Communications Writer & Editor

Communications Writer & Editor

Company: Auburn University

Job Location: Auburn University, 36849-5207

Category: Publications and Editing

Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: USD $44,050.00/Yr. - USD $98,740.00/Yr.

Locations: Auburn University, Alabama

Categories: Marketing, Communications, & Multimedia

Job Type: Non-Faculty

Position Type: Full-Time

Department: Univ Marketing & Strategic Comm

Associated Division: University Mkt & Strategic Comm

Req ID: 8360

Overview

Auburn University's Office of Communications and Marketing is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Communications Writer & Editor I/II/III. This position plays a key role in shaping the university's voice and advancing its strategic communications efforts. The role is responsible for developing, editing, and delivering high-impact editorial content that supports Auburn's institutional priorities, elevates its national reputation, and reinforces a distinctive and consistent brand identity. The Communications Writer & Editor transforms complex academic, research, and institutional initiatives into compelling, accessible narratives that engage diverse internal and external audiences across multiple platforms.

Responsibilities

Communications Writer & Editor I

• Assists with the development, writing, and editing of stories and features that highlight academic excellence, research, and campus life.
• Translates complex topics into clear, engaging narratives for internal and external audiences.
• Applies Auburn's voice, tone, messaging, and AP Style across assigned content.
• Supports planning, production, editing, and deadlines for editorial and multimedia projects.
• Assists with pitching and placing stories using public relations and media monitoring platforms.
• Collaborates with campus partners and internal teams to gather information and develop content.
• Creates and updates web and digital content within the content management system.
• Ability to exercise emotional intelligence, discretion, and sound judgment in managing sensitive matters and relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality content for external audiences.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to balance multiple stories and priorities.
• Ability to work in complex organizations with multiple stakeholders.

Communications Writer & Editor II

• Independently develops, writes, and edits compelling stories and features highlighting academic excellence, research impact, and institutional initiatives.
• Translates complex academic and institutional topics into accessible narratives for regional, national, and peer audiences.
• Shapes story framing and messaging to align with university priorities and reputational goals.
• Manages planning, production, editing, and deadlines for assigned editorial and multimedia projects.
• Pitches and places stories through public relations and media monitoring platforms, exercising editorial judgment.
• Collaborates with marketing, digital, photo, and video teams to deliver integrated, multi-channel storytelling.
• Partners across campus to identify, refine, and advance story ideas.
• Creates, updates, and maintains web and digital content within the content management system.
• Ability to exercise emotional intelligence, discretion, and sound judgment in managing sensitive matters and relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality content for external audiences.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to balance multiple stories and priorities.
• Ability to work in complex organizations with multiple stakeholders.

Communications Writer & Editor III

• Helps to lead the development, writing, and editing of high-impact stories and features that advance the university's strategic priorities and national reputation.
• Translates highly complex or high-profile academic, research, and institutional initiatives into compelling narratives for broad audiences.
• Sets story framing, messaging, and narrative direction to support institutional goals and brand positioning.
• Directs planning, production, editing, and deadlines for complex editorial and multimedia projects.
• Strategically pitches, places, and positions stories through public relations and media monitoring platforms.
• Serves as a key collaborator and advisor to campus partners on narrative development and content positioning.
• Ensures consistent application of Auburn's voice, tone, and messaging across platforms.
• Contributes to and oversees web and digital content to ensure quality, accuracy, and alignment.
• Ability to exercise emotional intelligence, discretion, and sound judgment in managing sensitive matters and relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality content for external audiences.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to balance multiple stories and priorities.
• Ability to work in complex organizations with multiple stakeholders.

Qualifications

Level I

• Bachelor's degree in any discipline
• 1 to 2 years of full-time experience in writing, copy editing, and/or media placement.

Level II

• Bachelor's degree in any discipline
• 2 years of experience in writing, copy editing, and/or media placement.

Level III

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.
• 4 years of experience in writing, copy editing, and/or media placement.

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We're Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!