Senior Writer, Editor

Job Vacancy Announcement

Position Information

Position Title

Senior Writer, Editor

Position Type

Staff

Department

Communications and Marketing

FLSA

Exempt

Union/Non Union

Non Union

Full Time or Part Time

Full Time

Grade

14

Salary Range

Hiring Salary Range

$66,281 - $72,909 / Annually

Fixed Term/Tenure Track (Faculty Only)

Regular or Temporary

Regular

Job Description Summary

Primary speechwriter for the College president. Supports the president through researching, preparing, drafting, and editing speeches, remarks, and talking points. Supports the Office of Communications and Marketing’s goal of communicating the College’s strategic initiatives and guiding principles through creating, editing, and pitching compelling story ideas for a variety of platforms

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or a communications-related discipline is required.

EXPERIENCE

• 2 to 3 years of experience managing e-newsletters, style guides, and editorial calendars is required.
• 3 years of experience in writing and editing speeches for executive-level staff such as a president or vice president at an education institution, public or private corporation, or nonprofit organization.
• Experience working with executive and senior-level staff
• Experience working with the media.
• Experience in researching and preparing information to support multiple styles of writing projects.
• Experience writing press releases, pitching to the media, and participating in media relations outreach is strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent writer and editor.
• Demonstrated abilities in writing and editing for multiple styles of writing including but not limited to news releases, newsletters, features, and op-eds marketing.
• Experience in researching and preparing information to support multiple styles of writing projects.
• Outstanding organizational skills. Ability to coordinate multiple requests, conduct interviews, and gather information for writing projects.
• Ability to take initiative and lead writing projects.
• Demonstrated experience in AP Style (knowledge of Chicago Manual and American Psychological Association styles a plus).
• Excellent writing and verbal communication and proofreading skills.
• Ability to write to word count and to the deadline for writing projects.
• Attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge in using various software such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, content management systems like TerminalFour, media monitoring software such as Cision, and social media.

Criteria

CRITERIA : The following criteria, which are not the sole criteria used in the final hiring decision, will be used to review the applications of those persons who meet the stated minimum qualifications and to select those qualified applicants who will be interviewed. Other information and observations made during the interview process may be considered in the selection process. A Resume/CV and cover letter are required with the application. Please ensure that your documents address the criteria listed below for this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Research and write speeches, remarks, weekly messages, and talking points for the College president. This includes working closely with the President’s Office to identify issues and topics to address in speeches and other executive remarks.
• In partnership with department managers, write and edit copy for collateral including but not limited to brochures, and scripts.
• Identify and research stories as well as conduct interviews for media communications including but not limited to news releases, features, social media, and op-eds.
• Manage and distribute the College’s e-newsletter(s) from conception to distribution.
• Attend events to develop stories that illustrate the impact of the College’s staff, faculty, students, and alumni.
• Develop timelines and coordinate requests for all writing projects assigned; create, maintain, and distribute an editorial calendar based on best practices, College community needs and feedback, and department initiatives.
• Manage the College’s style guide. Collaborate with other College departments to ensure proper use of the College’s style guide in all written materials.
• Work with the assistant director for communications to enhance internal and external communications with the College and external community.
• Stay informed of trends and changes in writing, editing, AP Style, and higher education topics.
• Support the College’s emergency communications efforts
• Write and edit other publications as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have the use of sensory skills to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office-related equipment, such as but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. No significant climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, or repetitive motions

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written standard English.
• As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.
• A background investigation will be conducted prior to the offer of employment. A signed authorization for the release of personal information will be required if selected for an interview.

Is Background Check Required?

No

Is the incumbent responsible for working with minor children or directly engaging with minor children on campus?

No

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

PGCC196211/12

Open Date

02/17/2023

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Background Check Statement

Prince George’s Community College is committed to providing a safe campus community. PGCC conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, education verification, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check

Special Instructions to Applicants

Effective August 8, 2022, Prince George’s Community College’s current vaccine mandate expired for students, faculty, and staff. Select exceptions may apply. Face coverings will be voluntary campus-wide, including in classrooms and instructional spaces. Although the College will no longer require new employees and students to be vaccinated as a condition of employment or instruction based on current public health conditions, COVID -19 vaccines and boosters are strongly recommended.

Application Status ; you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application, upon which time no further communication occurs unless selected for an interview or the position is filled. If recommended for hire, communication is immediately sent to your references listed on your application. Also, you will receive an email notification from HireRight requesting you to submit authorization to complete a background investigation.
Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have at least a bachelors degree in journalism or a communications-related discipline?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have a minimum of 2 years of experience managing e-newsletters, style guides, and editorial calendars?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Do you have a minimum of 3 years of experience in writing and editing speeches for executive-level staff such as a president or vice president at an education institution, public or private corporation, or nonprofit organization?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Please be advised that as required by the 1986 Immigration Act, candidates must be prepared to present acceptable documentation showing identity and that you are a U.S. Citizen or an alien who is authorized to work. It is the college's policy that PGCC does not provide sponsorship for prospective employees. Will you require sponsorship to work in the United States?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • HERC
   • HigherEd Jobs
   • Hispanic Outlook
   • Indeed
   • Personal Referral
   • PGCC Website
   • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook)
   • The Chronicle of Higher Ed
   • The Washington Post
   • Other: Please indicate below
   • Educause
6. How did you hear about this employment opportunity? If you selected 'Other' please indicate source:
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

1. Other