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For more detailed information, please visit our UA website

UW News, within University of Washington Marketing & Communications, has an outstanding opportunity for a Public Information Officer. This is a full-time permanent position.

The UW News office builds awareness, increases support and collaborates across campus to connect the university with the public, primarily through media relations and securing coverage of university research and major initiatives.

As a Public Information Officer in the UW News Office, you will cover several areas largely related to data science, including the Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, the Information School, human-centered design and engineering, and other departments, institutes and centers. You will serve as a press officer to identify and pitch stories on research and educational projects that will attract state, regional or national/international news coverage.

This role will require traditional reporting and writing, and a high degree of internal and external communication with on-campus researchers and administrators, as well as with reporters and editors at news outlets. You will have flexibility in this role to work on additional projects, such as media/interview training for faculty and researchers, editing and placing op-ed and analysis pieces, coordinating community events, and overseeing the production of content that connects the UW with the community.

What You Will Do

Identify, write and pitch stories about research and education news that have the best potential to attract state, regional or national/international news coverage. Decide on the best ways to make stories available to a variety of audiences, including the news media.

Peer-edit teammates' stories for AP Style, grammar, flow and readability before publication.

Connect students, faculty and researchers to reporters by arranging interviews. Develop and provide media trainings to assist faculty and administrators with interviews and/or with writing for a mainstream audience.

Manage incoming calls from media seeking experts on topics. Keep an eye on developing news to identify opportunities for UW experts to speak.

Develop collaborative relationships with academic and administrative units across the university.

Researching and writing stories/releases (40% of your time), responding to media requests and pitching UW experts to media (40%), social media outreach (10%), other duties as assigned (10%).

Who You Are

Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (preferably in journalism or a related field) and three to four years of experience in writing and communications for nonprofit, government, higher education institutions, news media, and/or public relations. Other relevant experience will be considered.

Curious and willing to experiment. Enjoys working in a collaborative environment.

Experienced writer/editor, with the proven ability to craft strategic content and messages from multiple voices for a variety of audiences.

Confident working with digital media, including social media, and familiar with rapidly changing technology and the media environment.

Strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to manage expectations of a diverse group of faculty and administrators.

Have experience working in a formal newsroom or equivalent environment.

What You Can Expect

You will work with an open-minded and inclusive team that values diversity.

Cubicle/Open workspace environment which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distraction.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.


Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.