Staff Writer

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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.

The Brooks McCormick Jr. Animal Law and Policy Program (ALPP) is seeking a senior professional responsible for shaping and advancing the intellectual, collaborative, and public-facing work of the ALPP. The Staff Writer will lead a portfolio that includes mentoring Visiting Fellows, Research Fellows, and students in relation to their scholarly work; they will build and sustain a dynamic workshop series, provide guidance to Fellows, staff and students based on editorial and publishing expertise, produce reports, newsletters, and internal Program resources, and advance the ALPP’s research agenda and external profile. 

The Staff Writer will work independently and collaboratively with the Faculty Director, Executive Director, and Program staff to develop Fellows’ book projects and scholarly trajectories, develop key scholarly and public partnerships, transform academic research into high-impact publications and convenings, and build and strengthen relationships across disciplines within and beyond the Harvard Law School and Harvard University.

As a Staff Writer you will:  

• Manage the ALPP’s interdisciplinary workshop series to foster intellectual exchange and scholarly collaboration, and advance manuscript development by Visiting Fellows and scholars. 
• Produce impactful public-facing Program materials including conference reports, Years in Review, newsletters and web content, and support the production of Op Eds through research and writing.  
• Produce independent, original scholarly work that contributes to the Program’s core intellectual work. 
• Mentor staff, Fellows, and students to conceptualize writing projects from idea to published work and guide the research and writing of research assistants and interns as required. 
• In consultation with and subject to the direction of the Faculty Director and Executive Director, identify and cultivate opportunities for collaborative research projects, edited volumes, and cross-institutional partnerships, and develop and document concepts for initiatives and convenings that align with Program priorities. 
• Support the interdisciplinary research and writing of the Faculty Director. 
• Assist with Program requirements as needed. 

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and five or more years of experience in publishing or writing in an academic context or closely related area. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have: 

• Master’s degree 
• Strong research, writing, editing and proofreading skills 
• Expertise with, or willingness to learn WordPress or a similar publishing platform 
• Experience in an academic research environment, including planning and facilitating workshops or other convenings that support intellectual exchange  
• Familiarity with scholarly and trade publishing, including experience working with agents, editors, or publishers 
• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to teamwork; demonstrated ability to build effective, consultative partnerships across academic and administrative units 
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including using and maintaining shared filing systems and handling confidential and sensitive information 
• Ability to work independently in an environment with multiple priorities  

Appointment End Date: This is a one-year term appointment with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need. 

Standard Hours/Schedule: Full-time. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.  

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

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Other Information:

Travel may be required for this position as needed, including on-site meetings, conferences, and events.  

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.