Writer/Publicist

Harvard College Library
Communications Department
Cambridge, MA


Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Writer/Publicist assists in meeting the news, publicity, and outreach needs of the Harvard College Library. Researches and writes stories, backgrounders, profiles and other materials for internal and external audiences. Identifies, develops, and places stories for the news media and assists with related media inquiries. Helps extend the Library's relationships with the news media and maintains contact list. Oversees clip file and tracking. Manages HCL News page on the website and maintains story archive. Creates and/or edits content for the HCL web sites in collaboration with Content Contributors. Serves as HCL photographer for news, events, other occasions; assists with photo files and scanning. Manages production of HCL calendar of events and distributes to media outlets. Collaborates with staff on the creation and implementation of outreach initiatives and events to inform and engage library users and/or donors. Works on special projects and events. Serves as backup for posting listserv messages.

Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, or other communications concentration required. Three to five years relevant work experience. Web publishing experience and proficiency on PC platform.

Additional Qualifications:
Excellent oral and written English communication skills. Working knowledge of HTML, Dreamweaver, and Photoshop preferred. Ability to take news-quality digital photographs and manipulate digital images for both print and electronic publication. Must be an experienced, adept, and versatile writer as well as a communications generalist with high attention to detail. Strong organizational skills. Ability to set priorities, manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work with grace under pressure. Ability to handle confidential materials and demonstrate sound judgment on communications issues. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work cooperatively with a wide range of people essential.


Interested parties may apply to: www.jobs.harvard.edu

and search using requisition #34873.

Harvard University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.