Senior Writer/Editor, Science and Research Communications

Senior Writer/Editor, Science and Research Communications

Job no: 527343
Work type: Officer of Administration
Location: Eugene, OR
Categories: Communications/Public Relations/Marketing, Research/Scientific/Grants

Department: University Communications
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA07-Fiscal Year 2020-2021
FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins (Updated)
June 4, 2021; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants
Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter that clearly describes why you would be a good choice for this job. Please include how your knowledge, skills, and abilities have prepared you for the job responsibilities and requirements outlined in this announcement. Please discuss each element completely and succinctly.
  
• A resume of your educational and professional work experience.
  
  Department Summary
  The division of University Communications is charged with telling the University of Oregon's (UO) stories to a broad range of audiences and positioning the university to succeed and thrive. The department utilizes and manages a comprehensive suite of communications tools, including public relations, branding, advertising, licensing, digital media, and more for the benefit of the university.
  
  Position Summary
  The Research Editor/Writer is the lead producer and editor of science and research news writing and is the primary communications point of contact for all university science and research constituencies. The editor/writer:
  
• Maintains fruitful relationships with key research faculty and personnel
  
• Stays informed of the latest trends and news in key fields to best position the UO's research efforts
  
• Provides counsel and authority on appropriate levels of coverage and timing for the release of science-news stories and releases
  
• Researches, writes, and prepares stories for the UO's main channels
  
• Is the key content reviewer for print and web publications that support the University of Oregon's science and research efforts
  
• Collaborates with and coordinates other communications personnel across campus and related agencies (on and off campus) to develop clear and accurate messaging about university science and research
  
  This position is responsible for strategically sharing and promoting the information within the research disciplines and to media, lawmakers, legislators, donors, and other influencers. It requires a professional-level understanding of several scientific fields and research communications protocols. The Writer/Editor's work supports federal and private grant funding, state and federal funding advocacy, and donor fundraising for research efforts. In addition, the Research Editor/Writer provides support to Office of Communications colleagues and serves as a member of the UO's emergency communications team.
  
  Minimum Requirements
  
• B.A. or B.S. in communications, journalism, or related field
  
• Three or more years of experience writing and/or editing science news for higher education, science-oriented organizations, newspapers, or magazines
  
  Professional Competencies
  
• High attention to detail and accuracy in writing, spelling, grammar, and composition
  
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
  
• Superior news judgment, sharp editing, strong research and interviewing skills, accurate reporting, clear and style-appropriate writing and other skills and conventions of print, photographic, and digital media
  
• Ability to accurately translate complex topics for lay audiences
  
• Ability to use photography, photo software, and other tools that maximize visual value of stories
  
• Familiarity with best practices for digital content channels: websites, social media platforms, video, podcasts, etc.
  
• Ability to work independently, manage time, and work on multiple deadlines while exercising discretion and judgement
  
• Demonstrated success working as a member of a team
  
• Thorough knowledge of Associated Press style
  
• A commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity and equity
  
• Familiarity with science and research industry publication norms
  
  Preferred Qualifications
  
• Five-plus years of experience writing and/or editing science news for higher education, science-oriented organizations, newspapers, or magazines
  
• Experience writing and/or editing for a research university
  
• Master's degree in communication, journalism, science, or related field
  
• Membership for two-plus years in the National Association of Science Writers or American Medical Writers Association
  
  FLSA Exempt: Yes
  
  All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.
  
  The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.
  
  The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.
  
  UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.
  
  In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at http://police.uoregon.edu/annual-report.
  
  
  
  To apply, visit https://careers.uoregon.edu/en-us/job/527343/senior-writereditor-science-and-research-communications
  
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