Reporting to the Associate Director of Communications, the Special Projects Editor is a position that collects, manages and helps disseminate the institution’s communication plan. The position calls for the reporting and writing of news articles, feature news stories and additional informational content, which support the University’s overall strategic priorities. The position also maintains a regular “beat,” for reporting purposes, by coordinating with designated representatives from Colleges and other major divisions on the UND campus to keep apprised of happenings and to report back potential news stories. In addition, the position manages collaborations with Marketing & Creative Services on occasional marketing writing projects.

Another key duty is managing the UND Communications Team’s paid media spots, which means working with producers and sales representatives to provide UND faculty members and other experts for interviews and other commentary.

This position also helps with media preparation and media training for UND students, staff, faculty and administrators

Other keys to success:

1. The ability to think strategically to help produce content that increases awareness of the great things happening at UND.
2. The ability to collaborate with both internal and external publics.
3. The ability to support strategic communication plans to promote the University, as defined by institutional goals and priorities
4. The ability to implement effective and innovative internal/external communication channels.

Duties & Responsibilities

Contributes day-to-day content for internal and external dissemination, including but not limited to UND Today, the University’s flagship news and information source. The position also reports, writes, edits and helps distribute feature news stories and information that support the Division’s Communication Plan and the University’s over-arching strategic pursuits.
- Interview sources and conduct other reporting-related research, then write stories with an eye to focus, readability, public interest/entertainment value and the overall goal of telling the world about the great things that are happening at UND.
- Take and process photos as needed to accompany feature stories.
- Correctly use Associated Press style in all writings; and verify facts, dates and statistics, using standard reference sources.
- Maintain close and regular communication with College liaisons/Campus Communicators in assigned areas of campus responsibility or “beats.”
- Develop story or content ideas, maintaining balance between reader/audience appeal and strategic priorities and goals of the University.
- Help coordinate content used in internal and external publications, including photography, videography and design elements.
- Ensure timely distribution of internal and external publications via multiple media channels, including web blogs, e-newsletters, social media, mass mails and news releases.
Works with divisional colleagues in Marketing & Creative Services to support strategic marketing communication initiatives of the University, and other special projects, as needed. Tasks involved in fulfilling the above duties/responsibilities (include description for physical and mental/cognitive demands)
- Collaborate with campus-wide partners to learn about content and story ideas from their respective departments and/or divisions.
- Develop story or content ideas, garnered from campus partners, with consideration for reader and audience appeal.
- Collaborate with Marketing & Creative Services and others on marketing-driven writing projects, as needed.
- Serve as a contributing member of regular meetings with divisional colleagues in Marketing & Creative Services to discuss and plan strategic marketing initiatives and other special projects, as needed.
Serves as a media engagements specialist in support of strategic communication initiatives of the University. Tasks involved in fulfilling the above duties/responsibilities (include description for physical and mental/cognitive demands)
- Serve as a communications (writing, photography, web design, social media and video) specialist to provide expert analysis and advice on the effectiveness of internal and external content.
- Serve as go-to point person to conduct media prep for students, staff, faculty and administrators prior to media interviews.
- Conduct Media Training, scheduled and on-demand, for members of the University community.
- Manage paid media spots with external media by scheduling, coordinating, tracking and preparing expert UND faculty and administrators for interviews.

Required Competencies

Ability to think strategically and to work closely with administrators and administrative teams across campus.
Ability to transform initiatives into successful local, regional, national and international media coverage.
Superior communications skills (written and verbal), including interpersonal, with the ability to develop strong relationships across the organization, from leadership to line staff.
Ability to critically evaluate information and assess news value.
Strong reporting, writing and copy-editing skills, plus command of AP style.
Flexibility for occasional night and weekend work.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communication, Public Relations, Marketing or a related field
Two years of related experience in the fields of print or broadcast journalism, public information, public affairs/public relations, or marketing. Student and internship experience will be considered.
Submission of at least three pieces of relevant writing samples and/or other content.
Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in leadership in the field of Journalism, Communication, Marketing or related field
Experience working in or with an array of communication formats (e.g. print, photography, digital and broadcast)
Experience creating innovative news and feature content for a digital platform
Experience working in or with representatives of the print, digital and other electronic media
Familiarity with Associated Press writing style and content management systems and other software (e.g. WordPress, Mail Poet, Photoshop, Lightroom and AI tools)

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