General Assignment Writer

Princeton University’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 University’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 University’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.

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

Essential qualifications:

Exceptional communications skills (writing, interviewing sources, fact-checking for accuracy), as evidenced by supporting writing samples.
Meticulous attention to detail.
Bachelor’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.