Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

Promote Washington Universityâ™s reputation as a driver of scientific research, thought leadership, and scientific innovation/education through proactive PR, storytelling, and other outreach. Primary coverage responsibilities are the McKelvey School of Engineering and its related centers, institutes, and programs and the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences in Arts & Sciences.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Proactively pitch and place news stories highlighting Washington Universityâ™s strategic initiatives, leadership, and innovations. Perform strategic, targeted outreach to international, national, regional, trade, and local media (news outlets, wire services, and online media). Research and build media lists. Create and develop relationships with key media contacts. Produce content and supporting materials for use in pitches. Monitor and report media placements; contribute to Washington Universityâ™s overall media monitoring, reporting, and measurement strategy. 
• Proactively interview faculty and leadership; read and evaluate in-press journal articles by faculty to assess newsworthiness for news media and the general public; identify stories, press releases, feature articles, and other opportunities to promote messaging in support of science themes.  Research, write, and produce text, multimedia, and other content supporting strategic messaging points in science and other related/collaborative areas.  Strategically leverage university channels (Source, Newsroom, Record, social media, web) to share content with campus and community audiences.
• Develop and build relationships with key leaders, faculty, and researchers. Identify and position thought leaders within respective areas to serve as media experts.  Pitch and place experts.  Provide leadership, guidance, and support for op-ed placement.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to Engineering, Arts & Sciences, and other schools and campus partners, identifying and facilitating opportunities for collaboration with University Marketing & Communications. Keep abreast of news trends.
• Performs other duties in support of PR/media relations functions.

Applicant Special Instructions

• Cover Letter.
• Resume.
• Three Writing Samples.

Working Conditions

• News directors may be called upon to respond to media queries or other events after hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in science.
• Six to ten yearsâ™ experience in public relations, media relations, journalism, and/or strategic communications, with an emphasis on sciences.
• Strong track record of success in writing and reporting on science, and/or developing media pitches and placing stories that highlight science.
• Strong communicator, skilled in building relationships.
• Independent self-starter, highly motivated.
• Enthusiastic learner interested in participating in vibrant academic community.
• Knowledge of news media and ability to communicate with media representatives.
• Excellent oral, written and listening communication skills.
• Strong time-management and organization skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects in a deadline-driven, highly detail-oriented environment.
• Ability to manage graduate students and/or free-lancers for content and promotion; ability to lead campus Science Writing monthly meetings.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and demonstrated specialization in medical and/or science writing. 
• Five years professional writing experience in media or public relations. â‹

Grade

G13

Salary Range

$64,700.00 - $110,500.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? Weâ™ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the Universityâ™s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment â“ fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

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