What are the responsibilities and job description for the Writer/Editor position at American University?
American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about
American University
Department:
Time Type:
Full time Work Modality:
Union:
Job Description:
Summary:
Conceives, researches, and writes stories for AU’s flagship publication, American magazine, and its online presence, including at least two features and more than a dozen departments per issue. Participates in editorial planning, works closely with managing editor and art director on all aspects of the magazine, including unearthing stories, brainstorming art, attending relevant photo shoots, writing headlines, and crafting marketing material to promote magazine content. Helps edit the magazine at two crucial points in the production process: before it is sent to press and in bluelines. Assists in curating the magazine’s website and social media feeds. Completes other general tasks as needed to work toward the magazine’s success, and occasionally contributes to other storytelling platforms, including This Week at AU and the Challenge Accepted microsite.
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Report and write features, news, and profiles for American magazine. This involves researching, preparing questions, interviewing numerous sources (some of whom will be used for background only), and writing clear, concise, and colorful copy for stories ranging from a 250-word department to a 3,000-word feature. Responsible for writing at least two features and multiple departments every issue. Writes headlines, cutlines, cover copy, and table of contents blurbs in conjunction with editor. Conducts editing responsibilities.
- Work closely with managing editor to shape the editorial calendar. This includes identifying alumni and other AU community members, developing sources across campus, conducting research about potential ideas, keeping abreast of trends in university magazines, and fleshing out ideas with the editor.
- Curate the magazine’s website and social media feeds, primarily Twitter. Load stories into the CMS, craft email to the alumni community teasing the forthcoming issue, and maintain social media calendar that’s shared with communicators across campus.
- Other Duties as Assigned
Competencies:
- Displaying Creativity.
- Prioritizing and Organizing.
- Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
- Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
- Developing Plans.
- Thinking Broadly.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
- Full-Time.
- Exempt.
- Sr. Coordinator/Analyst B.
Salary Range:
- Commensurate with Experience.
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
- 2-4 years of relevant experience.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- 5-8 years of relevant experience.
- At least five years of professional writing experience—preferably with a news outlet or higher education institution.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
- Strong writing, copyediting, and proofing skills and familiarity with social media and digital publishing.
- Self-starter who takes an entrepreneurial approach to their work. Able to juggle competing priorities and deadlines.
- Confident interviewer and savvy researcher.
- Excellent news judgment and diplomacy skills; comfortable in both academic and non-academic environments.
- Able to write compelling and accurate content in a variety of styles for diverse audiences.
Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.
Other Details
- Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
- Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
- Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
- American University is anE-VerifyandRight to Workemployer.
Current American University Employees
American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email
theworkline@american.edu
. American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.
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