Careers

Position Description

The editor for the biannual print and monthly digital editions of Harvard Medicine magazine brings a proven ability to lead a team of in-house and external creatives to produce compelling stories on medical and scientific discoveries at the highest level. This individual must be a visionary capable of recognizing early those ideas critical to progress in medicine, medical education, and biomedical research and then developing stories that highlight the intellectual contributions the alumni, faculty, post-docs, graduate and medical students, and staff of Harvard Medical School are making to advance these ideas.

The editor also must lead in developing content that embraces experts beyond the HMS community so as to showcase HMS as a convener of ideas and a global leader in medicine.

As the editor of HMS's flagship publication, this individual must serve as a responsible steward of the institution's brand and as a liaison to the alumni body that provides counsel to the Dean. The editor is an integral member of the Office of Communications and External Relations team who will report to its Senior Director of Content Strategy, and work with the Senior Director and the School's Chief Communications Officer to conceive, develop, and implement content strategies that amplify institutional priorities, expand and engage the magazine's online readership base, and sustain the magazine's independent, trusted voice for all readers.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Oversee content development for print and digital issues; originate theme and story ideas; hold brainstorming sessions to solicit thoughts from the team; package content for each issue; identify sources; assign stories to staff and freelance writers; develop comprehensive assignment emails; coach writers on the development of leads and stories; actively participate in efforts to update style guidelines to reflect contemporary usage and sensibilities.
• Edit manuscripts as necessary, from rework to developmental to line editing. Revise as needed following copyediting. Write or edit incidental copy. Secure source approvals on story content and administrative approval on the final print package.
• Oversee magazine design and production. Collaborate on planning layout and visual assets for each print and digital issue. Perform image research. Oversee copyfitting using InDesign. Collaborate on planning and development of multimedia assets. Oversee digital presentation of content including that for e-newsletters and for distribution by other Harvard entities.
• Supervise and provide ongoing coaching/mentorship to the associate editor. Supervision includes overseeing the associate editor's planning and presentation of digital content, development of multimedia assets including The Written Word series, and analyses and reports of user data. The Editor will review and approve material edited for print or online.
• Collaborate on developing and implementing marketing efforts designed to increase online readership and engagement. Leverage analytics to better understand and serve readers.
• Manage the magazine's budget. Maintain spreadsheet of expenses. Assess expenses, plan for cost changes, and develop annual budget proposals.
• Manage relationships and contracts with, as well as payment of, freelance writers, illustrators, and printers. Maintain fresh lists of outside creative talent.
• Maintain currency with best practices for all aspects of institutional publishing, particularly those focused on higher education and research. Work to ensure best practices are followed. Participate in meetings of publishing professionals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
• 8 or more years experience in communications and publications, preferably at an academic research institution.
• Proficient in producing high-quality print and digital publications.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced degree preferred, along with a strong background in and understanding of institutional publishing and science writing, storytelling, and editing.
• Proficiency in Chicago and AP style.
• Superior ability to read, grasp, and interpret peer-reviewed research and translate complex information — especially scientific content — into concise, clear communications for both lay and scientific audiences.
• Strong news judgment and exceptional skills in identifying topics that merit exploration from a medicine, medical education, or biomedical research perspective.
• Demonstrated proficiency in cultivating, training, and counseling writers as needed to achieve and maintain a publication's quality and standards.
• Experience leading a team of creatives, including both direct and indirect reports, to consistently produce exceptional print and digital publications on schedule and on budget.
• Experience leading initiatives by building consensus: Listens attentively, invites and values input, secures buy-in, provides coaching and mentorship, and drives engagement and results from colleagues, including those who are not direct reports.
• Experience creating compelling content across several formats — text, audio, video, and emerging technologies — and tailored to target audiences and channels preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment, as well as a commitment to Harvard Medical School's work, mission, and community values.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, attention to detail, and a demonstrated ability to juggle multiple projects and ensure timely production of content under the pressure of last-minute deadlines and changing priorities.
• Team player who has a positive attitude and is adept at solving problems. Ability to build and sustain rapport with stakeholders.
• Skilled in navigating organizational boundaries and collaborating effectively.
• Strategic thinker with entrepreneurial instincts that can be applied to anticipating future needs and opportunities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Proficiency with Drupal or similar content management systems, Photoshop, and audio and/or video editing software and production experience helpful.

Additional Information

To be considered, applications must be accompanied by:

• cover letter;
• résumé, which details writing and work history, as well as links to publications produced;
• and at least three nonfiction writing samples, presenting diverse formats, assignments, lengths, and subjects.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Finalists will be asked to complete a writing and editing assessment.

This position is based in Boston and some in-person on-campus work will be required, and flexible/remote work is an option. Any remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA*, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process. *Note: Harvard employees working in California must be exempt.

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.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to keep in touch and learn about future opportunities!

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website 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.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values

EEO 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.

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