Science Writer/Media Coordinator

University of Maryland, United States

Updated: 2 months ago
Location: College Park, MARYLAND
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Details


Position Number: 122098
Title: Coordinator
Functional Title: Science Writer/Media Coordinator
Category Status: 33-Exempt Regular
Applicant Search Category: Staff
University Authorized FTE: 1.000
Unit: SPHL-School of Public Health
Campus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
The School of Public Health (SPH) communications office seeks a full-time media relations coordinator and science writer with experience pitching and writing news and feature stories to join its team. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, inspired and detail-oriented; enjoys working collaboratively; has a strong interest in public health science; and can execute multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision.
As media relations coordinator, the successful candidate will find and facilitate news stories with
a variety of external and internal media outlets, helping spokespeople ensure accurate, clear, and timely messaging is delivered to the public and other audiences.
As a science writer, the successful candidate will also produce news and feature stories about SPH faculty, staff, students, alumni, research and events. The stories will be distributed via university, school, department and research center websites, publications, videos and social media. The science writer will ensure that content is informative, engaging, understandable, and coordinated across the college units and the university.
The science writer will assist at press events, as needed, and will assist the communications team with special projects and events.
The SPH communications office produces research press releases, news stories, feature stories and videos for units across the college; publishes a regular newsletter; manages media relations; maintains an active social media presence; produces marketing materials for student recruitment; and manages alumni event communications.
Benefits Summary Top Benefits and Perks:

Exempt Benefits Summary

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree.
Experience:
  • 5+ years experience in professional writing/editing, public health/science communications, journalism or public relations.
  • Experience maintaining a high level of quality control through writing, reviewing, editing, fact checking and proofing, including the candidate’s own work.


Knowledge, Skills. & Abilities:
  • A strong interest in public health, plus an ability to understand research and academic writing and translate it for different audiences, including the general public.
  • Ability to build productive, cooperative relationships with colleagues, faculty and staff members, students, alumni, the media and others.
  • Demonstrated ability to juggle multiple projects under the pressure of last­ minute deadlines and changing priorities.
  • Demonstrated ability to facilitate external media opportunities, including preparing spokespeople and working effectively with members of the news media.
  • A team player who is friendly and outgoing and is comfortable interacting with colleagues and the public.
Preferences:
Preferences:
  • Proven ability to write interesting, accessible copy about public health topic – including health disparities/equity, global health, environmental health, physical activity, mental health and epidemiology—for a nontechnical audience.
  • Ability to produce multimedia stories that could include video, audio, photographer, and/or graphic design would be a preference.
  • Experience with photography and/or video production, scripting and editing.
  • Familiarity with videography and Adobe Premiere Pro and/or similar video editing software.
  • Experience using social media in a professional capacity.
  • Familiarity with Drupal and/or similar website content management systems. Knowledge of AP Style
Additional Certifications:
Additional Information:
Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, names and contact information of three references, and three plain language writing samples.
Job Risks Not Applicable to This Position
Physical Demands
Ability to sit and stand for extended periods. Able to lift, crouch, walk, and maneuver through groups. Visual acuity and manual dexterity to manipulate graphics and communications materials and view computer screens for extended periods. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds. Ability to work after hours on an occasional basis.
Posting Date: 01/17/2024
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled Yes
Best Consideration Date 02/02/2024
Diversity Statement:
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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