Writer

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech in Blacksburg is seeking a CALS Writer to develop high-quality content across the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. You will report to the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications and collaborate with faculty, alumni, donors, and extension partners to report, write, and edit for multiple channels, including Virginia Tech News, college websites, and newsletters.

The role focuses on translating complex scientific and agricultural topics for broad audiences,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience in writing/editing for public-facing content.
• Translate complex information into clear, engaging content for non-technical audiences.
• Strong interviewing, reporting, editing, proofreading, and fact-checking skills.
• Experience writing for multiple audiences, formats and channels.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, priorities, and deadlines with accuracy.
• Working knowledge of AP style or professional standards.

Responsibilities

• Identify sources, conduct interviews, develop stories, and ensure accuracy.
• Write, edit, and produce content for Virginia Tech News, college sites, newsletters, and other channels.
• Collaborate with faculty, alumni, donors, subject-matter experts, and other communicators.
• Ensure content aligns with college and university priorities and editorial standards.
• Provide editing and editorial production support across CALS and maintain brand consistency.

Skills

Editing & proofreading

Interviewing

Writing for multiple audiences

AP style

Communication

Content strategy

Project management

Collaboration

Plain language

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/journalism/English

Tools

CMS

Email publication platforms

Digital publishing tools

Job description

Job Description

The CALS Writer develops high-quality editorial content that advances the teaching, research, Extension, and Advancement priorities of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications and operating as part of the CALS Marketing and Communications team, the writer receives assignments based on college and university priorities and works across CALS to report, write, edit, and produce compelling content for Virginia Tech News, college websites, newsletters, the CALS digital magazine, Advancement communications, and other channels.

Teaching and research are primary areas of editorial focus, including student experience and success, faculty research and expertise, the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (VAES), Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (ARECs), and other stories that demonstrate the college's academic and research impact. The writer also provides significant support for Advancement communications, including alumni and donor storytelling, the monthly alumni newsletter, annual giving activities, the CALS digital magazine, and other materials.

Working from editorial priorities established by the Assistant Director, the writer collaborates with faculty, students, alumni, donors, subject-matter experts, Advancement colleagues, and academic, research, and Extension communicators to identify sources, conduct interviews, develop stories, and ensure content is accurate, engaging, audience-centered, and aligned with college and university priorities.

The writer also provides editing and editorial production support across CALS, helping maintain consistent standards for accuracy, clarity, AP and Virginia Tech style, brand alignment, and readiness for publication.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Professional experience in communications, journalism, writing, editing, public relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience reporting, writing, and producing high-quality public-facing content.
• Demonstrated ability to translate scientific, technical, academic, or complex information into clear and engaging content for non-technical audiences.
• Strong interviewing, reporting, writing, editing, proofreading, and fact-checking skills.
• Experience writing for multiple audiences, formats, and communications channels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience collaborating with editors, communicators, subject-matter experts, and other partners to develop content.
• Ability to receive editorial direction and feedback and revise work effectively.
• Working knowledge of AP style or comparable professional editorial standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience writing or editing in higher education, science, agriculture, research, or a related environment.
• Experience writing about scientific or technical subjects for general public audiences.
• Experience developing alumni, donor, fundraising, stewardship, or other Advancement communications.
• Experience writing or editing magazine, newsletter, or long-form feature content.
• Familiarity with agriculture and life sciences, the land-grant mission, Virginia Cooperative Extension, VAES, or ARECs.
• Experience working with content management systems, email publication platforms, or other digital publishing tools.
• Familiarity with Virginia Tech editorial and brand standards.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$67,500 - $71,000

Hours per week

Varies

Review Date

September 16, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Marya Barlow at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.