Senior Research Communications Specialist

WM001 William & Mary; Discovery (MD); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

William & Mary in Williamsburg seeks a Senior Research Communications Specialist to write, research, and pitch faculty as experts to local, regional, and national media. The role covers science, technology, data, and research beats, with editing, posting stories, newsletters, and coordinating photos as needed.

The position reports to the Senior Associate Director of University News within University Communications and offers a hybrid work arrangement with occasional after-hours coverage and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Outstanding news and feature writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a public relations mindset.
• Ability to write and edit quickly and meet deadlines.
• Experience in media relations and crisis communications or related work.
• Knowledge of WordPress and Google Analytics, the latest Microsoft Office suite and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of Associated Press style and proficiency in social media usage and analytics.

Responsibilities

• Writing & Research: write articles for W&M News and manage beat coverage.
• Web & Social Support: upload content, monitor analytics, and assist with newsletters.
• Media Relations: pitch stories to local, regional, and national outlets, liaise with faculty.
• Collaboration: coordinate with Communications units and departments across the university.

Skills

Outstanding writing

Communication skills

Deadline orientation

Media relations

Crisis communications

Analytic mindset

Editing

Education

Undergraduate degree in journalism or communications

Higher education communications experience

Tools

WordPress

Google Analytics

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Mission Statement

University Advancement creates the conditions for opportunity – human, financial, & experiential – by garnering and stewarding the resources that advance William & Mary.

Position Summary

The Senior Research Communications Specialist serves as a writer, both in beat areas on campus and on general assignments and works with our Media Relations team to pitch faculty as experts to local, regional and national news outlets. The position’s primary beats will focus on science, technology, data and research. Additional duties may include editing and posting stories on the W&M News website and social media pages, producing the W&M Weekly newsletter, scheduling photography and editing photos, assisting with university news clips and working with the entire University Communications team on special projects, major events, analytics and crisis management as needed. Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of University News within University Communications, the Senior Research Communications Specialist will lead with university values to foster a culture of belonging and trust that embraces all people and perspectives. This position is based in Williamsburg and is expected to work in the office on campus, eligible to work remotely up to two days per week.

Job Duties

• 50% - Writing & Research: Serve as writer, both in beat areas and general assignment, covering such things as major events, academic work, and developments on campus. Research stories, interview subjects, and write articles for W&M News. Serve as the News & Media liaison to select departments on campus and work with the Senior Associate Director of University News as needed in news writing and editing. Work with the campus photo team to schedule photography to accompany stories or take photos and use appropriate editing software to prepare them for publication.
• 30% - Web & Social Support: Upload news/features stories and photos and related content to W&M News online and W&M social media sites and monitor and document analytics and performance. Assist with the creation and distribution of such products as the W&M Weekly newsletter and daily news clips.
• 15% - Media Relations: Work with Media Relations to pitch stories to local, regional, and national media outlets. Work with members of the W&M faculty to pitch them as experts to local, regional, and national media outlets. Serve as an on‑call representative for emergencies and other after‑hours needs on a rotating basis with other members of the office.
• 5% - Collaboration: Serve as part of a team that coordinates elevating the brand of William & Mary across all media and take part in brainstorming sessions on how that can be best achieved. Serve as direct liaison between Communications units, university students, staff and faculty, and select William & Mary departments.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Outstanding news and feature writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a public relations mindset.
• Ability to write and edit quickly and meet deadlines.
• Experience in media relations and crisis communications or related work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of WordPress and Google Analytics, the latest Microsoft Office suite and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of Associated Press style and proficiency in social media usage and analytics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or training in journalism, communications or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience in higher ed, public relations, journalism, public contact or related activities with a focus on science, technology and research.

Conditions of Employment

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

Salary

Salary: $50,000 to $55,000, commensurate with experience and internal alignment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

Background Check Statement

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Benefits Summary

William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program). Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/hr/currentemployees/benefits/index.php