The University of Maine news writers are storytellers who develop and write compelling stories on a wide variety of topics. They proactively promote and represent the quality and value of UMaine’s teaching, research and public service mission through oral and written communication intended for a range of audiences, including the general public, news media and university community. Typical hiring range for this position is $40,000 to $44,500 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Complete Job Description
About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System’s flagship institution. UMaine is the state’s public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu .
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here .
Qualifications:
Required:
- Typically has the education associated with a bachelor’s degree. Desired background includes demonstrated coursework or continuing education in journalism, English or other writing intensive discipline along with a strong science background.
- Substantial news and feature writing experience.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including curiosity and attention to detail.
- Working knowledge of AP Style and experience implementing an institution’s manual of style and branding standards.
- Demonstrated experience as a self-starter who can simultaneously handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability to develop trusting working relationships with co-workers, news subjects, faculty and students.
- Initiative, discretion, understanding of and working relationships with the news media, and the capability to relate to the people and programs of a diverse academic community.
- Knowledge of word processing and web-based research and communication; familiarity with Macintosh desired.
- Working knowledge of or a willingness to learn WordPress, social media platforms, email marketing services (MailChimp) and Adobe Creative Suite software.
- Professional experience in a university or college media relations office is desired.
- Ability to travel, normally requiring a valid driver’s license.
Other Information:
Materials must be submitted via “Apply For Position” below. You will need to create a profile and application; upload:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
3.) contact information for three professional references
Writing samples will be required upon selection for a screening interview.
You will also need to submit the affirmative action survey, the self-identification of disability form, and the self-identification of veteran status forms. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
Search Timeline is as follows:
Review of applications to begin: October 16, 2023
Screening interviews to begin no earlier than: October 23, 2023
On-site interviews to begin no earlier than: October 30, 2023
Tentative start date: December 1, 2023
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
Length:
Fiscal Year (12 Months)
Required Documents:
Cover Letter, References, Resume/CV