Job Description

December 18, 2025

002030SR

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Job Description

Harvard University invites applications and nominations for the position of Curator of the Nieman Foundation for Journalism. The University seeks a visionary leader with significant journalistic accomplishments and a demonstrated commitment to the field.

The next Nieman curator has a unique opportunity to shape an innovative future for a strong and respected institution whose mission is “to promote and elevate the standards of journalism and educate individuals deemed specially qualified for journalism.”

Since 1938, the program has awarded Nieman Fellowships to more than 1,700 journalists from nearly 100 countries. The Nieman Foundation also houses an array of publications, including Nieman Lab , Nieman Reports , and Nieman Storyboard .

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Lead the Nieman Foundation as principal decision maker for all initiatives and programs, while adhering to its mission and envisioning its future.
• Serve as mentor to Nieman Fellows, providing career guidance, academic support, coaching, and advice during their time at Harvard and beyond.
• Lead the selection process for Nieman Fellows, overseeing applications reflecting excellence across a wide range of perspectives.
• Marshal the resources and exercise the convening authority of the Nieman Foundation and Harvard to bring together representatives from all areas of journalism and varying perspectives contribute to national and global discourse on the challenges and opportunities within the field of journalism.
• Act as a public face of the Nieman Foundation, representing it at industry events, media panels, and conferences nationally and internationally.
• Communicate the Foundation’s mission, impact, and initiatives to a variety of audiences, including alumni, supporters, media, and the broader public.
• Oversee the development and management of publications, events, seminars, workshops, and conferences addressing current issues in journalism, digital innovation, ethics, and press freedom.
• Lead engagement with faculty, students, and staff at Harvard, integrating the Foundation and its Fellows into the intellectual life of the University.
• Build partnerships within Harvard and with external relevant journalism organizations and educational institutions.
• Manage a team of approximately 19, including senior staff, and administrative personnel.
• Oversee the Foundation’s budget, financial planning, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Lead fundraising and development efforts in collaboration with university advancement offices, cultivating donors, alumni, and grant opportunities.

Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

• Minimum of 15 years relevant experience. Education beyond undergraduate degree may count towards experience.
• Recognized leader with a significant record of achievement.
• Proven management and administrative capabilities, including experience leading teams and managing programs or organizations.
• Deep understanding of the principles of journalism and a broad knowledge of the field.
• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication skills and experience articulating complex ideas to a variety of audiences.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and mentoring leaders in journalism.
• Knowledge of the emerging media landscape and its effect on journalistic models and practices.
• Experience with or knowledge of academic institutions is helpful.

Additional Information

How to Apply: Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume and cover letter for confidential consideration. Candidates selected for further consideration may be required to submit additional materials and/or presentations as part of the hiring process.

Nominations and referrals may be directed to Nieman_Search@harvard.edu

Other information :

• Compensation Range: $310,000 - $350,000
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings: ( Identity, Criminal, Credit, Education)
• This position has a 6-month orientation and review period.

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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 090. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

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.

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