Metadata Associate

Posting date: March 12, 2026

002402SR

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Cambridge
• School/Unit: Harvard University Central Administration
• Department: Harvard University Press
• Salary Grade: 054
• Job Function: General Administration
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• Term Appointment: No
• Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

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 Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

Reporting to the Sales Director, the Metadata Associate is responsible for Harvard University Press’s metadata management, including the quality and accuracy of the end-to-end metadata process, special initiatives, and coordinating ONIX feeds.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Metadata Associate is responsible for the accurate and timely flow of title metadata to our distributor systems, Edelweiss, and all retail and wholesale accounts.

Metadata Management (50%)

• Work collaboratively across the press to meet all metadata industry standards and account requirements, including changes to BISAC codes, ensuring the best possible sales outcome.
• Manage a process that improves searchability and enhances online presentation.
• Follow a validation process internally and with our distributor to ensure accuracy.
• Optimize backlist metadata to improve sales results.
• Partner with sales, publicity and marketing teams to update metadata in response to media attention, author events, and sales and marketing efforts.
• Pursue industry best practices in all areas where continued knowledge and expertise are expected. Suggest and implement improvements in a timely manner.

Biblio Suite (30%)

• Responsible for title record upkeep, accuracy, updating, and integrity. Identify errors and glitches and address accordingly.
• Coordinate new title setup with key stakeholders. Input and update data in select Biblio modules to ensure accuracy.

Onix Feed and Cover Uploads (10%)

• Finalize titles and execute product data feeds via ONIX. Perform frequent quality control checks and exception reporting.
• Manage cover and interior art file uploads with correct formatting and timeliness.

Edelweiss (10%)

• Build and maintain seasonal, series, and category Edelweiss catalogs. Populate and update all fields, including cover images, quotes and reviews. Upload DRCs and manage bookseller approval process.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications are the minimum threshold a candidate must meet in order to be considered for this role.

• Minimum 2 years of direct metadata experience as an individual contributor.
• Thorough understanding of metadata industry standards for the consumer products industry.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience with one or more of the following: Biblio Suite, Coresource, ONIX, Amazon, relational databases, data warehouse management.
• Ability to collaborate with IT, editorial, sales, and operations teams to ensure complete and accurate data throughout the publishing process.
• Strong excel and reporting skills. Analytical approach to problem solving.
• Confident, reliable, and a clear communicator.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Enjoys working collaboratively to improve and achieve sales goals.
• Commercially focused, with relevant experience and solid skills in ONIX and metadata management, ideally in Consumer Product or Book Publishing settings.
• Complete understanding of how product data is used throughout the supply chain.
• The aptitude and drive to seek automated solutions and deploy new technology to strengthen process and improve efficiency.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to work with a wide variety of people and projects simultaneously, often under pressure.
• College degree preferred.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week, 3 days a week on site
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings:Identity and Education
• Other Information: This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.

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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 Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 054. 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.