University of Georgia is hiring: Staff Writer in Athens

Posting Details
Posting Number: S14992P

Working Title: Staff Writer

Department: MarComm-Media Communications

About the University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state's flagship university. UGA is ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The main campus is in Athens, GA, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students, including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including the School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00. Occasional nights and weekends needed.

Advertised Salary: $55,000 - $60,000

Posting Date: 04/15/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of 25 institutions of higher education and the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values guide all we do. Details are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title: Communications Pro I

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English, public relations, or a related field.

One to three years of professional writing, journalism, or communications experience.

Demonstrated experience writing news stories, features, profiles, or narrative content for print or digital platforms.

Familiarity with higher education environments and the ability to translate complex topics into accessible, engaging stories.

Ability to adapt writing style and tone for different audiences and platforms.

Familiarity with AP Style and standard journalistic editing practices.

Experience with content management systems (CMS) or web publishing tools.

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a collaborative communications environment.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Media Communications & Relations, the primary role of this position is to write compelling, high-quality content that tells the story of the University of Georgia's achievements and impact. This individual will produce a wide range of written materials—including magazine features, news stories, profiles, and narrative content—crafted for a wide range of audiences across print and digital platforms.

The Staff Writer will produce clear, engaging content for a wide range of audiences—including alumni, students, faculty, staff, news media, and external stakeholders—across a broad portfolio of assignments such as strategic initiatives, research, campus life, institutional achievements, and timely news.

The writer will develop content for publications and platforms managed by the Division, including but not limited to UGA Today, Georgia Magazine, marketing campaigns, institutional news, web content, and email newsletters. This position requires strong adaptability and the ability to shift voice and tone depending on platform, audience, and purpose.

The writer will collaborate closely with UGA Marketing & Communications staff and stakeholders across schools, colleges, and administrative units to identify story opportunities, shape narratives, and execute high-impact communications.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to produce clear, engaging content for a wide range of audiences.

Effective interviewing and reporting skills, including the ability to synthesize complex topics into accessible narratives.

Knowledge of journalistic standards and editorial practices, including familiarity with AP Style.

Ability to adapt voice, tone, and style for different platforms and audiences.

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.

Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders across the institution.

Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and quality in written content.

Physical Demands: Work in standard office environment

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No

Is this a Position of Trust? No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check; confirmation of credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities. Visit the UGA Background Check website for details.

Duties/Responsibilities

Content Development & Storytelling

Works independently to research, interview, and write news, feature stories, profiles, and narrative content that reflects the University of Georgia's mission and strategic priorities.

Produces executive-level messaging, institutional announcements, and general assignment stories for multiple platforms.

Serve as the lead narrative creator for flagship institutional stories, major research features, and special publications.

Independently identify, develop, and lead complex storytelling projects, determining narrative structure, themes, tone, and stylistic direction with minimal oversight.

Develop narrative strategy for major communications initiatives, shaping editorial direction and ensuring creative alignment with institutional goals.

Percentage of time: 65%

Editing & Quality Assurance

Serves as backup to the Managing Editor to edit and refine written content produced by colleagues and campus partners to ensure clarity, consistency, tone, and adherence to brand and editorial standards.

Provides constructive feedback and helps maintain the overall quality and integrity of published content.

Provide expert guidance to campus stakeholders on narrative development, messaging approaches, and best practices in creative communication.

Percentage of time: 15%

Content Planning & Story Development

Identifies and pitches story ideas that align with institutional priorities and audience interests. Works with colleagues across schools, colleges, and administrative units to discover compelling stories and develop editorial opportunities.

Create long-form and multimedia-supported content that requires substantial originality, critical thinking, and interpretation of complex topics for a wide range of audiences.

Percentage of time: 10%

UGA Today Website and Email

Serves as backup for UGA Today email newsletter production and distribution as well as UGA Today website content publication and organization management.

Percentage of time: 5%

Other Duties

Other duties as assigned.

Percentage of time: 5%

#J-18808-Ljbffr