Writer and Communications Specialist

Edtech.com's Summary

Appalachian State University is hiring a Writer and Communications Specialist. This role develops foundational drafts, scripts, and talking points for senior university administrators, researches and writes original feature stories, and supports cross-functional teams with editorial and communication tasks to advance the university's messaging and engagement.

Highlights

Develop executive communications, including speechwriting and remarks for senior administrators aligned with institutional goals.

Research and create original feature stories and news content for Appalachian Today and other channels.

Coordinate multimedia story assets such as photography, video, and graphics.

Support University Communications team with fact-checking, proofreading, and information gathering.

Collaborate on integrated marketing campaigns ensuring a unified brand voice.

Required skills include strong written and verbal communication, project coordination, and proficiency in Google Suite and web-based tools.

Preferred qualifications include a degree in communication-related fields, five years of relevant writing/editing experience, speechwriting experience, and knowledge of AP Style.

Experience with event/project management, generative AI tools, and building relationships in higher education or related sectors is favored.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience required with all degrees from accredited institutions.

Salary range anticipated between $63,233 and $70,476 annually.

Writer and Communications Specialist Full Description

Employment Opportunities

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please attach required documents:

Resume
Cover Letter
at least 3 professional writing samples.

Optional: Provide link to Portfolio

List a minimum of 3 professional references with contact information in the body of the application.

Finalists for the position will be asked to complete a test assignment to assess speechwriting ability.

Posting Details

Work experience or education that is NOT included on the application will NOT be considered when screening your application. Please include ALL work experience and education on the application to ensure that you receive the appropriate credit toward qualification for this position.

Position Summary Information

Classification Title	Public Communications Specialist
Working Title	Writer and Communications Specialist
Location	Boone, NC
Job Category	5
Position Number	070821
Not Eligible for Visa Sponsorship	VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S
Department	University Communications - 540000
Primary Purpose of Position	The Writer and Communications Specialist serves as a core contributor to the university’s institutional messaging, developing narratives that articulate the institution’s mission and strategic vision. This role is responsible for drafting executive communications and news features while ensuring a consistent voice across professional platforms. By combining writing and editing skills with detail-oriented logistical coordination and knowledge of institutional protocol, the specialist works with internal teams to transform complex information into clear content that advances the university’s reputation and strengthens engagement with its audiences.
Minimum Qualifications	Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Special Note: This is a generalized representation of positions in this class and is not intended to reflect essential functions per ADA. Examples of competencies are typical of the majority of positions, but may not be applicable to all positions.
License/Certification Required
Essential Job Functions	Executive Communications & Speechwriting Develop foundational drafts, scripts, and talking points for senior university administrators for remarks and executive communications, incorporating diverse inputs such as data points, anecdotes and strategic messages Collaborate with event teams and other colleagues to ensure all remarks align with event logistics and university protocols Manage the review process, collaborating with senior leaders and editors to refine drafts and ensure all remarks are accurate and strategically aligned with university goals. News Writing & Content Creation Research and write original feature stories and news content for Appalachian Today and other communication channels Coordinate story assets, working with multimedia teams to gather photography, video or graphics that enhance the impact of written news and marketing content. Develop story ideas to support overall communications strategy Cross-Functional Team Support Act as a flexible editorial resource for the University Communications (UComm) team, assisting with fact-checking, proofreading, and information gathering for large-scale university projects and events. Collaborate on integrated marketing campaigns, providing high-quality copy that ensures a unified brand voice across all university-wide communications. Attend meetings and events to gather information for future communications; provide timely reporting and analysis with discretion and sensitivity to university goals. Other duties, projects and special assignments as required
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position	Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking and organizational skills Ability to adapt an overall institutional voice across a variety of channels as audience-appropriate Strict adherence to deadlines Project coordination and timeline management Competency in Google Suite and ability to utilize web-based tools and platforms
Preferred Qualifications	A degree in communication, public relations, journalism, marketing, English or a related field Five years of relevant work experience as a writer or editor on a creative or news team Speech writing experience Demonstrated history of researching and writing documents on deadline Knowledge of AP Style and familiarity with other writing style guides Experience with event and/or project management Demonstrated history of building relationships in a higher education, government or corporate setting Experience utilizing project management platforms Working knowledge of generative AI tools and AI prompt engineering
Required Functional Competencies to Successfully Perform Job Duties.	Communication-Written: Independently assimilates and composes written materials to use in a variety of communication outlets; edits documents to ensure accuracy in content and form; drafts communications for final release. Communication-Verbal: Independently communicates program information of moderate complexity and impact to targeted audiences; assimilates and communicates information that requires greater understanding and has greater impact on the organization. Establishes and maintains a variety of working relationships. Knowledge-Technical: Understands and uses communication, design and visual art concepts and practices pertinent to the area of responsibility. Determines, utilizes, and applies standard and specialized techniques and technology appropriately. Uses a variety of moderately complex processes, procedures and techniques. Uses and incorporates various hardware and software packages, as well as traditional design methods. Researches and identifies new technology and makes recommendations for use and purchase. Applies knowledge of organizational principles of design elements. Promotes subject matter in a wide variety of media. Trains others in use of new methods and technical tools.
Type of Position	Permanent Full-Time
Staff/Non-Faculty	Staff/Non-Faculty
Appointment Type	1.0
Work Schedule/Hours	8 am-5 pm, with some evening/weekend hours as required.
Number of Hours Per Week	40
Number of Months Per Year	12
Mandatory Staff	Yes
Physical Demands of Position	Light physical work (moving boxes, tables and light equipment) as necessary. Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time, drive 100-300 miles or travel via air as needed. Must have valid drivers’ license.
Overall Competency Level	Advanced
Salary Grade Equivalency
Salary Range
Anticipated Hiring Range	$63,233 - $70,476

Pay will be commensurate with applicant competencies, budget, equity and market considerations.

Posting Details Information

Posting Date	06/09/2026
Closing Date	06/28/2026
Competency Level Statement	Management will only consider applicants who meet the required competencies.
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please attach required documents: Resume Cover Letter at least 3 professional writing samples. Optional: Provide link to Portfolio List a minimum of 3 professional references with contact information in the body of the application. Finalists for the position will be asked to complete a test assignment to assess speechwriting ability.
Search Chair Name	Naoum, Stephanie
Search Chair Email	naoumsa@appstate.edu
Applicant Pool Preference	External (Post on the Web)

Departmental Information

Quick Link	https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/54615
Posting Number	201502987P

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Resume
Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
Writing Samples

Optional Documents

List of References with Contact Information
Link to Portfolio

Why Work for AppState?

University of North Carolina System Employment
Careers with the State of North Carolina

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Original Job Description