Location: College Station,TX, USA
Job Title
Communications Specialist - Science Writer
Agency
Texas A&M University
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
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 College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart and foundation of Texas A&M University. Our 18 departments and more than 130 academic programs of study offer students the opportunity to pursue an extraordinarily wide range of subjects spanning the natural sciences, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, languages, and life sciences. The college is home to preeminent scholars and researchers, world-class academic programs, and exceptional students eager to learn, discover, and make a difference. The educational experience in Arts and Sciences supports, engages, and inspires students during every step of their academic journey, from choosing to become an Aggie, to launching their successful career. It includes amazing opportunities for participating in cutting-edge research, study abroad experiences, immersive field work with world-renowned experts, and hands-on experiences through internships and professional programs. The College of Arts and Science is home to over 30 centers and institutes as well as many specialized laboratories and active research groups, where innovation by our top researchers continues to lead to groundbreaking discoveries and societal solutions in myriad world-changing areas. Be Here. Be ArtSci. Learn more about us at
What We Want
The Science Writer will produces science content that translates research originating from the College of Arts and Sciences. In close collaboration with faculty, the Science Writer will create communications that take complicated scientific ideas and break them down into simpler, clearer, and more understandable language appropriate for all stakeholder audiences, such as faculty, current and prospective students, former students, donors, industry partners, and government entities. In collaboration with the marketing and communications team, the Science Writer will also plan, research, develop, and deliver written content - and potentially visual assets - for outlets such as the college's website, printed materials, monthly and bi-monthly electronic newsletters, news releases, brochures, and other marketing-related collateral.
What You Need to Know
Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate's education and experience.
Special Note: A cover letter, resume, and professional portfolio of published works for various communication channels, such as web content, digital communications, social media, alumni magazines, news releases, website feature stories, donor communications, and strategic documents are strongly recommended and will help in our review. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.
Location: This is an on-campus opportunity. The selected candidate will be expected to work in-person at our College Station campus.
Required Education and Experience:
* Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or another relevant field
* Four years of professional writing and editing experience
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
* Ability to comprehend scientific or technical information and complex ideas and turn them into clear and compelling stories that are appropriate for the target audience to advance the organization
* Strong storytelling ability with the know-how to compose a narrative about discovery and write memorable stories that captivate and inspire the target audience
* Professional experience researching and writing news releases in a variety of styles for specific audiences under significant time constraints
* Advanced editorial skills
* Knowledge of and adherence to Associated Press style
* Acceptance of various research and a commitment to free inquiry based on evidence and criticism
* Ability to navigate various ideas, respond to feedback constructively, and adapt to varying situations
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively, use sound judgment in making decisions, balance multiple priorities, and communicate positively and proactively with stakeholders about project risks or uncertainties
* Organizational and project management skills
* Success in cultivating relationships with research faculty and/or key stakeholders
* Flexibility and adaptability
* Ability to work outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat
* Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations for events related to University business
* Ability to work on event days that may occur on weekends, before/after normal business hours and as needed
Preferred Qualifications:
* Five years of professional writing experience
* Experience with writing for college level academia
* Experience working with high-level stakeholders to produce content for a major university
* Ability to conduct research and interviews, write and produce compelling content for websites, donor communications and student recruitment publications, college brochures, program fact sheets, advertising, etc.
Responsibilities:
* Communication Development and Implementation: Cultivates relationships with faculty for the purpose of understanding and communicating their research. Collaborates with and interviews faculty to develop and produce compelling stories. Researches and stays abreast of science research and related Texas A&M University, higher education, and industry news. Contributes engaging prospective student-focused content for materials and marketing campaigns aimed to increase enrollment. Demonstrates an enthusiastic and positive approach to working with the team by identifying and implementing strategies to enhance team dynamics. Consistently approaches all interactions with student employees, team members, colleagues, faculty, and staff with a professional, respectful, and positive attitude. Focuses on clear, constructive communication to emphasize collaborative solutions to challenges. Fosters a supportive, forward-thinking environment that encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and the achievement of shared goals.
* Editing: Edits content produced by members of the faculty to ensure strategic messaging coherence, technical and factual accuracy, readability, style, and adherence to brand and editorial guidelines. Provides editorial guidance and advice to other marketing and communications staff.
* Media Management: Uses digital tools to promote and distribute online content and amplify news coverage to key audiences. Contributes to social media messaging to promote written and multi-media content. Initiates graphic design elements to accompany materials with design team members. Provides editorial review and narrative content as requested.
* Professional Development and Other Duties: Proactively dedicates time to advancing expertise in science communication by participating in professional development opportunities. In collaboration with your supervisor, proactively establishes performance goals for each fiscal year.
* Actively contributes to refining all operations, fostering a collaborative work environment and continuously driving improvements that support the success of our initiatives and objectives.
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
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.