Winston Salem State University
Senior Writer
Winston Salem State University, Winston Salem, North Carolina, United States, 27104
Overview
Senior Writer Please see Special Instructions for more details. A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and T&E requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered. Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position. Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at
OHR@wssu.edu . Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834.
Responsibilities
Content Development and Storytelling
Research, write, and edit engaging content that supports university priorities, highlights academic excellence, student success, faculty research, and community engagement.
Produce stories for the WSSU website, news portal, digital newsletters, magazines, and other institutional publications.
Develop signature feature stories that bring the university's mission and values to life through human-interest narratives.
Ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with WSSU's editorial and brand voice.
Strategic Communication
Collaborate with colleagues across IMC, the Chancellor's Office, and academic units to identify and prioritize story opportunities that align with strategic goals.
Translate complex topics (research, policy, data) into accessible and engaging content for broad audiences.
Contribute to communication plans for major announcements, events, and campaigns.
Media and Public Relations Support
Draft press releases, media advisories, and talking points for high-profile university initiatives.
Support media outreach and assist in managing journalist inquiries and story placements.
Identify opportunities for national, regional, and local media coverage.
Editorial Oversight
Serve as a lead writer and mentor for IMC's student and junior writers.
Review, edit, and provide feedback on communications materials to ensure quality and consistency.
Uphold AP style and university editorial standards across all content.
Qualifications A successful candidate for a senior writer position would bring extensive professional writing experience, typically five to seven years or more, in higher education, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a related field. They should demonstrate a strong portfolio of strategic, high-quality content across multiple formats, including executive communications, web and digital storytelling, marketing campaigns, and media materials. The ideal candidate will have proven expertise in translating complex information into clear, compelling narratives that align with institutional goals and brand standards. A bachelor\'s degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, or a related discipline. They should also possess excellent editorial judgment, the ability to work under tight deadlines, and a track record of collaborating effectively with leaders and subject-matter experts to produce polished, impactful content.
Minimum Education/Experience:
Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English, public relations, or a related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of professional writing experience in journalism, higher education, public relations, or marketing communications.
Demonstrated excellence in feature and news writing, with a robust portfolio of published work.
Proficiency in AP Style and strong editorial judgment.
Exceptional ability to write for various audiences and channels (web, print, email, social, media).
Preferred Experience/Skills:
Experience in higher education or nonprofit communications.
Familiarity with SEO writing, digital analytics, and content management systems.
Experience collaborating with photographers, videographers, and designers to produce integrated content.
Position Details (selected) Position Number: NS7033 | Working Position Title: Senior Writer | Temporary Job Type: Non Student | Approved Competency Level: Advanced
Building: Integrated Marketing and Communication, Alumni House | Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, 40 hours/week | Months per year: 1 | Appointment Type: Temporary | Time Limited Position: Yes | Appointment Length: 2 years | FTE: 1
Requirements and Preferences
Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies: No
Minimum Experience/Education:
Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English, public relations, or a related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of professional writing experience in journalism, higher education, public relations, or marketing communications.
Demonstrated excellence in feature and news writing, with a robust portfolio of published work.
Proficiency in AP Style and strong editorial judgment.
Exceptional ability to write for various audiences and channels (web, print, email, social, media).
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education:
Experience in higher education or nonprofit communications.
Familiarity with SEO writing, digital analytics, and content management systems.
Experience collaborating with photographers, videographers, and designers to produce integrated content.
Valid US Driver\'s License: Yes
Commercial Driver\'s License Required: No
Physical Required: No
List any other medical/drug tests required:
Posting Details Posting Number: TEMP00407P | Number of Vacancies: 1 | Internal Posting Only: No
Position Type: Temporary | Time Limited Position: Yes | Appointment Length: 2 Years | Salary: $35 per hour
Open Date: 01/06/2026 | Open Until Filled: Yes
Special Instructions Summary:
Please Note:
A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and T&E requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered. Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position. Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at
OHR@wssu.edu . Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834.
