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Job Title: Senior Content Writer

Agency: Texas A&M University

Department: Marketing & Communications

Proposed Minimum Salary: Commensurate

Job Location: College Station, Texas

Job Type: Staff

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 Senior Content Writer, 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 as a top-tier research institution. This team member will build relationships with faculty members to create content for university media channels and for a year-to-year contract with The Conversation, a network of nonprofit media outlets publishing news stories and research reports online. Responsible for working with national media members to create media mentions, placements and make Texas A&M researchers the go-to voice on certain topics.

What You Need To Know

Ability to travel independently to other remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines. This position may be less than 5% or more of travel. This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.

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

Liaison to The Conversation (TC):

• Connect Texas A&M faculty/staff/graduate students who are willing to write with TC editors.
• Identify key experts to send TC callouts and devise angles to pitch to TC editors.
• Assist authors, as needed, during editorial process.

Content writer:

• Tell stories of impactful research through news releases, stories or videos as assigned by supervisors, Chief Marketing Officer or members of the central Marketing team.
• Proactively find interesting research stories and present them for approval.
• Balance writing several stories and projects at the same time.
• Cultivate relationships with faculty, researchers and research deans.
• Assist Central Marketing and Communications team with content packages and/or feature and/or strategic communications writing.
• Assist with compiling and sending weekly newsletter.
• Assist 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.
• Assist with media monitoring as needed.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations or similar discipline.
• Four years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education environment.
• Experience in print journalism.
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, science communication or related field. Area of study must be concentrated on writing.
• Education or equivalent experience in science writing and communication.
• Ability to write in clear and understandable language for journalists and the public.
• Ability to translate often complex scientific research into easily understandable language.
• Ability to work without supervision to find stories, then tell those stories in informative, compelling ways that connect with target audiences.
• Knowledge of the national media landscape in both traditional and emerging media areas.
• Experience in content marketing, particularly digital.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to positively and professionally interact with coworkers, administrators, faculty and staff, current and former students, and members of the media.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of office software and instructional programs.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expert written communications skills.
• Proficiency in Associated Press style.
• 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 and good oral communication.
• Ability to collaborate successfully with internal and external teams.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Knowledge of university research landscape, not required, but a pro.

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.

Benefits:

• 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.