Princeton Universityâ™s Office of Communications is looking for a General-Assignment Writer who has a demonstrated ability to report and write compelling news stories on a very tight deadline and with meticulous attention to detail. Candidates should also have a portfolio of short- and longer-form feature storytelling, and an eagerness to collaborate with colleagues who specialize in social media, video, still photography, audio and more.

This writer will be expected to develop sources across the University for storytelling that amplifies the Universityâ™s messaging around key priorities, with extra attention to sourcing and story development in the social sciences as an adjunct to general-assignment work. The writer reports to the Managing Editor within Princeton Universityâ™s Office of Communications.

The position requires occasional night and weekend hours.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and two writing samples: a straight news story reported and written on a tight deadline and a longer-form, deeply-sourced piece on a topic that you identified and developed independently.

• Develops content about the academic, campus life and service missions of the University.
• Generates ideas and employs excellent writing skills to draft news and feature stories for the University homepage, and collaborates across the Communications team, including with multimedia and social media staff, to develop content and engagement strategies to reach internal and external audiences.
• Engages in amplifying messaging around Princeton priorities, often working in a project team to identify and address goals.
• Engages proactively with staff, administrators, students and faculty, and communications partners on campus to develop content.
• As an adjunct to general-assignment work, develops extra depth in sourcing and story development to highlight research and teaching in the social sciences.
• Assists in producing editorial content for select print and electronic publications, working with campus clients to develop and finalize content.
• On an as-needed basis, staffs events and responds to appropriate external stakeholder inquiries and other requests for public information.

Essential qualifications:

• Exceptional communications skills (writing, interviewing sources, fact-checking for accuracy), as evidenced by supporting writing samples.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Bachelorâ™s Degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience writing on deadline-oriented projects.
• Significant experience with at least one editorial style guide (AP, Chicago) and website content management system.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidates with professional journalism experience or public relations experience in a very fast-paced writing environment are preferred.
• A track record of recognizing, developing and amplifying new voices and untold stories from a broadly diverse community.
• Strong grasp of the different social media platforms communications strategy, SEO, video scripting.
• Work experience in higher education.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

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About Princeton University

Princeton University is a vibrant community of scholarship and learning that stands in the nation's service and in the service of all nations. Chartered in 1746, Princeton is the fourth-oldest college in the United States. Princeton is an independent, coeducational, nondenominational institution that provides undergraduate and graduate instruction in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and engineering.As a world-renowned research university, Princeton seeks to achieve the highest levels of distinction in the discovery and transmission of knowledge and understanding. At the same time, Princeton is distinctive among research universities in its commitment to undergraduate teaching.Today, more than 1,100 faculty members instruct approximately 5,200 undergraduate students and 2,600 graduate students. The University's generous financial aid program ensures that talented students from all economic backgrounds can afford a Princeton education.

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