"Communications Content Creator"

The Opportunity:

The Office of Research at Washington State University (WSU) is responsible for advancing the research enterprise at WSU systemwide. The Office of Research facilitates all aspects of the research from pre-award to compliance, advancement, development, and commercialization. The Office of Research amplifies WSU's land-grant mission by partnering with the university community, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to advance, extend, and grow the positive impact of WSU research for the state, region, and nation. The Office of Research Communications Content Creator plays a central role in promoting and amplifying the impact of research conducted across the university.

As the Communications Content Creator, you are responsible for developing, coordinating, and producing compelling research-related content for internal and external audiences. You will be working collaboratively with research units, faculty, and university communications staff. The Producer ensures strategic storytelling across platforms that aligns with the university's land-grant mission and research strengths and priorities. This role requires strong editorial judgment, project management skills, and a deep understanding of digital and interactive content production, platforms, and systems.

In this position, you will serve as a key liaison between the Office of Research and the University Communications team and will work collaboratively with research centers, institutes, and colleges across WSU's network to ensure consistent, engaging, and accessible communication and promotion of research initiatives, outcomes, and impacts.

Job Functions:

• 55% - Content Development and Production
  • Coordinate and produce high-impact research focused digital campaigns, multimedia content, and focused news content for the web and social media.
  • Translate complex research findings into accessible, engaging narratives for broad audiences, including policymakers, media, funders, and the public.
  • Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and communicators to identify opportunities and develop content across web, social media, and video.
  • As a key brand ambassador, understand and integrate with WSU's recently updated branding and messaging.
  • Attend relevant meetings at WSU's Pullman campus, visit laboratories and other scientific facilities, and other in-person engagements as needed for content development.
• 30% - Communications Strategy and Management
  • Develop and maintain a content calendar aligned with university research priorities and strategic goals.
  • Curate and manage research-focused content for Office of Research web pages, newsletters, social media, and associated digital platforms.
  • Ensure brand and message consistency across platforms, adhering to university style and WCAG accessibility guidelines.
  • Plan, prepare, and produce monthly, seasonal, and annual communications.
• 10% - Liaison and Collaboration
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for coordination with the WSU system Communications team and with college, campus, and university level communications coordinators including External Affairs and Government Relations and Corporate Engagement.
  • Facilitate regular information sharing between research leadership and central communications staff.
  • Support internal communication efforts to inform faculty, staff, and students about research opportunities, funding, and achievements.
• 5% - Other Duties as Assigned

Additional Information:

This is a full time (100% FTE), permanent position. Overtime eligibility will be determined upon salary placement.

Monthly Salary: $4,508.70 - $6,763 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, marketing, journalism or other relevant field AND either three (3) years of professional experience in print or broadcast news media, public relations, marketing including the use of electronic media OR three (3) years of other relevant professional experience OR three (3+) years of experience in science- or research-related communication, marketing, design, media production, or a related role.
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit clear, compelling content for a variety of audiences and platforms.
• Proven experience managing content strategy, workflows, and editorial calendars.
• Strong working knowledge of web content management systems (e.g., WordPress), social media platforms, and media scheduling tools.
• Working knowledge of digital media production tools such as Adobe Express (if not the more powerful Adobe apps), Canva, or similar.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate across academic disciplines and administrative units.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a higher education, research, or public-sector environment.
• Ability to analyze engagement metrics and adapt content strategy accordingly.
• Familiarity with land-grant university missions and research landscapes.