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2 Aug 2013

Full-Time Technical Writer for Product Development (Cambridge, MA)

Harvard Graduate School of Education – Posted by TechWhirl Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Job Description

30230BR
Technical Writer for Product Development
Harvard Graduate School of Education
————
USA – MA – Cambridge
Communications
Full-time
Center for Education Policy Research
056
00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
The Technical Writer for Product Development will be part of a growing team at the Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) at Harvard University.  Launched in 2008, the Strategic Data Project (SDP), housed at CEPR, partners with some of the nation’s largest school districts, school networks, and state education agencies to bring high-quality research methods and data analysis to bear on strategic and policy decisions.  It is the mission of the Strategic Data Project to transform data use in education to improve student achievement.  SDP endeavors to do this in three primary ways:  1) conducting rigorous diagnostic analysis on teacher effectiveness and college-going success using agency data; 2) building and supporting a network of data strategists across the country; and 3) widely disseminating key findings and helpful tools to non-SDP partners.SDP currently partners with 35 school districts, state education departments, charter management organizations and non-profits, helping leaders in the sector use data analysis in smart ways that translate into student achievement gains.

For more information about the Strategic Data Project, please visit:  http://www.gse.harvard.edu/sdp.

Key Responsibilities

The Technical Writer for Product Development will work with the director of education and outreach to create and ensure timely delivery of products – case studies, technical tools and resources, videos, and other online resources – that support a growing network of data strategists in education.  SDP’s mission, to transform the use of data in education to improve student achievement, includes wide dissemination of various tools and resources that facilitate better data analysis and applied quantitative research within education agencies.  Such products include, but are not limited to: the SDP Toolkit for Effective Data Use; SDP Diagnostic briefs; online modules for the SDP Toolkits; case studies; online modules for general education and program evaluation practices.  Primary responsibilities include:

  • Write and edit material used during professional development offerings, including memos, case studies, briefs, Toolkits, and other guides central to the development of the data strategists profession in education;
  • Document and translate technical findings and results  into easily accessible formats that a non-technical audience can access;
  • Develop and release research briefs reflecting results of Center’s research analyses;
  • Develop and implement new curriculum and content for fellowship and non-fellowship programs;
  • Lead team through the full life-cycle of product and report development activities including ideation, design, execution, launch, and maintenance;
  • Establish a communication and outreach plan for each tool, ensuring that analysts in education agencies across the US are both made aware of SDP’s resources and are supported as they learn our tools;
  • Hire, supervise and direct several individuals participating in the creation of associated product.

This is a term position for one year from the date of hire.

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Design, or a related field.  Minimum of three years professional experience in writing and/or publication development.  Knowledge of best practices in data visualization.  Experience working as part of a cross-functional team developing an outward-facing product.  Attention to detail and user experience.
M.A. preferred.  Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate quantitative research methods and complex analyses in the social sciences to both technical and non-technical audiences.  Ability to work under pressure, accurately assess problems, and develop solutions under tight timelines.  Creativity, and experience with interactives and graphic design.  Knowledge of statistics, econometrics, or programming a plus.Interested candidates are encouraged to reference the SDP’s Strategic Performance Indicators (SPI’s), Diagnostic briefs and the SDP Toolkit for Effective Data use as these products reflect the type of work the Technical Writer for Product Development will lead.   All material is found on the SDP website.
Please attach resume and cover letter as one document.We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship.

About the Harvard Graduate School of Education

“We believe education is the single most powerful ingredient for a better world.  This is why we spend every day pushing the frontiers of education practice, policy, and research.  It is why we make it our mission to prepare future leaders who can transform education in profound ways – in America and across the globe.” Kathleen McCartney, HGSE Dean

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future.  We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community which values diversity.  For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit:  www.gse.harvard.edu

Identity

Job Categories: Technical Editing and Technical Writer. Job Types: Full-Time.

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