News Writer Job at Texas A&M Agrilife Research in College Station

Job Title

News Writer

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Marketing & Communications

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who We Are

The Division of Marketing & Communications tells the story of Texas A&M and promotes and protects the Texas A&M brand. We achieve our goals through: Messaging, Branding, and Brand Oversight. For more information, please visit us at https://marcomm.tamu.edu/

What We Want

The Communications Specialist II, under general supervision, will tell stories - proactively and as assigned - of impactful research being conducted at Texas A&M to elevate the university’s national reputation and image. This team member will build relationships with national media members and work with them to create media mentions, placements and make A&M researchers the go-to voice on certain topics.

What You Need To Know

• This position may require less than 5% or more travel.

• Ability to travel independently to other remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines.

• All travel to and from College Station, Texas will be at the expense of the employee aside from mandatory business travel.

• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.

• This position allows alternate work location per TAMU guidelines.

Responsibilities

Writing:

• Telling stories of impactful research through news releases, stories or videos as assigned by supervisors, CMO or members of the central Marketing team.

• Proactively finding interesting research stories and presenting them for approval.

• Balance writing several stories and projects at the same time.

• Cultivating relationships with faculty, researchers and research deans.

• Assisting Central team with content packages, feature or strategic communications writing.

• Assists with compiling and sending weekly newsletter.

• Assists with website content management.

• Work collaboratively with college and department and Office of Research communicators to ensure appropriate approvals and avoid duplication of work.

• Write social media copy and work with central social team to ensure thoughtful and strategic distribution.

Media relations:

• Build relationships with reporters, pitch and assist them as they write stories based on our releases.

• Assist with distribution lists for wider media sends.

• Attend “meet the media” events and conferences.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Two years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to write in clear and understandable language for journalists and the public.

• Knowledge of the national media landscape in both traditional and emerging media areas.

• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.

• Ability to positively and professionally interact with coworkers, administrators, faculty and staff.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Self-motivation to find stories and topics on their own.

• Working knowledge of office software and instructional programs.

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong written and oral communications skills.

• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage projects.

• Ability to work professionally and harmoniously in a service-oriented position.

• Self-motivation and ability to manage time efficiently, as well as make quick decisions, with minimal supervision.

• Critical thinking skills.

• Ability to collaborate successfully with internal and external teams.

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.