Job Title Communications Specialist - Research Writer Agency Texas A&M University Department College of Arts and Sciences Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location College Station, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description Glimpse of the Job The Research Writer will produce science content that translates research originating from the College of Arts and Sciences in accordance with strategic priorities. In close collaboration with faculty, the Research Writer will create communications that distill complex scientific information into compelling language and formats appropriate for all stakeholder audiences, such as faculty, current and prospective students, former students, donors, industry partners, and government entities. Opportunities to Contribute: + Plan, research, develop, and deliver written content – and potentially visual assets, such as photography and video – in a deadline-driven environment for outlets including but not limited to the college’s website, printed materials, monthly and bi-monthly electronic newsletters (internal and external), news releases, brochures, and other marketing-related collateral. + Cultivate relationships with faculty for the purpose of understanding and communicating their research to external stakeholders. + Collaborate with and interview faculty to develop and produce compelling stories about their research, including content specifically adapted for digital and social media platforms. + Research and stay abreast of science research and related Texas A&M University, higher education, and industry news. + Contribute engaging prospective student-focused content for print materials and for paid and organic digital marketing campaigns aimed to increase enrollment. + Demonstrate an enthusiastic and positive approach to working with the team by identifying and implementing strategies to enhance team dynamics, optimize work processes, and improve project management and overall efficiency. + Consistently approach all interactions with student employees, team members, colleagues, faculty, and staff with a professional, respectful, and positive attitude. + Focus on clear, constructive communication that emphasizes collaborative solutions to challenges and fosters a supportive, forward-thinking environment that encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and the achievement of shared goals. + Edit content to ensure strategic messaging coherence, technical and factual accuracy, readability, style and adherence to brand and editorial guidelines. + Provide editorial guidance and advice to other marketing and communications staff. + Use digital tools to promote and distribute online content, amplify news coverage to key audiences, including working with Canva templates. + Contribute to social media messaging to promote written and multi-media content. + Initiate graphic design elements to accompany materials with design team members. + Provide editorial review and narrative content. + Proactively dedicate time to advancing expertise in science communication by participating in professional development opportunities as assigned. + In collaboration with your supervisor, proactively establish performance goals for each fiscal year. + Actively contribute to refining all operations in alignment with the organization’s strategic goals, fostering a collaborative work environment, and continuously driving improvements that support the success of our initiatives and objectives. Qualifications: + Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or another relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. + Four years of professional writing and editing experience. + Ability to work outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat. + Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving and/or walking to events related to university business. A well-qualified candidate may also possess: + 5 Years of professional writing experience. + Portfolio of published works for various communication channels such as web content, digital communications, social media, alumni magazines, news releases, website feature stories, donor communications and strategic documents. + Experience writing for college level academia. + Experience working with high-level stakeholders to produce content for a major university. + Demonstrated ability to conduct research and interviews, write and produce compelling content for websites, donor communications and student recruitment publications, college brochures, program fact sheets, advertising, etc. + Demonstrated ability to comprehend scientific or technical information and complex ideas and turn them into clear and compelling stories that are appropriate for the target audience. + Strong storytelling ability with the know-how to compose a narrative about discovery and write memorable stories that captivate and inspire the target audience. + Demonstrated prior professional experience researching and writing news releases concisely, effectively, and persuasively in a variety of styles for specific audiences under significant time constraints. + Advanced editorial skills, knowledge of and adherence to Associated Press style. + Ability to work independently and collaboratively, use sound judgment in making decisions, balance multiple priorities, and communicate positively and proactively with stakeholders about project risks or uncertainties. + Demonstrated organizational and project management skills. + Demonstrated success in cultivating relationships with research faculty and/or key stakeholders. + Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, including a willingness to undertake both mundane and high-profile tasks. Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate's education and experience. Special Note: Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required to complete assigned tasks. What You Need to Do: Apply! Submitting a cover letter and resume is strongly recommended and will help us with the review process. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume. A pplicants may be asked to submit published samples or a link to published works as part of the interview process. Why Texas A&M University? Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values (https://www.tamu.edu/about/coreValues.html) which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service. The College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart and foundation of Texas A&M University. Our 18 departments and more than 130 academic programs of study offer students the opportunity to pursue an extraordinarily wide range of subjects spanning the natural sciences, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, languages, and life sciences. The college is home to preeminent scholars and researchers, world-class academic programs, and exceptional students eager to learn, discover, and make a difference. The educational experience in Arts and Sciences supports, engages, and inspires students during every step of their academic journey, from choosing to become an Aggie, to launching their successful career. It includes amazing opportunities for participating in cutting-edge research, study abroad experiences, immersive field work with world-renowned experts, and hands-on experiences through internships and professional programs. The College of Arts and Science is home to over 30 centers and institutes as well as many specialized laboratories and active research groups, where innovation by our top researchers continues to lead to groundbreaking discoveries and societal solutions in myriad world-changing areas. Be Here. Be ArtSci . Learn more about us at https://artsci.tamu.edu We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes. + Medical, (https://www.tamus.edu/benefits/medical/) prescription drug, dental, (https://www.tamus.edu/benefits/dental/) vision, life and AD&D, (https://www.tamus.edu/benefits/life-add/) flexible spending accounts , and long-term disability insurance (https://www.tamus.edu/benefits/long-term-disability/) with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums + 12- 15 days (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/index.html) of annual paid holidays + Up to eight hours of paid sick leave (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/sick.html)  and at least  eight hours of paid vacation (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/vacation.html)   each month + Automatic enrollment in the  Teacher Retirement System of Texas (https://www.trs.texas.gov/Pages/Homepage.aspx) + Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time (https://flourish.tamu.edu/wellness-release-time/) + Professional Development: All employees have access to free  LinkedIn Learning (https://linkedinlearning.tamu.edu/)  training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more + Educational release time and tuition assistance (https://livingwell.tamu.edu/employee-tuition-assistance)   for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee + Living Well, (https://livingwell.tamu.edu/) a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.