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
Public Job Posting
Internal Job Posting
Agency Referral
Advertisement/Publication
Personal Referral
Website
Other
Applicant Documents Required Documents
Resume
Optional Documents
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Writer Please see Special Instructions for more details. A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and T&E requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered. Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position. Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at
OHR@wssu.edu . Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834.
Responsibilities
Content Development and Storytelling
Research, write, and edit engaging content that supports university priorities, highlights academic excellence, student success, faculty research, and community engagement.
Produce stories for the WSSU website, news portal, digital newsletters, magazines, and other institutional publications.
Develop signature feature stories that bring the university's mission and values to life through human-interest narratives.
Ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with WSSU's editorial and brand voice.
Strategic Communication
Collaborate with colleagues across IMC, the Chancellor's Office, and academic units to identify and prioritize story opportunities that align with strategic goals.
Translate complex topics (research, policy, data) into accessible and engaging content for broad audiences.
Contribute to communication plans for major announcements, events, and campaigns.
Media and Public Relations Support
Draft press releases, media advisories, and talking points for high-profile university initiatives.
Support media outreach and assist in managing journalist inquiries and story placements.
Identify opportunities for national, regional, and local media coverage.
Editorial Oversight
Serve as a lead writer and mentor for IMC's student and junior writers.
Review, edit, and provide feedback on communications materials to ensure quality and consistency.
Uphold AP style and university editorial standards across all content.
Qualifications A successful candidate for a senior writer position would bring extensive professional writing experience, typically five to seven years or more, in higher education, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a related field. They should demonstrate a strong portfolio of strategic, high-quality content across multiple formats, including executive communications, web and digital storytelling, marketing campaigns, and media materials. The ideal candidate will have proven expertise in translating complex information into clear, compelling narratives that align with institutional goals and brand standards. A bachelor\'s degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, or a related discipline. They should also possess excellent editorial judgment, the ability to work under tight deadlines, and a track record of collaborating effectively with leaders and subject-matter experts to produce polished, impactful content.
Minimum Education/Experience:
Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English, public relations, or a related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of professional writing experience in journalism, higher education, public relations, or marketing communications.
Demonstrated excellence in feature and news writing, with a robust portfolio of published work.
Proficiency in AP Style and strong editorial judgment.
Exceptional ability to write for various audiences and channels (web, print, email, social, media).
Preferred Experience/Skills:
Experience in higher education or nonprofit communications.
Familiarity with SEO writing, digital analytics, and content management systems.
Experience collaborating with photographers, videographers, and designers to produce integrated content.
Position Details (selected) Position Number: NS7033 | Working Position Title: Senior Writer | Temporary Job Type: Non Student | Approved Competency Level: Advanced
Building: Integrated Marketing and Communication, Alumni House | Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, 40 hours/week | Months per year: 1 | Appointment Type: Temporary | Time Limited Position: Yes | Appointment Length: 2 years | FTE: 1
Requirements and Preferences
Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies: No
Minimum Experience/Education:
Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English, public relations, or a related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of professional writing experience in journalism, higher education, public relations, or marketing communications.
Demonstrated excellence in feature and news writing, with a robust portfolio of published work.
Proficiency in AP Style and strong editorial judgment.
Exceptional ability to write for various audiences and channels (web, print, email, social, media).
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education:
Experience in higher education or nonprofit communications.
Familiarity with SEO writing, digital analytics, and content management systems.
Experience collaborating with photographers, videographers, and designers to produce integrated content.
Valid US Driver\'s License: Yes
Commercial Driver\'s License Required: No
Physical Required: No
List any other medical/drug tests required:
Posting Details Posting Number: TEMP00407P | Number of Vacancies: 1 | Internal Posting Only: No
Position Type: Temporary | Time Limited Position: Yes | Appointment Length: 2 Years | Salary: $35 per hour
Open Date: 01/06/2026 | Open Until Filled: Yes
Special Instructions Summary:
Please Note:
A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and T&E requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered. Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position. Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at
OHR@wssu.edu . Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834.
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
Public Job Posting
Internal Job Posting
Agency Referral
Advertisement/Publication
Personal Referral
Website
Other
Applicant Documents Required Documents
Resume
Optional Documents
#J-18808-Ljbffr