Science Writer
$66,000 to $76,000
Job Description
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The College of Arts & Sciences, administered by the Dean, consists of seventy-two academic departments, curricula, programs, centers, and Institutes. The College is divided into four divisions, which are overseen by Senior Associate Deans. All academic departments and curricula are assigned to one of the following three divisions; Fine Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Social Sciences and Global Programs. A fourth division, Undergraduate Education, houses curriculum and instructional innovation, honors and distinguished scholarships, and student academic support. These Senior Associate Deans, along with the Senior Associate Dean for Operations & Strategy, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Staff Development, Senior Associate Dean for Development, the Senior Associate Dean for Research & Innovation, and the Associate Dean for Communications for the College, all report to the Dean. During its 200+ year history, the College has grown and thrived and employs nearly 1,000 faculty, over 600 staff, and more than 3,000 student employees, and provides instruction for more than 17,300 undergraduate and nearly 2,400 graduate students with annual expenditures of $376M. Sixty-percent of student credit hours are taught by the College. The College has 13,316 undergraduate majors and 2,392 graduate majors from more than 40 academic majors.
See: https://college.unc.edu/contactus/
Position Summary
This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
The Science Writer is a member of the College of Arts and Sciences communications team, reporting to the Associate Director for Communications. This position will have chief responsibility in covering the 12 natural science and math departments and curricula in the College, as well as the centers, institutes and programs that are part of the College’s division of natural sciences. Responsibilities include writing and editing news articles, media releases, web stories, magazine features and other editorial content that showcases the research, teaching and Carolina student experience in the sciences.
In addition to working closely with other members of the College communications team, this position will collaborate with members of University Communications, UNC Research and communicators at other UNC-Chapel Hill schools as appropriate. This position will also work closely with the Senior Associate Dean for Natural Sciences and the Senior Associate Dean for Research and Innovation to assist in nominating College of Arts and Sciences faculty for awards and recognitions by researching and writing and editing nomination materials.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
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.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Excellent written, oral and visual communication skills, including exceptional command of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and AP style. Experience in researching and interviewing scientists and experts on complex topics and then synthesizing and communicating that information to a range of audiences, from the general public to academic scholars. Ability to write in a variety of formats, including media releases and pitches, short- and long-form news and feature stories, social media posts and development communications. Ability to work under deadline pressure, collaborate with a team and juggle multiple projects.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Familiarity with WordPress, AP Style and Adobe Creative Suite products. Experience with photography and videography. Three years or more of experience in writing, editing, and producing content for reputable publications and/or organizations.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Please note that a resume, cover letter, and list of references are required when applying to this position.
Additionally, applicants should upload three (3) writing samples using the Writing/research Sample, Other Document 2, and Other Document 3 options when uploading.
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/295784