Writer/Editor, Social Science

Job Summary:

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) seeks a Writer/Editor, Social Science to join the FAS Editorial team, which is a core part of the FAS Communications and Marketing Department. The role centers on storytelling and institutional writing that supports the priorities of both the FAS and Division of Social Science, including coverage of faculty research and teaching, department and center programming, and new initiatives. This robust portfolio of new and ongoing work features, in particular, the FAS’ dynamic community of faculty, researchers, and students. The successful candidate will be intellectually curious and able to deliver storytelling on everything from research breakthroughs and breaking news to engaging profiles for the new FAS news platform, The FAS Current, while collaborating with partners across the FAS and the University to promote and elevate the team’s work.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Research, report, and write original news, backgrounders, profiles, and feature stories that support the priorities of both the FAS and Division of Social Science Dean.
• Translate complex research and interdisciplinary social science themes into compelling narratives accessible to both internal and external audiences.
• Collect and generate story ideas independently, maintaining a robust portfolio of coverage for the new FAS news platform, The FAS Current.
• Cover timely news and events, maintaining flexibility with deadlines and schedules to meet the demands of Harvard’s digital news platforms.
• Develop and maintain relationships with faculty, researchers, and students across the Division of Social Science.
• Execute multimedia packages, including conducting video interviews and generating ideas for visual assets to accompany stories on Harvard websites.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across the FAS and the University to promote and elevate the team’s editorial work.
• Draft digital-first content, including catchy headlines and engaging email newsletter copy to drive readership.
• Navigate multiple constituencies with patience and diplomacy to ensure all materials meet institutional standards and audience needs.

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 additional days as needed. Complying with the office’s work location requirements is a condition of continued employment. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT).

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5+ years of news writing background or comparable journalism experience.
• Prior editing experience required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Exceptional storytelling skills, with a proven ability to translate complex issues into clear, impactful prose.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to work independently to source and pitch original story ideas.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and shift deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated record of working effectively as both an independent contributor and a team member.
• Experience with digital platforms, including writing web-optimized headlines.
• A diplomatic approach to feedback; a sense of humor and patience are essential for navigating a complex academic environment.
• Collaborative spirit, with an interest in partnering across the FAS and the wider University.