Senior Writer Research

Under direction of the Director, News and Communications, the Senior Research Writer leads the University of Arizona's efforts to identify, compose and edit engaging feature stories and news releases about high-level university research initiatives. The Senior Research Writer will effectively and accurately translate complex information into understandable and appealing news for external media and internal audiences, while also developing relationships with key stakeholders within the University and among the greater scientific community.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Lead efforts to identify and curate the most impactful university research projects and write stories and news releases for the university's flagship communications channels.
• Serve as a senior institutional representative with external media.
• Generate story leads and media opportunities.
• Oversee the development of narratives and framing for complex, sensitive, or high-visibility topics.
• Cultivate relationships with reporters, editors and producers to anticipate coverage and place and pitch stories and university experts.
• Engage with incoming media requests from journalists seeking university experts and facilitate those requests.
• Create briefing sheets, talking points and assist with interview preparation.
• Work with the wider University Marketing & Communications team and with research-driven campus partners to develop stories, visual assets and cultivate expertise to generate interest in the University's Tier 1 research portfolio.
• Provide coaching and direction to junior staff on advanced media practices.
• Tailor news releases and feature stories into short-form content for the university's social media channels.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific topics into compelling stories about the value and impact of the work for general audiences. Proven ability in generating story leads.
• Excellent grammar, writing, editing, AP style and research skills; project management skills; ability to handle multiple projects with short- and long-term deadlines; excellent communication skills; an ability to work with varied constituencies and audiences.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required and a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional research writing and editing experience.

• A Master's degree in journalism, communications, English, science or related field and 10-plus years of professional news-writing and editing experience, preferably in an academic setting.
• Experience writing in-depth stories relating to health research, artificial intelligence, fusion energy, environmental resilience, sustainable mining, water resources.
• Established track record of news media placements that feature scientific discoveries.
• Experience creating engaging short-form social media posts to effectively communicate complex ideas for lay audiences.