Summary of the Editor job at Harvard University

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 Harvard Law School?

Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you’ll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

Job Description

Inquest, a publication of the Institute to End Mass Incarceration, is an online journal of analysis and opinion that explores the causes and consequences of mass incarceration. Drawing from the best traditions of explanatory writing and in-depth analysis, Inquest illuminates the system of racial and social injustice that is mass incarceration—and provokes rigorous discussion aimed at identifying and exploring new paths toward dismantling it. It is a platform where the voices of those doing the hard thinking and the hard work—the people closest to the problem, including those directly impacted by mass incarceration—come together to engage with each other in a generative exchange aimed at eradicating mass incarceration, root and branch. 

Inquest seeks to hire a full-time Editor to play an integral role in producing the magazine’s content. 

As the Editor, you will: 

• Manage all aspects of editing articles. Responsible for editorial content, design, and photography, including digital content. Reviews, proofs and fact-checks all copy and performs website (CMS) design work of a detailed and complex nature, including art research. 
• Review and analyze current trends/events and make strategic recommendations regarding what to publish.   
• Serve as liaison to contributors/faculty/authors. Solicit and/or evaluate manuscripts and manuscript proposals. 
• Identify and work to acquire writers for future projects, with a particular focus on those directly impacted by the carceral system. Select topics and develop content.  
• Schedule and manage the activities of outside writers and other staff. Manage and lead day-to-day work of Inquest’s Assistant Editor and Communications role. 
• Oversee Inquest’s publication calendar, including making sure that articles in the pipeline to be published will be ready by assigned dates, and tracking these appropriately in our editorial pipeline productive software (ClickUp). 
• Manage process for author payments. 

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and 5 or more years of experience in communications, publishing, or related field.  

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people with: 

• Commitment to the mission, goals, and values of Inquest and the Institute to End Mass Incarceration. 
• Strong copyediting and proofreading skills. 
• Proficiency with Word (particularly its suite of reviewing tools), InDesign, WordPress, MailChimp, Google Drive and Docs, Excel, Zoom, and Slack. Familiarity with ClickUp a plus. 

Additional Information

Appointment End Date: This is a term appointment currently expected to extend through 6/30/27 with potential for renewal, subject to departmental funding and need. 

Standard Hours/Schedule: Full-time.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Other Information:

While this role is fully remote, finalists should expect to interview in person at our Cambridge, Massachusetts campus. 

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that the duties and responsibilities can effectively be performed fully remotely at a non-Harvard location. Employees in fully remote positions must work all scheduled hours in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. At the discretion of the department, fully remote employees may occasionally be required on site at a Harvard location. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

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.