University Communications’ mission is to enhance Montana State University’s public image, increase the public’s awareness of the university’s accomplishments and develop consistent communications that build MSU’s reputation. University Communications provides a wide range of services through its operational units: the MSU News Service, Creative Services, Web and Digital Communications, Visual Media, and University Marketing. Its staff includes writers, editors, graphic designers, photographers, video producers, publications specialists, marketing and licensing specialists, social media strategists, and web developers.

Under the supervision of the director of the MSU News Service, this position will function as a writer, editor, website manager and general communications specialist responsible for creating content to be used for media releases, marketing materials, online and other purposes, as well as providing general communications support in their areas of responsibility.

The position will assist with other projects and duties as delegated and help with emergency communications as needed.

This position will be assigned to chiefly cover the MSU College of Agriculture and Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, though assignments and duties may vary.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Function as a writer and editor responsible for researching, interviewing, writing, coordinating and editing copy on a range of topics for use as media releases, publications, briefing and marketing materials, the Web and other purposes.
• Update university webpages through MSU’s content management system.
• Coordinate and work with all the University Communications units to achieve communications goals.
• Assist University Communications directors with other projects and duties as assigned, potentially including but not limited to photography, event support, newsletters, annual reports and oversight of branded materials.
• Attend regular campus-wide meetings for communications associates.
• Manage social media accounts.
• Manage and oversee annual print publications.
• Assist with emergency communications as needed.

Required Qualifications

1. Demonstrated successful experience that includes writing, editing and proofreading on tight publication deadlines.
2. Experience writing in multiple styles, such as for the Web, marketing materials, news releases, feature stories and technical writing.
3. Experience managing deadline-driven communications projects.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism, communications, English or marketing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Experience translating scientific information into copy for a lay audience.
3. Successful experience as a daily news journalist.
4. Experience working with Web content management systems.
5. A basic understanding of Web, social media and traditional print media.

The Successful Candidate will:

• Have a passion for higher education.
• Work well with video and photography editors to supplement and enhance written content.
• Be able to think creatively to increase a story’s media potential.
• Maintain attention to detail, meet deadlines and prioritize competing demands.
• Have the ability to work independently on a wide variety of tasks.
• Exercise good judgment and self-motivate.
• Work well in a team environment.
• Be flexible and adaptable and accommodate interruptions, sudden assignments and changes to plans.
• Create and maintain contacts and working relationships with administrators, faculty, staff and coworkers.