Editor of Nieman Reports
Editor, Nieman Reports
University Administration: 67148BR
Job Summary
The editor for Nieman Reports—a print and digital enterprise of the Nieman Foundation for Journalism—directs a team of internal and external journalists and creatives to produce a leading industry publication on thought leadership in media. The editor must bring a visionary approach to the magazine in identifying, assigning, and producing stories and other content that will inform and fortify journalists and move the industry forward. This role must define and uphold the highest standards of publishing, from accuracy to creativity, and ensure that staff and contributors are adhering to those standards.
The Nieman Reports editor reports to the Nieman curator and has responsibility for a $500,000 budget; for the hiring and management of an assistant editor (and a future senior reporter/editor); and for selecting and overseeing approximately 80 vendors annually, including writers, photographers, designers, and graphic artists.
The Nieman Reports editor serves as a vital steward of the Nieman Foundation’s international reputation and a key communicator with its global alumni base and journalists around the world. This position is an integral member of the senior team at Nieman, working closely with our other publishing and communications initiatives. The editor is responsible for conceiving and executing coverage that is creative and often path-breaking, documenting important industry developments, and amplifying Nieman Foundation initiatives and priorities.
The editor is a highly experienced journalist who understands quickly evolving industry developments and translates that into sophisticated and compelling coverage. They have superior news judgment and oversee enterprising research and writing that distinguishes the publication as an innovator. This individual is responsible for the entire publishing cycle of Nieman Reports, both print and digital, from story conception and selection through production. This requires knowledge across multiple formats and a creative and responsible embrace of emerging technologies.
The editor is responsible for assembling a working team of colleagues, both staff and contributors, to provide reporting, writing, editing, fact-checking, photography, graphics, design, and production. This person also collaborates closely with others at the Nieman Foundation to help grow the publication’s audience and impact through social media, live convening, and other audience engagement methods.
Position Description
Job-specific responsibilities include:
- Generate and oversee unique content development for all print issues and digital postings, from brainstorming through publication. Identify emerging subjects and trends, assign stories, coach writers, develop and assign photo and graphic support.
- Provide and oversee the full range of required editing, from development through copy editing and fact-checking. Write or edit supporting copy, including magazine covers, headlines, etc.
- Regularly develop and renew a stable of reporting, writing and visual contributors to maintain the publication’s high journalistic and creative standards. Manage the publication’s relationships and contracts with these contributors, from content creation through printing.
- Hire and supervise Nieman Reports staff, both full and part-time. Provide regular coaching to the assistant editor and oversight of all print and digital content creation. Uphold rigorous standards of accuracy and fairness.
- Oversee the magazine’s budget in regular communication with the Nieman finance director.
- Collaborate with audience engagement editor to mine analytics, maintain and increase Nieman Reports readership, and better serve the Nieman audience.
- Engage and collaborate with Nieman Fellows, staff and other industry leaders to maintain currency with best practices of publishing and journalism.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of progressive editing experience. Supervisory experience. Advanced knowledge of editing in a specialized field, with digital as well as print media, including managing the print production process.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Collaborative and collegial mindset, idea generator, adept at simultaneously managing multiple projects and meeting multiple deadlines.
- Excellent copyediting skills.
- Experience with WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Word, Excel, Tweetdeck, and/or Buffer.
- Excellent written communication and organizational skills and commitment to the highest standards of journalistic accuracy and ethics.
Additional Information
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
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.
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 include 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 - Cambridge
Job Code: CM0158 Editor IV
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub-Unit: Nieman Foundation for Journalism
Salary Grade: 058
Department: Nieman Foundation for Journalism
Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
Schedule: Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
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.