Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a News Content Specialist. The role involves creating and disseminating diverse news content about the College of Engineering, including writing press releases and news briefs, conducting interviews, and collaborating with the editorial team to produce polished stories supporting college priorities.

Highlights

Write press releases, news briefs, and other content to highlight College of Engineering activities and achievements.
Develop fresh story angles aligned with college priorities.
Interview researchers, students, staff, and alumni; review technical documents for information gathering.
Incorporate editorial feedback and manage stories from assignment to publication.
Collaborate with team members on visual needs and dissemination strategies.
Bachelor's degree required, preferably in writing or communications; 1+ years relevant experience or equivalent.
Preferred skills include knowledge of AP style, strong verbal and storytelling abilities, and experience writing for STEM fields.
Must balance multiple priorities, learn quickly, and work independently or as part of a team.
Salary range: $46,400 to $67,300 annually.
Position offers hybrid work with a mix of remote and on-campus presence at University Park.

News Content Specialist Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State College of Engineering is seeking a proactive self-starter for the role of News Content Specialist. The communicator in this position will join the editorial team within the marketing and communications group and report to the editorial manager.

This person will be responsible for writing press releases, news briefs, and other content in order to disseminate the news of the activities and accomplishments within the college. Storytelling in a variety of formats, mostly written, about College of Engineering news, is at the core of this job. Other story development may include creating interview questions or scripts and conducting interviews to support videos, photo stories, and podcasts.

Responsibilities:

Writing press releases, news briefs, and other content to disseminate College of Engineering news
Generating fresh and compelling story angles to support college priorities
Interviewing researchers, students, staff, alumni, and others; reviewing technical papers, grant proposals, and awards for information-gathering purposes; and reporting on events
Incorporating feedback in the editing process to finalize drafts
Ushering each story through from initial assignment to publication
Working with team members for visual needs and dissemination plans
Communicating effectively and professionally with multiple stakeholders

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

acceptedRequired Certifications:None

Preferred Qualifications:

Degree, preferably in a writing- or communications-related field
Knowledge of AP style
Strong verbal and storytelling skills
Ability to balance multiple priorities simultaneously and work in a fast-paced environment
Willingness to incorporate feedback and learn quickly
Capacity to work independently and as part of a team
Experience with writing for STEM fields preferred

How to Apply:

Candidates should submit three relevant writing samples or an online writing portfolio as part of their application. Please also submit a current resume and cover letter.

This position will be hybrid, with a mix of remote and in-person work at the University Park campus.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $46,400.00 - $67,300.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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Original Job Description