Production Editor Job at Harvard University in Cambridge

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences? The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.
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 of 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, authenticate, 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. 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 (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.
Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule:

35 hours per week; 3 days on campus; anchor days: Tuesday and Wednesday
Compensation Range/Rate:

Salary will vary based on the position and the candidate’s relevant experience.
Visa Sponsorship Information:

Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre‑Employment Screening:

Identity, Education
Other Information:

This position requires a 3‑month orientation and review period.
Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work‑life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
Generous paid time off including parental leave
Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
Retirement plans with university contributions
Wellbeing and mental health resources
Support for families and caregivers
Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non‑discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

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