Copy Editor and Editorial Coordinator

Harvard University
Boston, MA Full Time
POSTED ON 5/7/2024

Position Description

The Copy Editor and Editorial Coordinator reports to the Editorial Director and is part of a high- performing editorial team in Harvard Medical School's Office of Communications and External Relations (OCER). The team produces written and multimedia content for HMS that is published digitally and in print, including in our magazine, news website, emails and newsletters, annual report, dean’s communications, and social media.

This position requires mastery of grammar and punctuation; fluency with AP, Chicago, and digital style guidelines; keen attention to detail; dedication to accuracy; and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline- driven environment. Day-to-day duties include copyediting, proofreading, and fact checking; maintaining style guidelines for OCER and the School; and some writing and editing as assigned. The Copy Editor and Editorial Coordinator collaborates with editors, writers, multimedia producers, project managers, and designers to ensure that OCER and its partners consistently produce top-quality, error-free content that educates the public and the community about the institution’s mission and achievements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provides copyediting, proofreading, QA, and fact checking for a variety of OCER-produced digital and print communications materials, including the HMS website and magazine, news releases, daily/weekly/monthly/periodic e-newsletters, the annual Dean’s Report, letters and emails from leadership and other community members, event invitations and programs, posters, fact sheets, long- and short-form narrative pieces, magazine inserts, video and podcast scripts, social media content, speeches, marketing materials, and other collateral as assigned.
  • Coordinates and prioritizes the intake of copyediting and proofing requests, assigning overflow as needed.
  • Ensures all written materials conform to editorial style standards, using AP, Chicago, or digital style guides as appropriate. Is able to master higher education and Harvard/HMS-specific styles as outlined in the OCER Style Guide. Regularly reviews OCER’s posted news and magazine content to ensure consistency of style and format.
  • Provides evolving style guidance to OCER and the School. Manages and periodically updates OCER Style Guide, discusses proposed changes with colleagues as needed, and communicates changes in collaboration with the Editorial Director. Identifies and participates in professional development on style and related best practices. Works to ensure that HMS/OCER keeps current with inclusive language guidelines and other relevant trends.
  • Implements and adheres to version control procedures and is adept at editing in Microsoft Word, Dropbox, Google Docs, and other electronic files, as well as OCER’s Drupal-based CMS environment.
  • Consults appropriate HMS databases and personnel to check names, degrees, and titles. Demonstrates comfort navigating additional internal and external research services for fact checking and content gathering.
  • Suggests and initiates copyediting and proofing process improvements as warranted.
  • Coordinates editorial projects as assigned, including maintaining OCER’s collection of biographic sketches of select HMS faculty and staff.
  • Incorporates guidance from OCER colleagues into copyediting procedures as appropriate, such as SEO, usability, and accessibility best practices.
  • Serves as liaison to assigned HMS Quad or affiliate beats, maintaining contact on a regular basis and helping assess suitability of received content for HMS news and social channels.

Basic Qualifications

4 or more years of experience. Higher education may count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

  • Minimum of three years’ experience in copyediting and style leadership in a comparable environment.
  • Deep knowledge of AP and Chicago Manual of Style and the ability to learn, apply, and evolve OCER style.
  • Five or more years of related experience strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity or comfort working with scientific and medical information strongly preferred.
  • College degree from an accredited institution strongly preferred.
  • Must be detail oriented and able to prioritize work.
  • Must be able to complete assignments in a timely manner, handling sometimes short and competing deadlines with aplomb and without compromising accuracy.
  • Solid computer skills in PC and Mac environments with the capability to master new digital tools, software applications, and technologies.
  • Comfort with Microsoft Office and on-screen editing in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Experience with content management systems. Accurate and efficient word processing skills.
  • Comfortable taking initiative and being a self-starter.
  • Must have a strong work ethic.
  • Must be comfortable working independently with minimum supervision as well as collaboratively on a team.
  • Must be motivated to learn and flexible when encountering change.
  • Must have excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, able to maintain a professional demeanor and develop strong relationships with members of the University community.
  • Has the confidence to present to groups and to uphold style decisions in individual and small-group discussion.
  • Must be honest and reliable.
  • Must be able to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
  • Familiarity with social media preferred.
  • Sense of humor appreciated.

Additional Information

Resume and cover letter required for consideration. Candidates should feel free to express opinions on “copy editor” vs. “copyeditor” in their cover letters.

All finalists will be asked to complete a writing and editing assessment.

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! (https://www.gem.com ?formID=16341e35-cbc6-4904-88a3-09b35763307e)

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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.

Job Function

Communications

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

402042 Publications Coordinator

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

-

Salary Grade

055

Department

Communications and External Relations

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Schedule

35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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

https://hms.harvard.edu/about-hms/campus-culture/mission-community-values-diversity-statement

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.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-WG1

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