Writer Job at The University of Texas at Austin in Austin

Overview

Writer role at The University of Texas at Austin. The Writer is a key member of the Content Strategy team in University Marketing and Communications (UMAC), creating content in a variety of formats for University channels. The position focuses on writing engaging and impactful editorial content for web, email, social media and print, and will work with colleagues across UMAC and the University to tell stories about UT’s people, programs, achievements and more.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for storytelling and the ability to create diverse content pieces to promote the University.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an in-house reporter, finding and pitching story ideas covering a range of topics, colleges, schools and units, in a variety of formats.
• Write stories for UT News and other digital properties: quick-turn news and press releases; longer features; short-form lists; interviews/Q&As; short features; and more, ensuring accuracy, quality and appropriate approvals.
• Write for other content formats, including video scripts, newsletter blurbs, web copy, etc., for marketing campaigns.
• Collaborate with all UMAC teams – media relations, content, social media, design/creative, multimedia, digital, academic and internal comms – on story planning and distribution.
• Source and collaborate on visual assets to accompany written stories.
• Explore and incorporate new and creative storytelling methods.
• Work closely with university communications and marketing teams, faculty, students, staff, researchers and leadership within colleges, schools and units.
• Participate in all stages of the editorial cycle: editorial calendar development and planning, idea generation, interviewing, writing, editing and distribution.
• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, English, Marketing, or related communications field.
• At least 3 years of professional experience as writer, reporter/journalist, copywriter, or related position.
• Strong attention to detail and proven ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• More than 3 years of professional experience as a writer, reporter/journalist, copywriter, or related position.
• Familiarity with AP Style.
• Knowledge of SEO best practices, social media and other digital promotional strategies.
• Experience writing for institutions of higher education.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Salary

Salary Range: $65,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Austin-based position and on-site, with daily campus presence needed to effectively source and report stories.
• Must have access to reliable transportation.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Some evenings and weekends may be required during peak periods.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest
• 3 writing samples (one sample must be an editorial/storytelling piece)

Important

Important information for applicants not currently university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new resume for subsequent applications. Any additional required materials will be uploaded in the Application Questions section. Ensure that all required materials are uploaded before submitting your online job application. Once submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important information for current university employees and contingent workers: You must apply within Workday by searching Find UT Jobs and will be guided to update your Professional Profile and upload required materials as noted above.

Employment Eligibility and Compliance

Employment Eligibility: Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings recruited through University-Wide or Open Recruiting. E-Verify: UT Austin uses E-Verify for work authorization. See the required postings for details. Equal Opportunity Employer: UT Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with applicable laws regarding nondiscrimination. Pay transparency and background checks are noted in the posting as applicable.