Writer

Job Description

The writer is responsible for telling the story of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, VAES (Virginia Agriculture Experiment Station), ARECs (Agricultural Research and Extension Center), VCE (Virginia Cooperative Extension), including Virginia 4-H, FFA, HOSA, DECA, and Skills USA (Youth Development) to a local, state, and international audience by reporting and writing articles published in Virginia Tech news, websites, CALS (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) and Virginia Tech publications, and other outlets.

Working collaboratively with the entire communications and marketing team, this person will supply content to be used on the web and social media channels to tell the story of VAES researchers on campus and actively pitch those stories to the media.

This position will also write content about the impact of ARECs to be used on AREC sites, social, media, VT news, in media pitches, and other outlets. Similarly, the writer will find and report on stories that show the breadth and impact of VCE and Youth Development organizations around the state that will be used on the web, in magazines, and on social media.

The writer is required to collaborate with the web manager and social media manager to ensure a steady stream of content is being provided for web and social media updates. This position will also collaborate with the Assistant Director to provide stories on the impact of giving to CALS, 4-H, FFA, and VCE and with the social media manager to provide content for Giving Day.

The writer reports to the Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing and is part of the CALS Advancement team.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Experience working in communications, public relations, journalism or related field; Master's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or equivalent experience; history of writing about scientific issues for non-scientific audiences; experience writing and producing public-facing publications, such a magazines or newspapers; experience collaborating with a larger communications team to ensure messages are reiterated and carried across various channels; experience working with the media to get stories before a wider audience; editing experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in higher education; working knowledge of agriculture and life sciences; experience working with development officers; working knowledge of Virginia Cooperative Extension and 4-H.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$56,000 - $66,000; commensurate with experience

Review Date

March 8, 2024

Additional Information

Three professional writing samples are required to be submitted by all applicants for the position.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity.

The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Max Esterhuizen at max.esterhuizen@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.