Case Writer and Editor, ReBuild Initiative

Posting date: January 21, 2026

External Reference: 002166SR

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Cambridge
• School/Unit: Harvard Graduate School of Design
• Salary Grade: 057
• Job Function: Communications
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Term Appointment: Yes
• Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

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 Graduate School of Design?

The Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) educates leaders in design, research, and scholarship to make a resilient, just, and beautiful world. The GSD offers an unparalleled setting for interaction through the combination of disciplines—architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and design, design engineering, real estate and housing—with an emerging research program and a robust public program of lectures and exhibition.

Job Description

SUMMARY:

The ReBuild Initiative at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) aims to develop a new model for urban planning and design focused on transforming the built environment with a concentration on design excellence, sustainability, and quality of life for all. ReBuild is an initiative launched by Dean Sarah Whiting and chaired by Maurice Cox, Emma Bloomberg Professor in Residence of Urban Planning and Design. It will accomplish its goal through multi-disciplinary research, engagement with practice, development of new curricular materials, and executive education training for city leaders in partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Cities.

Reporting to the Program Director of the ReBuild Initiative, the Case Writer and Editor is responsible for working closely with faculty and staff to produce case study vignettes and relevant supplementary materials that make academic insights relevant to practitioners and align with the framework of the ReBuild Initiative. The Case Writer and Editor is responsible for both the management and coordination of their projects and the development of content.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a one-year term position with the possibility of continuation.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative Management

• Manage the writing and editing of case study vignettes from inception to completion
• Ensure cases and associated content adhere to university policies and standard publishing norms, including but not limited to house style, citation of sources, digital accessibility, reprint permissions, and copyright law

Case Development and Implementation

• Evaluate and present early ideas for new case study vignettes that align with the Initiative’s goals and associated learning objectives
• Conduct desk research spanning academic literature, gray literature, public domain content, and media reports
• In partnership with the Initiative team, establish interview protocols and conduct interviews, in-person or remotely, with city, business, non-profit, and community leaders and faculty
• Draft, revise, and edit cases under direction of relevant faculty and staff
• Seek opportunities to create video, multi-media, and supplementary content to support the Initiative’s goals

Other

• Work with faculty and staff across the GSD, Bloomberg Center for Cities, and other units of Harvard University to structure cases and complete case study analyses
• Communicate about relevant projects with key stakeholders, including faculty, colleagues, and city leaders

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested candidates should submit the following: a resume, a cover letter detailing their fit for the role and a writing sample from relevant work. Applications should be submitted to the Careers@Harvard website at https://hr.harvard.edu/search-open-positions The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US, and we regret that we cannot sponsor a VISA.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must be able to perform typical office tasks, including sitting for extended periods, using standard office equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Occasional travel to conduct case research is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While the Initiative will be based in Cambridge, MA, and the work is mainly performed in an office setting, flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.

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 INFORMATION:

• The specific annualized hiring range for this position will be $76,400 - $80,000.

Salary ranges within each pay grade are based on qualifications, skills, experience, equity in comparison to similar positions, and external market values. Salary ranges allow for differences among positions within the same grade as well as increasing levels of responsibility and performance within the same job. For more information regarding salary ranges at Harvard, please see: https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges

Qualifications

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree
• Experience with case study development
• Experience with writing and editing for both practitioner and academic audiences

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• Familiarity with the fields of public management and administration, public policy, leadership, and urban planning and design
• Strong interest in, and understanding of, urban policy and governance
• Proven record of working independently and self-managing tasks and projects, while collaborating with teammates and other key partners (faculty, staff colleagues, students, city leaders, community members, and interview subjects)

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date:This is a one-year term position with the possibility of continuation.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate:The specific annualized hiring range for this position will be $76,400 - $80,000.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity.

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.

Work Format Details (repeated for emphasis, see above)

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.