Writer and Communications Specialist

Writer and Communications Specialist

Department: University Communications - 540000

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Special Note: This is a generalized representation of positions in this class and is not intended to reflect essential functions per ADA. Examples of competencies are typical of the majority of positions, but may not be applicable to all positions.

Essential Job Functions

Executive Communications & Speechwriting

• Develop foundational drafts, scripts, and talking points for senior university administrators for remarks and executive communications, incorporating diverse inputs such as data points, anecdotes and strategic messages
• Collaborate with event teams and other colleagues to ensure all remarks align with event logistics and university protocols
• Manage the review process, collaborating with senior leaders and editors to refine drafts and ensure all remarks are accurate and strategically aligned with university goals.

News Writing & Content Creation

• Research and write original feature stories and news content for Appalachian Today and other communication channels
• Coordinate story assets, working with multimedia teams to gather photography, video or graphics that enhance the impact of written news and marketing content.
• Develop story ideas to support overall communications strategy

Cross-Functional Team Support

• Act as a flexible editorial resource for the University Communications (UComm) team, assisting with fact-checking, proofreading, and information gathering for large-scale university projects and events.
• Collaborate on integrated marketing campaigns, providing high-quality copy that ensures a unified brand voice across all university-wide communications.
• Attend meetings and events to gather information for future communications; provide timely reporting and analysis with discretion and sensitivity to university goals.
• Other duties, projects and special assignments as required

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking and organizational skills
• Ability to adapt an overall institutional voice across a variety of channels as audience-appropriate
• Strict adherence to deadlines
• Project coordination and timeline management
• Competency in Google Suite and ability to utilize web-based tools and platforms

Preferred Qualifications

• A degree in communication, public relations, journalism, marketing, English or a related field
• Five years of relevant work experience as a writer or editor on a creative or news team
• Speech writing experience
• Demonstrated history of researching and writing documents on deadline
• Knowledge of AP Style and familiarity with other writing style guides
• Experience with event and/or project management
• Demonstrated history of building relationships in a higher education, government or corporate setting
• Experience utilizing project management platforms
• Working knowledge of generative AI tools and AI prompt engineering

Work Schedule/Hours: 8 am-5 pm, with some evening/weekend hours as required.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $63,233 - $70,476

Closing Date: 2026-06-28