Senior Communications Specialist / Science Writer

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: 10 months ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 12 Jun 2023

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Senior Communications Specialist / Science Writer
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202300949AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Prof/Indiv Contrib II
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $85,000 - $90,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for eligible employees in the following University benefit areas:https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ and https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ . To see the value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, visit our compensation calculator – https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/ .
Desired Start Date 08/21/2023
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 06/12/2023
Description of Work Unit
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.

The Division of University Marketing and Communications (MarComm) oversees Marketing and Brand Management, Strategic Communications, Community Affairs and Engagement, CSU Magazine, and Social & Digital Media. MarComm team members engage campus and community partners, providing guidance and production outcomes through the various components of marketing, brand management, communications, media management, community affairs and events, design, photography, videography, and social media.
Position Summary
Colorado State University’s Division of University Marketing and Communications (MarComm) seeks to hire a full-time Senior Communications Specialist/Science Writer to promote the University’s research enterprise to internal and external constituent groups and provide public relations services for University programs, initiatives and events. Though primarily a writing position, the position reflects the multifaceted and evolving role of public relations professionals. As the University’s communications efforts have increased well beyond traditional media relations, the roles of public relations personnel have also significantly changed to reflect a much broader, higher-level set of responsibilities.
The Science Writer serves a key role within MarComm, the University’s central PR/marketing and communications arm. The position oversees a variety of basic and advanced public relations tasks encompassing traditional and emerging roles for public relations professionals. The position includes a focus on public relations within the University with an emphasis on science-related subjects.
While this position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work, it is not a remote position.
Required Job Qualifications
  • Minimum of five years researching, reporting, writing, and editing experience in a professional setting in journalism and/or public relations.
  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, communications or related field.
  • Demonstrated ability to write/translate science or research information into fifth grade reading level material.
  • Demonstrated experience communicating across multiple platforms.
  • Proven experience writing using AP style.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Demonstrated professional experience producing or managing content for online media or newsletters.
  • Science related research and/or writing experience.
  • Professional writing, presentation and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in public relations with an emphasis on pitching, media monitoring, and analysis.
  • Demonstrated professional experience using web/social media to quickly and accurately produce clear and concise communications to multiple audiences in a variety of formats.
  • Demonstrated professional experience working in public relations, including proven success in developing and implementing results-oriented communications plans.
  • Innovative thinker with strong judgment and execution.
  • Familiarity with current higher education issues in the state of Colorado.
  • Work experience in higher education or similar large, non-profit institutions.
  • Demonstrated ability to interface with senior leaders to achieve strategic organizational goals.
  • Comfortable performing under tight deadlines.
  • Self-starter capable of working with little supervision but also comfortable with, and willing to, work in a collaborative fast-paced communications environment.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and relevant ability with, culturally diverse communities among potential target and constituent populations.
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Writing and Reporting
Duty/Responsibility
  • Science Writing and Reporting – Ability to comprehend scientific principles and technical information as they relate to University research and programs and distill them into accurate, complete, clear, and compelling reading for lay audiences.
  • SOURCE – Is a contributor to CSU’s website and online newsletter, including:
    • Story research and creation, and posting content to SOURCE.
    • Meeting deadlines and making changes as necessary to improve and optimize SOURCE as a vehicle for illustrating the CSU brand.

  • Comprehensive Communication Planning – Creates and manages strategic public relations plans to effectively communicate the CSU brand and promote individuals, initiatives and issues to a variety of publics both external and internal.
  • Social media communications – Works with Social Media Manager to plan and implement communications strategies using social media and blogs.
  • Special Events – Works with events team and others across campus to help coordinate and occasionally staff events.
  • Issues Management – Proactively identify issues of public concern and take appropriate measures to strategically address these issues to position the University, its colleges, programs and units in the best possible light.
  • Research – Background analysis of media, public trends and specific issues to provide recommendations to administration, colleges or staff regarding strategic communications.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Percentage Of Time 70
Job Duty Category Media Relations
Duty/Responsibility
  • Media Relations – Obtaining widespread traditional and online media coverage with news stories, features and opinion pieces locally, regionally and nationally. Position serves as the media representative for assigned beat areas and general assignment items.
  • External Publicity – Develops and distributes press releases, media tip sheets, feature stories, story ideas, op-ed pieces, public service announcements, news advisories and calendar items to effectively promote the University.
  • Internal Publicity – Promotes department events, awards, research breakthroughs and other news throughout the University community through SOURCE, CSU News & Information website and others.
  • Media Inquiries – Manages process and contacts University experts to determine appropriate responses and arranges interviews as needed.
  • Pitching – Ability to pitch stories to a variety of media outlets and platforms.
  • Media Monitoring – Manage use of online media tracking tool to access and monitor success of media productivity.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Percentage Of Time 30

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter that addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, a portfolio showcasing your writting samples, as well as your experience in researching, reporting, and editing in a professional setting, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. If you have questions, please contact [email protected].
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact Juliana Hissrich, [email protected]
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

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