Founded in 1898, Harvard Magazine is the University's independent alumni magazine, reaching 340,000 alumni, faculty, and staff. The next editor will uphold the high standards that have made the magazine the most trusted source of Harvard news and information for readers, while also extending the brand's digital reach.
Position Description
Demonstrated excellence in reporting, writing, and editing, from breaking news formats to in-depth, extensive features.
Demonstrated excellence in digital innovation, including creation of digital-first content such as videos, podcasts and newsletters.
Management experience, as the editor hires, supervises, develops, and evaluates the magazine's reporting/editorial and creative/art/design staff members, and oversees all assignments for print and online publication.
Organizational aptitude, to navigate both the complex, layered University and alumni contexts in which the magazine operates editorially, in service to readers, and the essential, close working relationship-in the context of a small, resource-constrained organization- with the publisher (and frequently, members of the business staff) on overall editorial policies, budgetary matters affecting editorial operations, and all digital and strategic matters involving service to reader/users of Harvard Magazine content.
A collaborative working style, given the scale of the enterprise, the partnership with the University and the overlapping roles and responsibilities assumed by every staff member (for example, reporter/writers also carefully read and edit/comment upon one another's texts and have important production responsibilities).
Complete comfort in multitasking-given the daily round of reporting/writing (often on short deadlines), editing others' manuscripts, consulting with the creative director and authors on art and design questions, meeting with the publisher on strategic and business priorities, and interacting on an unscheduled basis with alumni readers, University personnel, and others.
Broad curiosity and interests appropriate to serving readers who have studied virtually every field of human inquiry and are engaged in virtually every conceivable human pursuit around the world, at all stages of life. Beyond the rhythm of daily and bimonthly assignments to meet these diverse, engaged readers' needs, the editor is responsible for looking over the horizon, directing the editorial staff's efforts to evolve the magazine's focus and approach and engage new audiences.
The editor has also led reporting/writing on University and Faculty of Arts and Sciences news, and on Harvard Management Company/the endowment/University finances-typically, major commitments online, followed by adaptation for print. (The editor is, alongside a Crimson correspondent, one of two journalists invited to attend monthly Faculty of Arts and Sciences meetings, under guidelines promulgated by the faculty.)
The editor also receives, edits, and assembles letters to the editor for bimonthly print and online publication (Cambridge 02138); and has been the principal source of the Harvard in the Headlines contents on the website (current news headlines with ties to legacy magazine articles).
Alongside the publisher, the editor participates in and reports to meetings of the Board of Directors and the annual meeting of the Board of Incorporators, and serves as recording secretary, producing minutes for those meetings.
Basic Qualifications
At least a decade of increasing responsibility for reporting, writing, and editing (preferably in a magazine context).
Bachelor's degree.
In-person management of an editorial staff, including personnel hiring, supervision, and evaluation.
Residence in Greater Boston, with regular working hours in the magazine's offices on campus, reflecting the residential nature of the University and interactions with news sources and University personnel.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Familiarity with higher education, and preferably a research university, strongly advised; familiarity with Harvard University a strong plus.
Experience working with advertising, development, design, product, data, audience and other stakeholders in cross-disciplinary teams.
Availability for news reporting, coverage, and editing outside regular Monday-Friday business hours, and availability/willingness to travel.
Technology Skills
Knowledge of Word, Google Docs, InDesign, Drupal, and related editorial, design and content management software.
Working Conditions
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.
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: CM0060 Editing Director
Job Function: Communications
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
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.
