Harvard Public Affairs and Communications is looking for a Visual/Data Journalist to help capture and tell stories of innovation and discovery for Harvard's channels, including but not limited to the daily newsletter of the Harvard Gazette, which covers Harvard's teaching, learning, and research for an audience of 350,000. This position will focus on producing research-, data-, and/or numbers-driven stories, developing charts and graphics that enhance HPAC's storytelling, and using visuals to unpack research and explain complex topics in accessible ways. The Visual/Data Journalist will collaborate closely with editors, designers and other stakeholders to create impactful, visual, and explanatory content. A successful Visual/Data Journalist will be intellectually curious and possess the ability to produce engaging and relevant stories in a creative, collaborative, fast-paced, environment.
Position Description
Research and write on a variety of topics with a particular emphasis on (but not limited to) discoveries in science, health and medicine as well as research findings from multiple disciplines; create compelling data-driven stories that explain, clarify and contextualize
Serve as a champion and leader of visually-driven storytelling, driving ideas and conceptualizing packages; partner with other teams, including digital and creative, to execute those concepts
Build relationships with researchers and staff across the university in order to cultivate best-in-class research-driven storytelling that sets Harvard apart
Balance quick-turn data-driven stories with longer-term, in-depth reported projects
Stay abreast of current events and have the capability to translate Harvard-related discoveries into widely resonant stories
Basic Qualifications
Four or more years of relevant news writing and/or content creation experience
Demonstrated expertise in producing visual journalism, including charts, graphics, and other data-driven content; basic data visualization competency
Comfortable working collaboratively and leading projects that involve multiple stakeholders.
Experience creating content using Wordpress or similar CMS
BA/BS from accredited institution
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Strong storytelling skill and keen sense of newsworthiness
Skilled in both short- and long-form writing
Experience with tools like Data Wrapper, Tableau, Flourish, or equivalent; some front-end development experience is ideal
Video and audio experience preferred
Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work across diverse groups of stakeholders
Sense of ownership in administrating timely, interesting, and accurate content
Demonstrate initiative; problem solving, and scrupulous attention to detail
Proven organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated record working both independently and as a team member
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: CM0057 Writer III
Job Function: Communications
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub Unit: ------------
Salary Grade: 057
Department: HPAC
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.
