Department: University Communications
Classification: Public Info Representative 2
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $23.69 to $36.27 per hour
FTE: 1.0
Positions Available:
Two
Review of Applications Begins
Position closes October 1, 2023
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please submit the following with your online application:
• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job announcement.
• A resume of your educational and professional work experience.
Department Summary
The division of University Communications (UC) is charged with telling the University of Oregon’s (UO) stories to a broad range of audiences and positioning the university to succeed and thrive. The division utilizes and manages a comprehensive suite of communications tools, including public relations, branding, advertising, licensing, digital media, and more for the benefit of the university.
Position Summary
The News and Research Writer (writer) supports University Communications efforts by creating compelling content that will be utilized to promote the university’s mission and priorities and elevate the university’s reputation nationally.
The writer’s primary role is to communicate UO research and academic program news to multiple audiences in ways that convey benefits to society through the experiences and accomplishments of faculty, students, and staff. The writer develops and coordinates news releases, features, tips, and advisories for assigned UO academic and administrative units. The writer serves in a consulting role by giving professional advice and support to administrative leaders and communicators in assigned units and by training administrators, faculty, and staff within these units on news media and public relations topics. The writer measures resulting coverage to assess how UO news is used by the media. The writer may serve as the primary media contact and may coordinate the work of media relations staff. The writer contributes or collaborates with other staff to provide multimedia elements or social media amplification of news stories. The writer will foster relationships with local, state, and national members of the media.
Experience with a broad range of journalistic tools, AP style, and professional and ethical guidelines of journalism and public relations is fundamental to this role.
Two positions available.
Minimum Requirements
• Three years experience in gathering information, writing/producing materials, presenting information to the public and public relations. One year of this experience must have included responsibility for press releases and interaction with the news media.
• A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication or closely related field may substitute for up to two years of general experience.
Professional Competencies
• Demonstrated experience in gathering, interpreting, and writing compelling stories about complex topics.
• Highly developed analytical and reading skills that enable a comprehensive understanding of scientific journal articles that can be interpreted and communicated through news releases.
• Experience with journalistic and public relations tools and expert knowledge of Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists, and Public Relations Society of America guidelines are required.
• Demonstrated ability to excel in a dynamic, collaborative environment; meet frequent deadlines; balance multiple projects; and be a value-add “utility player” on a high-performing team.
• Strong writing, reporting, news evaluation, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to provide professional public relations advice; an understanding of contemporary news media; ability to establish contacts with the media; and ability to interact effectively with a wide range of university faculty, administrators, reporters, students, and other individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of digital elements and social media that can enhance and amplify news stories.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications
• A background in science communications or research writing.
• A master’s degree in an area such as journalism, English, communications, multimedia, marketing, and/or a field of science.
• Experience in higher education communications.
• Familiarity with web content and writing.
• A portfolio of published clips (within past five years).
• Experience with and understanding of newsrooms, news gathering, and news cycles.
• Strong multimedia and production skills, including but not limited to photography and video; audio, video, and digital photo editing.
• Ability to use design tools, including but not limited to Photoshop and Adobe Premiere.
FLSA Exempt: No
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.
This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits .
The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination .
In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report .
Advertised: September 7, 2023 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: October 1, 2023 Pacific Daylight Time