News Writer Job at Texas A&M University System Offices 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.
• Location: College Station, TX.
• Salary: Commensurate based on selected candidate's experience.
• Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended and will help in our review. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.

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.

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays.

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.

• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time.

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.

• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee.

• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees.

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.