Science Writer/Public & Media Relations Specialist-Senior

Job Summary:

As the lead science content creator for the Office of Marketing, Communications and Media, the position will work closely with leadership and collaborate with scientists across the institution to develop and distribute content that elevates the university’s local and national reputation as a leading research institution. The ideal candidate will be a savvy storyteller with the ability to synthesize complicated science information and translate it for multiple audiences. Under minimal supervision, responsible for planning, implementing, and executing public and media relations strategies and tactics in order to maintain the university's positive brand awareness and reputation for excellence as demonstrated in its missions of research and science, on local, regional and national levels. Research topics, interviews research experts, writes and disseminates news releases and other communications (news articles, feature stories and essays opinion/editorial pieces for magazines, news publications, websites, video scripts, newsletters, email communications, presentations, social media content and more). These tactics are executed in order to achieve an informed public understanding necessary to the success of the institution. Coaches team members in the highly relevant and broad-ranging implications of news media relations. This position is within the Marketing & Communications Department. 

 

Job Duties:

Provides public and media relations for the university through the researching, interviewing of content experts, writing and disseminating of news releases, news articles/stories/features, communication strategies and campaigns and university statements to the scientific/research community through national/local science/academic journals.

Writes other communications products such as copywriting, scriptwriting, speechwriting, audiovisual productions and opinion/editorial pieces.

Performs these writing assignments in the specialized areas of science, medicine and professional health education, to support outreach to: academic/professional journal organizations; the community at large; and other university stakeholders.

Advises/consults with university faculty experts and executive leadership in order to continually strengthen the institution’s reputation and relationship with the science/research news media.

Performs writing assignments for institutional communications platforms, to include the university’s magazine, Mission, its news website, Newsroom, and all its myriad e-newsletters.

Develops, completes and manages special projects as assigned, including those that require the writing of media releases.

Identifies ways to attract audiences and amplify/publicize science-related content, including outreach to social networking sites, news outlets, national science writers, national science journals and other venues.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

 

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism or related field is required.

Experience:

Five (5) years of directly related experience is required in communications, public relations, or as a journalist at a news media organization.

Preferred:

Experience with Science writing.

Seven (7) years or more preferred.

 

Additional Information