Writer/Editor

Public Affairs

Reed College seeks a Writer/Editor to join the department of Public Affairs. The Writer/Editor is part of the Public Affairs team and will produce and edit written content about Reed and its students, professors, and alumni to promote the value of a liberal arts education and support Reed’s strategic goals. This position will report to the Director of Editorial Services.

Reed College offers an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive and cost-free medical and dental insurance for you, a 60% discount on medical and dental insurance for your dependents, 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution (after one year of service), educational assistance for employees and their children, 22 days of paid vacation, paid holidays, half-day Fridays in the summer, and many other campus amenities. This is a full-time, exempt role with work hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one hour unpaid lunch. The salary for this position is $55,000-$60,000 per year. Pay offers are dependent on experience and are determined in conjunction with an internal pay equity. This is an exempt position on grade 5.

We will require three (3) work samples of your choice, to be submitted in addition to a resume and cover letter.

Who You Are

• You have at least five years professional writing and editing experience or any combination of experience and education that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the duties of the job.
• You are an excellent storyteller. You are creative and curious by nature and motivated to find and pursue new stories and fresh angles.
• You are an exceptional writer with experience writing news and features. You are dedicated to honing your craft.
• You are exceptionally well-organized. You always have a plan, and you always meet your deadlines. You can work on multiple projects simultaneously and balance overlapping priorities. You are experienced at interviewing as well as gathering, synthesizing, and distilling information from multiple sources. You relish breaking down complex material for your audience.
• You sweat the details. You are adept at proofreading and spotting errors of all sorts.
• You are dedicated to accuracy and rigorously fact check content you write and edit.
• You know that feedback about your writing is invaluable and you seek it out.
• You don’t mind when the plan changes, especially if the plan changes for the better.
• You are personally committed to equity and it shows in your work. You are self-aware and comfortable working on teams with varying gender, racial, socio-economic, ability, sexual orientation, and cultural identities.
• You are versatile and thrive working independently as well as contributing to a collective process.
• You are always willing to roll up your sleeves and do what is needed to complete a project or solve a problem.

What You’ll Do

• Write lively, engaging content for a variety of high-level print and web publications, including Reed website, magazine, newsletters, announcements, press releases, position papers, brochures, and other communications
• Conduct background research and interview subject-matter experts, including students, faculty members, staff, alumni, donors, and other individuals from all levels and disciplines throughout the college
• Conduct research in the archives, and use database tools to check accuracy
• Contribute and develop story ideas to communicate the college’s strategic messages
• Edit content produced by others, including fact-checking and proofreading
• Prepare content for publication in print and digital formats
• Promote content on social media and other channels

Application Instructions

You will be directed to Interfolio to create a free account and begin your application. A resume, cover letter, and three (3) work samples are required. You can submit these documents in any format, but pdf works best.

Applications will be considered as they are submitted so you are encouraged to apply early. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

Reed College replies to every candidate. We will confirm that your application is received, and if you are not selected, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Reed College is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Your unique skills, work history, cultural contributions, and lived experiences are essential to building this community. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.