Edtech.com's Summary

Michigan State University is hiring a Science Communication Writer / Communications Manager II. This role involves coordinating written, visual, and social media communications to promote the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior (EEB) program by creating strategies that elevate its research and activities to national and international audiences and developing relationships with academia, alumni, and donors.

Highlights

Coordinate and execute communication strategies for EEB program research and outreach.
Create and edit digital, media, and publication materials including releases and feature stories.
Use content management systems like Omni, Mura, or WordPress and manage social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Preferred experience in science writing, journalism, marketing, and public/media relations with a focus on biology, evolution, and behavioral sciences.
Required bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in journalism, telecommunications, marketing, public relations, or related fields.
Three to five years of relevant progressively responsible communication experience.
Skills in photography, news judgment, and synthesizing complex scientific information clearly and concisely.
Management and supervisory experience valued.
Position funded for 3 years with possible extension contingent on funding availability.
Position designated as remote-friendly with flexibility in work location.

Science Communication Writer / Communications Manager II Full Description

Working/Functional Title

Science Communication Writer

Position Summary

In this role, you will serve as the primary coordinator of written, visual and social media communications for the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Creating and executing strategies to elevate the work by EEB members to national and international media, as well as audiences on campus
Developing relationships in academia and among alumni and donors by highlighting key EEB research at a large scale
Research, produce, write, and edit releases and feature materials for digital communications, media, and publications

This position is funded for a period of three years, with the possibility of extension contingent upon the availability of additional funding.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations; composing, editing and publication production; news, broadcasting, and print media; and/or marketing and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation or radio production; or computer programming/technology; and/or experience in a field related to area of employment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Work experience in academia/higher education and with science writing, including a curiosity about, and ability to translate, a broad swath of research related to biology, evolution and behavioral sciences is highly desired. Experience with the following is preferred:

• News judgment
• Photography competency
• Familiarity with editing and managing a content management system (e.g., Omni, Mura, WordPress) and social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube).
• Scientific topics related to the missions of EEB’s departments

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize and summarize complex information and communicate clearly and concisely
• Initiative, good judgment, and the ability to identify priorities, own projects, and manage multiple assignments
• Effective time-management skills
• Experience with marketing strategy concepts and terminology

Management and supervisory experience

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume
Cover Letter
Three professional references
Writing samples

Special Instructions

Please review the application requirements carefully. The EEB program will consider in person, hybrid, and remote work for this position.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded for three years from date of hire, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

https://eeb.msu.edu/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends August 5, 2025 at 11:55 P.M.

Original Job Description