Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

The communications specialist holds a key position within University Communications in promoting public awareness of MSU's accomplishments and endeavors. Strong writing and editing skills as well as managing and publishing to the Web are essential skills.
Under the supervision of the director of the MSU News Service, this position will function as a writer, editor, website manager and general communications specialist responsible for creating content to be used for media releases, marketing materials, online and other purposes, as well as providing general communications support in their areas of responsibility. The position will assist with other projects and duties as delegated and help with emergency communications as needed. The person in this full-time, in-person position will be assigned to chiefly cover the MSU College of Agriculture and Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, though assignments and duties may vary.
Function as a writer and editor responsible for researching, interviewing, writing, coordinating and editing copy on a range of topics for use as media releases, publications, briefing and marketing materials, the Web and other purposes. Update university webpages through MSU's content management system. Coordinate and work with all the University Communications units to achieve communications goals. Assist University Communications directors with other projects and duties as assigned, potentially including but not limited to photography, event support, newsletters, annual reports and oversight of branded materials. Attend regular campus-wide meetings for communications associates. Manage social media accounts. Manage and oversee annual print publications. Assist with emergency communications as needed.
Demonstrated successful experience that includes writing, editing and proofreading on tight publication deadlines. Experience writing in multiple styles, such as for the Web, marketing materials, news releases, feature stories and technical writing. Experience managing deadline-driven communications projects. Bachelor's or master's degree in journalism, communications, English or marketing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience translating scientific information into copy for a lay audience. Successful experience as a daily news journalist. Experience working with Web content management systems. A basic understanding of Web, social media and traditional print media. Have a passion for higher education. Work well with video and photography editors to supplement and enhance written content. Be able to think creatively to increase a story's media potential. Maintain attention to detail, meet deadlines and prioritize competing demands. Have the ability to work independently on a wide variety of tasks. Exercise good judgment and self-motivate. Work well in a team environment. Be flexible and adaptable and accommodate interruptions, sudden assignments and changes to plans. Create and maintain contacts and working relationships with administrators, faculty, staff and coworkers.
Three writing samples of published work are required. The samples must be bylined or otherwise credited to the applicant. Examples could include, but are not limited to, copy that appeared on a professional news website or in a print publication, a press release or a website. At least one sample must be 400 words or longer. Applicants are encouraged to submit a variety of work demonstrating their journalistic range. Do not submit personal blog posts, theses, scholarly publications, position papers, or communications/marketing plans. Attaching documents or PDFs is preferred over hyperlinks when possible. A minimum of three professional references is required.
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.