News Writer

Job Description:

Job Summary

The Office of Communications tells the stories of the University of Chicago and its faculty, students and alumni. In addition, the Office of Communications explains and promotes the institutionâ™s pioneering research, transformative education, and local, national, and global impact. The News Writer is a member of the news and content team in the Office of Communications and plays a vital role in telling the story of one of the worldâ™s leading research universities and its distinct intellectual community.

Unit-Specific Responsibilities

1) Write news stories and features on a range of subjectsâ”from field-defining faculty research to the people and events that highlight the UChicago communityâ”that will drive engagement across the Universityâ™s digital and social channels.

2) Collaborate on video and other digital content projects with producers, photographers and social media strategists to create innovative content across UChicagoâ™s channels.
3) Produce content that supports the Universityâ™s brand architecture, strategic goals and major initiatives.

4) Source and write stories that attract news media interest in support of media outreach and communications campaigns.
5) Work with faculty and staff to develop and write news features and other written content.
6) Collaborate with communicators within the various schools and divisions on writing and other content projects.
7) Collaborate with colleagues at UChicago Creative â“ the Universityâ™s in-house creative team â“ to develop innovative video, audio, and visual content for the Universityâ™s digital and social channels.
8) Work with colleagues on the Universityâ™s Media Relations team on media outreach around research, faculty expertise and University initiatives.

Unit-Preferred Competencies
1) Strong writing skills with a natural curiosity and desire to work in a collaborative environment.
2) Outstanding research skills and the ability to work with complex and varied material.
3) Explain complex ideas and materials to a general audience.
4) Excellent verbal communication skills; conduct interviews with subject matter experts to glean relevant information for news stories.
5) Strong creativity, including the desire to experiment and delve into new approaches to content and storytelling.  
6) Extremely organized and detail-oriented with a solid commitment to quality and accuracy.
7) Work independently with a high degree of initiative, organization and attention to detail.
8) Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
9) Maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications
Education
1) Bachelorâ™s degree with emphasis on English, Communications or Journalism.

Experience
1) At least three to five years of experience producing content, preferably for general audiences in a fast-paced environment.

2) Experience in writing for a general audience.
3) Experience working with social media and digital production.

Required Documents
1) Resume
2) Cover Letter
3) References Contact Information

NOTE: When applying, all required documents MUST be uploaded under the Resume/CV section of the application.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.