage multiple, sometimes competing timelines.

• Must generate ideas and help execute multimedia packages for Harvard's online presence, including conducting audio, podcast, and video interviews. Collaboration with digital, multimedia, and creative teams is critical.

• On-call as assigned.

• Other duties, including administrative writing, as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

BA/BS required along with at least five years of relevant writing, journalism, or academic research experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience writing within the Sciences and/or knowledge and ability to pick up and translate complex science topics to a broad audience strongly preferred.

• Exceptional writing skills, as well as strong interpersonal and project management skills. Some light editing may be required.

• Communications experience in an academic setting and demonstrated comfort working with faculty preferred.

• Must have the ability to work effectively with a wide range of internal and external constituencies.

• Ability to build relationships that will help connect you with relevant story opportunities.

• Should possess the ability to set priorities and manage competing demands, sometimes under pressure.

Working Conditions

Hybrid work environment with required three office days to better engage in storytelling opportunities with faculty and students (Tues/Thurs current anchor days).

Additional Information

We highly recommend submitting both a cover letter and resume at time of application.

The FAS is unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future for this position.

All formal offers will be made by the FAS Human Resources team.

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.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

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Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code: CM1057 Communications Management II

Job Function: Communications

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

Sub Unit: ------------

Salary Grade: 057

Department: FAS Communications


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.

EOE 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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