• Job Description

  Req#: R-12924

  Online applications must be received before 12:00am on:

  January 27, 2025

  If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

  Available Title(s):

  1282-NN_ADMINPRO - Public Relations/Communications Coord Senior

  Business Title:

  Lead Science Writer

  Employee Type:

  Admin. Professional

  Position Details:

  The Opportunity:

  As the Lead Science Writer, you will serve as the lead science writer for Washington State University (WSU) and will be responsible for identifying stories about research with the best potential for attracting state, regional and national/international news coverage. Much of the subject matter will be of a scientific nature, so the ability to translate complex subjects in ways that will appeal to the average reader is essential. You will identify and develop news-style articles that will be promoted by WSU as well as stories and news releases that can be used as trusted resources by reporters, broadcasters and other news and information outlets. You will decide the most effective manner to pitch stories to the appropriate news outlets and will be expected to be creative.

  This position is located on the WSU Pullman campus, but may be eligible for a hybrid/remote work arrangement.

  Required Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in public relations, mass communications or a relevant field AND three (3) years of professional experience in print or broadcast news media, public relations or marketing including proven experience with writing and editing skills; writing feature articles, brochures, annual reports and speeches; executing strategic communication plans and complex communication projects.

  • Five (5) or more years of professional journalism, with proven experience in science or science journalism.

  • Experience interviewing scientists and translating and writing technical, complex material to general audiences.

  • Documented success of placement of news stories or research articles in news or other publications.

  • Demonstrated ability of what print and/or broadcast media are looking for in a science-related story.

  Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proven experience working with EurekaAlert, social media channels and other research-related platforms.

  • Proven experience working with media monitoring platforms.

  Additional Information:

  Area/College: University Marketing and Communications
  Department Name: News and Media Relations
  City, State, Zip: Pullman, WA, 99164
  Department Link: University Marketing and Communications Webpage
  Monthly Salary: $4,942 to $7,569 | In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range. For additional information, please review WSU’s Administrative Professional Compensation.

  Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

  Overtime Eligibility: Overtime eligibility will be determined based on final salary placement.
  FTE: 100%
  This is a Permanent position.

  Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

  Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Documents may be submitted in one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF if possible. Applicants will be requested to provide contact information for professional references within the online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

  • External candidates , please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of your application.

  • Internal candidates , please upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

  
  Required Documents:

  - Resume
  - Cover Letter
  - Please include 2-3 writing samples that are reflective of the scope of this position.

  Time Type:

  Full time

  Position Term:

  12 Month

  WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

  WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

  WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

  Notice of Non-Discrimination

  WSU prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates compliant with Title IX. Inquiries regarding Title IX and reports of sex discrimination can be directed to the WSU Title IX Coordinator. More information on WSU’s policies and procedures to respond to discrimination and harassment are available here: Nondiscrimination statement.

• About the company

  Washington State University is a public land-grant research university in Pullman, Washington.

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