Production Editor

Job Summary

The Production Editor is a pivotal role within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Communications department, responsible for execution and synthesis of the newly launched digital news platform, The FAS Current, and related assets. As a core member of the editorial team, the Production Editor will curate and package content with keen news judgement that highlights the world-class research and teaching in the FAS.

A primary focus of this inaugural role is the scaling this new storytelling platform as it builds toward the launch of a newsletter component. The Production Editor will serve as a frontline decision-maker, managing the full lifecycle of newsletter production—from copyediting and headline strategy to layout and final dissemination. This role acts as a critical partner reporting to the Senior Director of Editorial and Content, and the candidate is responsible for ensuring that all storytelling assets are polished, mission-aligned, and delivered on schedule to a diverse audience of alumni, students, faculty, and postdoctoral fellows.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Copyedit and review all written pieces for clarity, accuracy, and adherence to FAS editorial style and tone.
• Craft compelling, accurate headlines and subdecks for a variety of story forms including written articles and multimedia as well as newsletter blurbs.
• Strategize The FAS Current’s visual approach by pairing written content with photos, graphics, maps, and video components to create a cohesive final product.
• Serve as one of the final sets of eyes on all high-visibility assets before sign-off and publication.
• Draft, edit, and format content for the weekly FAS Current newsletter(s).
• Manage story packages, new series, and homepage takeovers.
• Oversee the technical logistics of newsletter distribution.
• Plan graphics and layouts that support, authentic, impactful storytelling.
• Develop and manage production calendars and the CMS to ensure consistent content flow.
• Navigate multiple, competing deadlines and manage strict news embargoes.
• Define and refine daily and weekly processes to ensure content stays aligned with institutional priorities and maintains dynamic storytelling quality.
• Lead efforts to synchronize content between The FAS Current, the main FAS website, and other ecosystem entities (e.g., GSAS, SEAS, Harvard College).
• Ensure a seamless and unified news presence across all FAS digital platforms.
• Negotiate conflicting priorities within the team and partner effectively with various units and constituents.
• Identify and resolve day-to-day production issues to prevent delays in the publishing cycle.

Working Conditions

This position will be based on our campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in an office setting. 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.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (Required)

• Bachelor's degree
• 5+ years of journalism or publishing experience, production or layout.
• Experience with editing in academic or research environments.

Additional Qualifications and Skills (Preferred/Desired)

• Exceptional copyediting skills and a proven knack for crafting engaging headlines and "packaging" individual stories into a collective whole. Demonstrated graphic design skills including typography and visual hierarchy to create clean editorial materials.
• Experience managing production workflows within a CMS and overseeing digital newsletter platforms. Ability to craft and apply SEO at the last publishing checkpoint.
• Ability to manage complex production milestones and high-pressure, sometimes tight deadlines while maintaining rigorous quality standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills to navigate a growing editorial team and ability to coordinate across diverse academic and administrative departments.
• Experience with editing in academic or research environments.