Clark Scholars Program Network Contract Writer
Job Description
Position Number:
81624847Title:
Clark Scholars Program Network Contract WriterFunctional Title:
Clark Scholars Program Network Contract WriterCategory Status:
34-Exempt Contingent Category 1Applicant Search Category:
StaffUnit:
ENGR-Dean-Engineering CommunicationsCampus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
The A. James Clark School of Engineering seeks a contract writer to join its team in support of the Clark Scholars Program Network (CSPN), an 11 university network of scholars. The ideal candidate is self-motivated and investigatory by nature; enjoys working collaboratively and independently; has a strong interest in higher education and public service; and can execute multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision and a high level of attention to detail.
The writer will produce or contribute to a variety of written products about CSPN students,
staff, alums, research, and events, including:
The writer will produce or contribute to a variety of written products about CSPN students,
staff, alums, research, and events, including:
- News and feature stories for websites, digital newsletters, and magazines.
- Press releases.
- Presentation and marketing content.
The content will be deployed on university, school, program, and partner social and digital channels, and printed publications and materials (and occasionally materials for external events, like conferences that CSPN representatives might attend).
The writer will help develop a voice for CSPN content, ensuring it is informative and understandable in a way that keeps people’s attention, and encourages sharing with their networks. The writer may need to attend CSPN events and assist with special projects for
copywriting purposes.
The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland serves as the catalyst for high-quality research, innovation, and learning, preparing our students to create innovations that will address the 21st century Grand Challenges (e.g., energy, environment, security, and human health) and improve the human condition. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, to accelerating entrepreneurship, and to transforming research and learning activities into new innovations that benefit millions.
This is a remote (approximately 20 hours per week) position that will require some in-person presence.
The writer will help develop a voice for CSPN content, ensuring it is informative and understandable in a way that keeps people’s attention, and encourages sharing with their networks. The writer may need to attend CSPN events and assist with special projects for
copywriting purposes.
The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland serves as the catalyst for high-quality research, innovation, and learning, preparing our students to create innovations that will address the 21st century Grand Challenges (e.g., energy, environment, security, and human health) and improve the human condition. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, to accelerating entrepreneurship, and to transforming research and learning activities into new innovations that benefit millions.
This is a remote (approximately 20 hours per week) position that will require some in-person presence.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree.
Experience:
- 5+ years experience in professional writing/editing, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proven ability to write interesting, accessible copy for a nontechnical audience.
- Demonstrated experience or a strong interest in higher education and public service, plus an ability to comprehend research and academic writing and translate it for different audiences, including the general public.
- Experience maintaining a high level of quality control through writing, reviewing, editing, fact checking, and proofing one’s own work.
- Ability to build productive, cooperative relationships with network, faculty and staff members, students, alums, the media, and others.
- Demonstrated ability to juggle multiple projects.
- A team player who is friendly and outgoing and is comfortable interacting with colleagues and the public.
- Knowledge of AP Style.
Preferences:
Preferences:
- Experience with photography and/or video production, scripting, and editing.
- Experience using social media in a professional capacity.
- Familiarity with Drupal and/or similar website content management systems.
- Ability to take photos and create simple graphics and work with photographers, videographers, and graphic designers as needed/appropriate.
Additional Information:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1) Writing and pitching news stories
1) Writing and pitching news stories
- Conduct interviews and write research press releases, news stories, and
narrative profiles about CSPN students, staff, alums, research and events.
- Work with CSPN and Clark School staff to distribute these stories via university,
school, program, and partner websites, publications, videos, and social media.
- Prepare media advisories and develop and pitch story ideas to the media,
including local, regional, and national news outlets, as well as specialized public
publications.
publications.
- Ensure that content is informative, engaging, understandable, and consistent.
- Apply Associated Press and UMD style guidelines to all writing. Check drafts for
formatting, clarity, and overall cohesiveness.
2) Story mining and research
2) Story mining and research
- Build relationships and coordinate with CSPN member institutions, faculty and
staff members, students, alums, and communications colleagues to stay current
on newsworthy items.
on newsworthy items.
- Attend lectures, social gatherings, and events hosted by the CSPN and relevant
units to connect with relevant community members.
3) Other duties as needed
3) Other duties as needed
- Coverage of events for editorial purposes.
- Copywriting for video projects.
Hourly rate range is $24 – $29 per hour.
Posting Date:
08/16/2024Open Until Filled
YesBest Consideration Date
09/11/2024Diversity Statement:
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Women, minorities, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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