COMMUNICATIONS & WRITING SPECIALIST, Computing and Data Sciences

Boston University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution seeks a CDS Communications & Writing Specialist to craft engaging stories and translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences. The candidate will write and publish content showcasing faculty achievements and promote interdisciplinary research. With 3-5 years of experience in communication or journalism, strong writing skills, and a familiarity with digital platforms, the specialist will enhance the visibility of CDS programs and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years experience in communication or journalism, preferably in higher education.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail.
• Familiarity with digital communications platforms and social media.

Responsibilities

• Write, edit, and publish high-quality content for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with faculty to interpret complex scientific concepts.
• Develop and execute communication strategies to promote events.

Skills

Writing about science

Communication skills

Project management

Digital communications

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, data science, or a related field

Job description

Category: Charles River Campus

Job Location: BOSTON, MA, United States

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Salary Grade: Grade 48

Expected Hiring Range Minimum: $72,000.00

Expected Hiring Range Maximum: $82,000.00

Salary Explanation: The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training and internal pay comparison. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The CDS Communications & Writing Specialist will craft compelling stories that highlight the achievements and innovations of CDS faculty, students, and programs, translating complex scientific concepts into engaging, accessible content for diverse audiences (including prospective students and the general public). The ideal candidate will demonstrate fluency in artificial intelligence concepts and tools and be eager to leverage AI in innovative ways to enhance communications, storytelling, and strategic outreach. They will be passionate about promoting interdisciplinary research and the real-world impact of data science across various fields, and will play a central role in elevating CDS to national visibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Write, edit, and publish high-quality content showcasing CDS faculty research, student achievements, programs, and events across news, profiles, newsletters, social, ads, one-pagers, and reports.
• Collaborate with faculty and program leaders to interpret and communicate complex scientific and data‑science concepts accurately for diverse audiences.
• Proactively seek media opportunities, serve as primary media contact, and identify emerging data‑science trends to keep communications timely and relevant.
• Develop and execute communications strategies and collateral to promote events, conferences, speaker series, and special initiatives; support outreach and awareness campaigns for CDS and BU programs (e.g., BU Spark!, Bioinformatics).
• Lead cross‑cutting communications tasks across CDS teams—coordinate event promotion, recruitment/onboarding materials, industry and alumni partnership outreach, and campus/building initiatives.
• Supervise and develop student employees, part‑time staff, and freelancers: assign work, provide feedback, handle hiring and evaluations, approve hours, and maintain process documentation.
• Consult and mentor faculty and program staff on messaging and brand guidelines to elevate program visibility and align communications with institutional goals.
• Support special projects and campus partnerships as needed to foster community engagement and advance CDS strategic priorities.

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, data science, or a related field.
• Minimum 3‑5 years experience in communication or journalism, preferably in higher education or a comparable sector.
• Proven experience writing about science, ideally with a focus on data science, technology, or related disciplines.
• Strong ability to translate technical, scientific, and data‑driven information into clear, engaging content for non‑expert audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail.
• Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Familiarity with digital communications platforms and social media.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with academic researchers and administrators.

A Cover Letter Is Required For Consideration.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.