Career Development: Job Postings

Job type: Full-time Position
Location: St. Louis, MO
Position: Senior news director, science and engineering
Organization: Washington University in St. Louis
Date posted: 02/13/23

Position Summary
Promote Washington University’s reputation as a driver of scientific research, thought leadership, scientific innovation/education through proactive PR, storytelling and other outreach. Primary coverage responsibilities are the McKelvey School of Engineering and its related centers, institutes and programs and the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences in Arts & Sciences.

Job Description

This position is located in an office and campus environment. News directors may be called upon to respond to media queries or other events after hours.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

    Write and proactively pitch and place stories through strategic, targeted outreach to international, national, regional, trade and local media. Identify stories and other opportunities to promote messaging in support of science themes, write and produce text, multimedia and other content in support of strategic messaging points in science and potentially other areas. Use university channels (Newsroom, Record, social media, web) to share content with campus and community audiences.
    Identify and position thought leaders within respective areas to serve as media experts; produce content and supporting materials for use in pitches; pitch and place experts. Provide leadership, guidance and support for op-ed placement.
    Provide strategic communications counsel to schools and campus partners, identifying and facilitating opportunities for collaboration with University Marketing & Communications.
    Monitor and report media placements; contribute to overall media monitoring, reporting and measurement strategy.
    Other duties in support of PR/media relations functions.

Applicant Special Instructions

Please include a cover letter, resume and at least three writing samples.

Preferred Qualifications

    Graduate degree in science.
    Six to ten years’ experience in public relations, media relations, journalism and/or strategic communications, with emphasis on sciences.
    Strong track record of success in writing and reporting on science, and/or developing media pitches and placing stories that highlight science.
    Strong communicator, skilled in building relationships.
    Independent self-starter, highly motivated.
    Enthusiastic learner interested in participating in vibrant academic community.
    Knowledge of news media and ability to communicate with media representatives.
    Excellent oral, written and listening communication skills.
    Strong time-management and organization skills.
    Ability to handle multiple projects in a deadline-driven, highly detail-oriented environment.
    Ability to manage graduate students and/or free-lancers for content and promotion; potentially lead campus Science Writing monthly meetings.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related degree and five years related experience or equivalent education/experience to equal nine years.

 

Please apply at this link and include a cover letter, resume and at least three writing samples.

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