Writer/Editor - Donor Relations

Job Description

The Donor Relations Writer/Editor advances Harvard Medical School’s donor stewardship efforts through high quality written communications and strategic collaboration. With a primary focus on a research and therapeutics portfolio, this position translates complex scientific and medical concepts into clear, compelling narratives that demonstrate gift impact and deepen donor engagement. The Writer/Editor manages a portfolio of approximately 50 narrative stewardship reports annually, provides editorial support on an additional 50 reports, and contributes to other key writing projects and digital stewardship initiatives.  

Key Responsibilities:  

Narrative Stewardship & Portfolio Management (approx. 50 reports/year) 

• Conceptualizes, researches, and produces compelling gift impact reports for individual donors and affinity groups, with a particular focus on research and therapeutics.
• Translates complex scientific and medical information into accessible, engaging narratives while maintaining scientific accuracy.
• Conducts background research; gathers relevant content and data; collaborates with campus partners; and interviews faculty, staff, and students as needed to execute assigned projects.
• Manages a personal portfolio of approximately 50 narrative stewardship reports annually, ensuring timely, high quality delivery.
• Partners with gift officers and frontline fundraisers to develop and execute individualized donor stewardship plans for fund reporting.  

Digital Stewardship & Platforms 

• Utilizes the Donor Relations digital stewardship platform and related tools to produce, deliver, and track digital stewardship communications.
• Collaborates with the Managing Director of Donor Relations and colleagues on the creative development and execution of digital stewardship strategies, particularly for research and therapeutics content.
• Ensures digital content is user friendly, accessible, and aligned with Harvard Medical School’s brand and institutional messaging.

Editorial Support & Copyediting (approx. 50 reports/year)

• Provides editorial and production support for the Donor Relations stewardship reporting program, including copyediting and proofreading approximately 50 additional reports annually.
• Ensures clarity, accuracy, consistency, grammar, style, and tone across all written materials; helps maintain and refine style guidelines and templates.
• Formats and produces reports within established templates and platforms.
• Conducts reviews of stewardship materials to verify accuracy of donor and fund information and alignment with donor intent.

Project Management & Team Contributions

• Contributes to project management for donor reporting and digital stewardship initiatives, helping to track schedules, deliverables, approvals, and production timelines.
• Completes special writing and editorial projects as part of the Donor Relations team.
• Assists with and attends in person and virtual donor events as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of Donor Relations and Alumni Affairs and Development.

As part of your application, please include any additional materials that will help us better understand your qualifications and background, such as a cover letter, writing sample, project sample, or other relevant documents. These materials can provide valuable insight into your experience, skills, and interest in the role.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum five years of related professional experience in development communications, donor relations, science/medical writing, journalism, or a related field. Higher education may count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience translating complex scientific, medical, or technical information into clear and compelling narratives for non-expert audiences.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with meticulous attention to detail, grammar, and style.
• Experience producing donor facing or advancement related content (e.g., impact reports, acknowledgments, donor stories, appeals) strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with digital communication and stewardship platforms (e.g., email marketing tools, content management systems, or customized stewardship platforms); comfort learning new systems and tools.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with faculty, researchers, senior administrators, and development staff.
• Discretion and sound judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Knowledge of biomedical research and/or experience in an academic medical or research environment is highly desirable.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.  At least one day per week in the office.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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 056. 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.

Salary Grade: 056