Job Opportunity: Research Writer, University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Education – Madison, WI
Title: Research Writer
Location: Madison, WI
Job Summary:
The Research Writer is the lead producer and promoter of communications who distills innovative and impactful research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education for broad audiences. This position reports to the Communications Associate Director and works with a range of professionals within the Office of Communications and Advancement to support the strategic vision of the School.
The Research Writer will collaborate with School of Education faculty and staff to create communications that take complex, scientific, and scholarly information and transform it into compelling and accurate stories that can be shared on the School’s website and social media, showcased in e-newsletters, and repurposed for alumni magazines and donor communications. In addition, a fundamental focus of the Research Writer is to pitch and place research news in the media and build relationships with reporters locally, nationally, and internationally to share the impact of findings made by faculty and staff.
The highly ranked UW-Madison School of Education is unique in that it is home to 10 departments that house faculty and staff conducting a range of research across the arts, health, and education. The Research Writer will communicate how the effects of this work serve and improve our communities, the state, and the world. The work of the Research Writer will inform scientists, educators, policy makers, students, media, donors, and the general public about the vision and impact of the School of Education.
The Research Writer will also collaborate with colleagues at the Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER). Housed in the School of Education and home to about 140 grant-funded projects, WCER is one of the oldest, largest, and most productive education research centers in the world.
One important aspect of research across the School is how it often focuses on improving education and health outcomes for diverse and traditionally underserved populations. Explaining the value of diversity, equity, inclusion, and inclusive excellence – four pillars of generating positive and lasting change is a priority in the School of Education’s communications efforts.
Responsibilities:
Develops and drafts communication content and assists in the execution of the communications strategy in support of unit communication goals.
- 10% Monitors reach and effectiveness of communication campaigns, projects, and initiatives
- 15% Plans editorial content according to established goals and objects
- 5% Communicates with stakeholders to verify requests and identify editorial resources
- 40% Writes, edits, and publishes content for various communication projects and marketing platforms to align with strategic initiatives and established communication campaigns
- 10% Provides project management and execution of communications programs, initiatives, and tactical plans
- 20% Proactively pitches the School’s research to news media on a regular basis and builds relationships with various media outlets and individual reporters to connect them with the School’s research and expertise.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in research/science writing, communications, news/journalistic reporting, or media relations in an institutional setting is required
- Demonstrated ability to produce clear communications that distill research into compelling and accurate language that is accessible to a range of audiences is required
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, work independently, meet deadlines, and carry out assigned duties is required
- Experience assessing newsworthiness of research and scholarly findings is required
- Experience in cross-cultural communications, or lived experience working across cultures, age groups, and/or languages is preferred
- Experience working in the news media or working closely with news media in previous positions is preferred
- Familiarity with the professional science and research writing landscape is preferred
- Experience writing longer, magazine-length stories or features on occasion is preferred
- Experience with WordPress or similar content management system is a plus
- Understanding of social media platforms and creating engaging social media posts is a plus
Work Type:
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed primarily in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location, with some remote/flexible work. Full-time: 100%.
Compensation:
Minimum $60,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
The starting salary for this position is $60,000. Actual pay will depend on experience and qualifications.
How to apply:
To apply for this position, please upload a current resume, a cover letter addressed to Todd Finkelmeyer, and a list of three professional references.
Application link: https://jobs.hr.wisc.edu/en-us/job/512375/research-writer
Questions/Contact:
Claire Carlson
Email: cfcarlson@wisc.edu
Phone: 608-265-3047
1000 Bascom Mall
Education Building
Madison, WI 53706-1326