Job description

University Communication’s mission is to enhance MSU’s public image, increase the public’s awareness of MSU’s accomplishments and develop consistent communications that builds the university’s reputation. University Communications provides a wide range of services to the university through its operational units: Montana PBS, MSU News Service, MSU Creative Services, MSU Web and Digital Communications, University Marketing, and University Printing. Its staff includes writers, editors, graphic designers, photographers, video producers, publications specialists, marketing specialists, Web programmers and printers.

Under the supervision of the director of the MSU News Service, this position will function as a writer and editor responsible for researching, writing, editing and disseminating copy for media releases, publications, marketing materials and the Web. The position will assist the University Communications directors with other projects and duties as delegated and assist with emergency communications as needed

Duties and Responsibilities
Function as a writer and editor responsible for researching, interviewing, writing, coordinating, and editing copy on a broad range of topics to be used for media releases, publications, briefing and marketing materials, the Web, and other purposes.
Coordinate and work with all University Communications units to achieve communications goals — primarily with news but also web, marketing, creative services, video, and photography.
Use the university’s content management system to post or modify content on an as-needed basis for communications clients.
Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Demonstrated successful experience that includes writing, editing and proofreading on tight publication deadlines.
Experience writing in multiple styles in addition to the traditional journalistic format — such as writing for the Web, marketing materials, news releases, and technical writing — as well as experience writing pieces of varied lengths, from briefs to long-form articles.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Master’s degree in journalism, English or marketing — or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Successful experience working as a daily newspaper journalist.
Experience including institutional branding in written materials.
Experience working with a Web content management system.

The Successful Candidate Will
Have experience writing for news media.
Have a strong understanding of grammar and punctuation and be familiar with Associated Press Style.
Have a passion for higher education and the land-grant mission.
Work well with photography and video editors to enhance written content.
Have a basic understanding of Web, social media, and traditional print media.
Create and maintain contacts and working relationships with administrators, faculty, staff and coworkers.
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-motivation.
Work productively in a team-oriented environment.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
A minimum of 3 professional references are required in your profile when applying for this position.
Three writing samples of published work are required. Examples of published work can include but are not limited to, copy that as a newspaper or popular magazine article, as a press release, or on 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.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

The person in this position must be able to use a computer monitor, keyboard and mouse for long periods of time with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date

Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on February 9, 2023; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established

Special Instructions
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Diversity Statement

Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

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.

MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment/dualcareer.html

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