Senior Content Writer

Job Summary

HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

The Center on the Developing Child drives science-based innovation to achieve breakthrough outcomes for children facing adversity. We do this through a signature approach to multidisciplinary science synthesis, strategic communication, and collaborative knowledge building to shift mindsets about the importance of supporting healthy development in the early years. Our goal is to forge connections between science, diverse sources of knowledge, and those who are in a position to make that science actionable—policymakers, community leaders, advocates, and others—to eliminate disparities and ensure that all children can thrive in developmental environments that support their lifelong health and wellbeing.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Communications, the Senior Content Writer is an exceptional writer and skilled editor who is enthusiastic to work with faculty, researchers, and subject matter experts to identify, frame, and deliver strategic messages to diverse external audiences of the Center on the Developing Child. The Senior Content Writer will conceptualize and execute content that creates a depth of understanding about emerging science related to early childhood development, advancing the Center's mission. In particular, the SCW will work with working papers generated by our scientific councils to generate companion, lay-friendly products that present the latest science with target audiences in accessible, actionable, and innovative formats, including InBriefs, social campaigns, web content, and more. In all this work, the Senior Content Writer will also work to elevate diverse voices, lived expertise, and community experience alongside the science on the Center's platforms.

Position Description

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Explore, understand, distill, and write content about basic, translational, and clinical science research – primarily based on the working papers generated by our scientific councils – in a concise, compelling way that captivates external audiences while upholding scientific integrity and accuracy.

• Write, edit, and proofread content for the Center's newsletter, news releases, social channels, briefs, partner outreach, and other materials intended to achieve greater awareness and interest in the Center's work with the public, including policymakers, advocates, and community leaders.

• Write, revise, and review content for our 2024 website redesign, and on an ongoing basis, for the Center's website.

• Work directly with the Assistant Director and Director of Communications on science-related content for story approach, treatment, and content review.

• Generate ideas and help execute multimedia content for the Center's online presence, including conducting interviews, drafting podcast scripts, and supporting the publication of scientific papers. Collaboration with the Assistant Director of Web Services and design colleagues is critical.

• Occasionally provide editing support for Center colleagues across teams and ensure written products across the Center are aligned to the Center's voice and messaging.

• Share a passion for the mission of the Center and serving children and families facing adversity and a foundational knowledge of equity, diversity, inclusiveness, and belonging (EDIB) principles and bring an anti-racist/anti-bias lens to our communications platform and strategies.

• Bring 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.

• Other duties, including additional content development projects, as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

BA/BS required along with at least five years of related experience.

Please Note: Applicants who wish to be considered must submit a cover letter in addition to a resume. Any candidate advancing to the final round of interviews will be asked to complete a writing exercise.

This position is grant-funded through 12/31/2025 with a strong possibility of continuation.

Salary Range: $69-84K

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• The ideal candidate must have exceptional writing and editing skills, as well as strong interpersonal and project management skills.

• Advanced degree preferred, along with a strong background in writing about science, storytelling, and editing at an academic institution, within the biomedical, healthcare, or public health fields, or for a news outlet.

• Communications experience in an academic setting and demonstrated comfort working with faculty preferred. Must have the ability to work effectively with a wide range of internal and external constituencies. Should possess the ability to set priorities and manage competing demands, sometimes under pressure.

Working Conditions

HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (Only Exempt), CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state's required tax and other withholdings from your paycheck for the time you work there. 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.

This is a Remote position. We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship

Additional Information

HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions. We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows everyone to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.

We do this by:

• Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve
• Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged
• Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation
• Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion
• Communicating transparently and respectfully; and
• Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment

About the Harvard Graduate School of Education Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit:

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