(Hybrid) Content Creator-Writer -- Office of Strategic Communications

The Office of Strategic Communications at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Hybrid Content Creator-Writer.

About the Opportunity

The Content Creator-Writer within the Strategic Communications and Marketing, Office of Strategic Communications develops multimedia content, with a heavy emphasis on writing and safety, to support primary University communications channels.

This position develops content for WVUToday - which serves external audiences, including media, and ENews - which serves internal faculty, staff and University community audiences.

The Content Creator-Writer also provides critical messaging for University-wide safety communications in direct support of the WVU Police Department and the University Crisis Communications Team at scheduled times and during emergencies.

The Content Creator-Writer reports to the Assistant Director of Editorial Content, but maintains direct collaborative links with the Media Manager and News and Information Manager to support important safety messaging, media relations across the WVU System and overall University reputational management.

The Content Creator-Writer also regularly collaborates with the Internal Communications Manager, Front-End Web Designer and Mixed Media Team within Strategic Communications, and others across SCM and outside the unit.

Additionally, the Content Creator-Writer contributes to executive communications under the specific direction of the Executive Director of Strategic Communications.

This is a hybrid position with a requirement for a minimum of three days on campus each week.

Application Instructions

• A resume and cover letter are required. Applications without these documents attached will not be considered.
• When completing an application, select "Additional Attachments" to attach a resume, CV, cover letter or other documents. Be sure to select the "Relevant" box next to the file name to include the attachment with your application for a specific position. If the box is unchecked, your attachments will not be visible to the hiring team.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Develops and writes content for WVUToday and ENews.
• Supports University Crisis Communications under the direction of the Executive Director of Strategic Communications and the Media Manager.
• Develops, writes, builds and distributes information that is critical to campus safety on established schedules and in emergency on-call situations.
• Works in collaboration with the Media Manager to plan, produce, manage and schedule content for WVU Safety and Wellness social media accounts, including X, Instagram and Facebook.
• Monitors WVU Safety and Wellness social media accounts, including X, Instagram and Facebook.
• Aligns content for the WVU Safety and Wellness social media accounts, including X, Instagram and Facebook, with University standards while working to increase engagement.
• Supports executive communications under the direction of the Executive Director of Strategic Communications.
• Manages media requests in collaboration with the Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Media Manager to expand the University's reach in established and new external media markets.
• Actively pitches story ideas to media members in collaboration with the Executive Director of Strategic Communications and the Media Manager.
• Supports Office of Strategic Communications WVU System-wide media relations operations through University-wide media monitoring.
• Monitors traditional media outlets and social media for developing news topics, story ideas and trends.
• Builds Strategic Communications stories and other products in CleanSlate for WVUToday and ENews under the direction of the Assistant Director of Editorial Content.
• Builds Strategic Communications news releases, Expert Pitches, Media Advisories and Digests in Cision or other media monitoring system under the direction of the Assistant Director of Editorial Content.
• Supports the Assistant Director of Editorial Content with writing and other assigned tasks.
• Supports the Media Manager with assigned tasks.
• Works outside of normal business hours, when necessary.
• Works designated on-call times outside of normal business hours, as assigned by the Executive Director of Strategic Communications or the Media Manager.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Strategic Communications.
• Provides presentations and trainings to enhance the work of the Office of Strategic Communications with internal and external entities.
• Represents WVU at designated events.

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, integrated marketing/communications, or a related field.
• A minimum of two (2) years of related experience including:
  • Experience interviewing, writing and editing across platforms.
  • Understanding of Associated Press Style, grammar and industry best practices.
  • Understanding of communications/marketing practices and deadlines.
  • Knowledge of written, video and audio storytelling.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.

• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated writing ability.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently and effectively in emergency situations.
• Demonstrated ability to provide timely safety information.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis and issues management.
• Ability to meet various deadlines and schedules.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated success in communications or media relations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in current media trends, including tools and platforms, and ability to integrate advances into current practice.
• Demonstrated planning, organizational, teamwork and time management skills.
• Demonstrated experience, or interest in, developing communication strategies and platforms.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining and promoting a cohesive work environment.
• Demonstrated writing proficiency.
• Demonstrated knowledge of acceptable Associated Press journalism style.
• Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency for standard office equipment and evolving media skills.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm/attitude toward work and profession, and the ability to foster that commitment in others.
• Demonstrated ability to provide accurate, dependable and useful information through traditional and social media, and constituency groups.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with print, broadcast and other media, as well as with colleagues inside and outside the University.
• Ability to successfully pitch news stories and experts in various news stories and platforms.
• Experience with video and audio production and storytelling.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically.
• Ability to maintain proper unit attendance and punctuality and to work extended hours, including weekends and evenings, when necessary.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability to multitask and independently plan and organize work.
• Willingness and interest in collaborating with constituents across the University, West Virginia and elsewhere.

• Valid driver's license required to be able to travel across campus and outside Morgantown.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.