The goal of the Nieman Journalism Lab (www.niemanlab.org) is to identify and encourage changes that can expand the production of quality journalism in America. We do so by tracking innovation, examining new business models, identifying best practices, and trying to be a forward-looking voice in figuring out the future of journalism. The new staff writer for the Lab will work with existing staff to help achieve this goal.
Position Description
As a writer, the primary work of the position is smart reporting and writing on the evolution of the news ecosystem. That includes traditional news organizations, startups, nonprofit outlets, consumer behavior and habits, academic research, and the technology companies that impact how news is reported, distributed, and consumed.
We are looking for a staff writer who is driven, self-motivated and excellent at time management, and able to take initiative to produce timely, well-reported stories. The ideal candidate is excited about the opportunity to develop their own specialized beats over time and, with ample support from the rest of the Nieman Lab team, tackle ambitious stories. This position will involve working with other Lab, Nieman Foundation, or Harvard staff on other projects and initiatives where appropriate.
Basic Qualifications
Minimum 2 years' experience as a working journalist. (We will consider student journalist experience.) Strong familiarity with the production and distribution of news online. Excellent writing and reporting skills, source management, and the ability to generate story ideas are musts.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Bachelor's degree. Online journalism experience and familiarity with the Nieman Journalism Lab strongly preferred. Attention to detail. Ability to work under deadlines, set priorities, and work collaboratively in a team environment.
Additional Information
Work Location: Remote
All remote work must be performed within the United States and within a state where Harvard University is registered to do business (CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA).
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.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website 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.
Work Format
Remote
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.
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.