Senior Editor & Speechwriter — STEM Newsroom

University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The UCLA Samueli School of Engineering seeks an Editor and Speechwriter to produce and edit content for the Newsroom. You will develop an annual editorial calendar, review drafts, and write original stories for major research initiatives and campus publications.

You will collaborate across departments, interview researchers, and draft remarks for the Dean and senior leadership, ensuring messages align with UCLA branding and communications goals. Hybrid role with on-site days required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of full-time daily news copyediting or comparable newsroom experience.
• Experience with speech/script writing for major events or marketing videos (preferred).
• Experience in covering science and technology beats (preferred).
• Strong storytelling and ability to transform technical info into polished content.
• Familiarity with WordPress publishing and posting content with media elements.
• Interpersonal skills to collaborate with administrators, faculty, staff and donors.
• News judgment and ability to organize stories to engage journalists and the public.
• Problem-solving ability, professionalism and sound judgment.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Competence in using word processing, email, calendars, databases, and research.
• Willingness to work outside regular hours for breaking news or time-sensitive projects.
• Compliance with UCLA policies and community standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop content for the UCLA Samueli Newsroom across multiple assignments.
• Review drafts and coordinate revisions with editors and stakeholders.
• Interview relevant individuals for major research stories and initiatives.
• Draft remarks for the Dean and senior leadership for events and engagements.
• Edit statements and presentations to ensure consistent messaging.
• Collaborate with staff to select graphics and imagery for stories.

Skills

News copyediting

Speech writing

Storytelling

AP Style

WordPress

Interpersonal skills

News judgment

Problem solving

Time management

Availability outside hours

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Journalism

Tools

WordPress publishing

Job description

The UCLA Samueli School of Engineering seeks an Editor and Speechwriter to produce and edit content for the Newsroom. You will develop an annual editorial calendar, review drafts, and write original stories for major research initiatives and campus publications.

You will collaborate across departments, interview researchers, and draft remarks for the Dean and senior leadership, ensuring messages align with UCLA branding and communications goals. Hybrid role with on-site days required.