University News Associate Or University News Senior Associate

The University of Virginia Office of University Communications seeks an experienced news writer/reporter to help tell the dynamic story of UVA, and to support the University’s strategic priorities through content that engages our diverse audience.
Preferably, this applicant will have a robust scientific-writing portfolio to assist in covering medical, technical and research breakthroughs.
This position is ideal for a current or former daily news reporter with significant deadline experience who seeks a new opportunity to continuing finding and telling interesting and meaningful stories. UVA’s News & Content team operates a high-quality newsroom that values storytelling, timeliness and urgency. The successful applicant will be an energetic and accurate writer who will produce multiple stories weekly. Those stories must enhance UVA’s priorities and elevate its reputation as one of the nation’s top public universities.
University News Associates produce multiple stories on tight deadlines while writing in a range of styles including urgent straight news, engaging long-form features and breezy listicles. In addition, the News Associate will collaborate with other writers, photographers, videographers and the social-media team. The position requires a passion for good journalism, accuracy, broad curiosity, and an ability to develop relationships with sources to find interesting and positive stories that appeal to a general audience. Combined, UVA Today’s products reach hundreds of thousands of subscribers and generate more than 5 million annual page views.
The University of Virginia is loaded with compelling stories. The right person will find many opportunities to produce journalism that amazes, informs and educates.
Responsibilities:

• Find and tell compelling stories about the University that align with and advance UVA’s strategic priorities, and adhere to agreed-upon deadlines.
• Be on the lookout for novel ways to tell stories using UVA Communications’ suite of channels, including video, audio and social media.
• Foster productive working relationships with sources in assigned coverage areas across Grounds.
• Measure success using metrics such as Google Analytics, Parse.ly, etc.
• Assist with editing and proofreading of content as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies:

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, and impeccable grammar.
• Knowledge of Associated Press style.
• Outstanding news judgment.
• Ability to produce multiple stories weekly.
• Ability to translate complex, technical or scientific subject matter into clear language for broad audiences.
• Ability to operate effectively and collegially in a deadline-driven communications environment.
• Interest in and curiosity about current news and events, and the ability to quickly and effectively localize those events by seeking UVA academic expertise.
• Experience and familiarity with modern communications tools such as the Office suite, social media, and analytics tools.

Required experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience generating story ideas and producing accurate, timely content.
• University News Associate candidates must have at least three years writing in a higher education, government agency, private or corporate environment, or comparable journalism experience. Senior Associate candidates will be distinguished from Associate candidates based on advanced experience, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience and progressive demonstration of leadership.

Preferred experience:

• A background in covering science, technology, and/or University or government research.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $65,000 to $80,000, commensurate with experience and corresponding job profile.
ABOUT UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
It is our privilege to tell the remarkable and evolving story of the University of Virginia. Visit our website to find an overview of our latest work, an introduction to our team, and further communications resources.
This is a hybrid workplace. Employees report in-person at least 3 days per week.
This position will remain open until filled. This is an Exempt level, benefited position. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. For questions about the position or the application process, please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Recruiter at das6zb@virginia.edu.
How to Apply:
Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration, please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.
Process for External Applicants: Please apply here . Complete an application online and attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three references (name, email address, telephone number, and address).
Process for Internal UVA Applicants: Please apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs,” and search for ‘ R0057376 .’ Complete an application online and attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three references (name, email address, telephone number, and address).
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Bachelor's degree in English or Communications or a related field.
Experience: At least three years of experience
Licensure: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.