Staff Writer

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Media Communications & Relations, the primary role of this position is to write compelling, high-quality content that tells the story of the University of Georgia’s achievements and impact. This individual will produce a wide range of written materials—including magazine features, news stories, profiles, and narrative content—crafted for a wide range of audiences across print and digital platforms.

The Staff Writer will produce clear, engaging content for a wide range of audiences—including alumni, students, faculty, staff, news media, and external stakeholders—across a broad portfolio of assignments such as strategic initiatives, research, campus life, institutional achievements, and timely news.

The writer will develop content for publications and platforms managed by the Division, including but not limited to UGA Today, Georgia Magazine, marketing campaigns, institutional news, web content, and email newsletters. This position requires strong adaptability and the ability to shift voice and tone depending on platform, audience, and purpose.

The writer will collaborate closely with UGA Marketing & Communications staff and stakeholders across schools, colleges, and administrative units to identify story opportunities, shape narratives, and execute high-impact communications.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to produce clear, engaging content for a wide range of audiences.
• Effective interviewing and reporting skills, including the ability to synthesize complex topics into accessible narratives.
• Knowledge of journalistic standards and editorial practices, including familiarity with AP Style.
• Ability to adapt voice, tone, and style for different platforms and audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders across the institution.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and quality in written content.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English, public relations, or a related field.
• One to three years of professional writing, journalism, or communications experience.
• Demonstrated experience writing news stories, features, profiles, or narrative content for print or digital platforms.
• Familiarity with higher education environments and the ability to translate complex topics into accessible, engaging stories.
• Ability to adapt writing style and tone for different audiences and platforms.
• Familiarity with AP Style and standard journalistic editing practices.
• Experience with content management systems (CMS) or web publishing tools.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a collaborative communications environment.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Content Development & Storytelling

• Works independently to research, interview, and write news, feature stories, profiles, and narrative content that reflects the University of Georgia’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Produces executive-level messaging, institutional announcements, and general assignment stories for multiple platforms.
• Serve as the lead narrative creator for flagship institutional stories, major research features, and special publications.
• Independently identify, develop, and lead complex storytelling projects, determining narrative structure, themes, tone, and stylistic direction with minimal oversight.
• Develop narrative strategy for major communications initiatives, shaping editorial direction and ensuring creative alignment with institutional goals.

Percentage of time: 65

Editing & Quality Assurance

• Serves as backup to the Managing Editor to edit and refine written content produced by colleagues and campus partners as needed to ensure clarity, consistency, tone, and adherence to brand and editorial standards.
• Provides constructive feedback and helps maintain the overall quality and integrity of published content.
• Provide expert guidance to campus stakeholders on narrative development, messaging approaches, and best practices in creative communication.

Percentage of time: 15

Content Planning & Story Development

• Identifies and pitches story ideas that align with institutional priorities and audience interests. Works with colleagues across schools, colleges, and administrative units to discover compelling stories and develop editorial opportunities.
• Create long-form and multimedia-supported content that requires substantial originality, critical thinking, and interpretation of complex topics for a wide range of audiences.

Percentage of time: 10

UGA Today Website and Email

Serves as backup for UGA Today email newsletter production and distribution as well as UGA Today website content publication and organization management.

Percentage of time: 5

Other duties as assigned. Percentage of time: 5