Editor & Writer

Position closes October 31, 2023

$19.72/hr - $29.96/hr
Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit the following with your online application:

A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job announcement.
A resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Department Summary

University Communications tells the University of Oregon’s stories to a broad range of audiences and positions the university to succeed and thrive. The department manages a suite of communications tools, including public relations, branding, advertising, licensing, digital media, and more for the benefit of the university.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Communications, the Editor & Writer is the primary editor and proofreader of University Communications content. This position serves as an authority and campus-wide resource for the University of Oregon editorial style and ensures all content is consistent with a top-tier research university regarding spelling, punctuation, grammar, style, length, accuracy, and ease of understanding.

In the editing role, typical contacts and interactions include University Communications designers, writers, editors, project managers, and clients; communications staff for the university’s nine schools; and other university personnel.

Using the UO style guide, Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster dictionary as resources, the editor has the independence to make decisions about changes to content to ensure consistency with the standards of a top-tier research university. The editor is responsible for refining client submissions to conform to university style and brand guidelines and helping project managers meet deadlines for the production of various publications. The effect of these decisions is to ensure that the university’s reputation as an outstanding institution of research, education, and service is preserved and enhanced in the public eye.

The Editor & Writer also proactively identifies and produces stories and other messaging for University Communications channels, including topics related to campus arts, cultural events, and other areas as needed.

In the copywriting role, typical contacts and interactions include faculty, staff, students, alumni, and others in the campus community and, as necessary, members of the general public.

Using as guidelines the university’s goals for recruitment, retention, reputation, development, and student support, the copywriting role has the independence to identify story ideas and content that serve university audiences and preserve and enhance the university’s reputation in the public eye. The impact of these decisions will be to advance the university’s goals and preserve and enhance its reputation.

Minimum Requirements

Four years of experience as an editor reviewing and correcting written materials for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax errors and modifying copy to conform to standards of style, length and ease of understanding.

A Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, or related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.

Professional Competencies

Ability to read copy to detect errors and verify facts.
Ability to write compelling and in-depth stories that engage readers.
Thorough command of the Chicago Manual of Style
Ability to prepare for and conduct interviews with article subjects that produce essential content in an efficient use of time
Proficiency in Microsoft Word “track changes” and Adobe PDF commenting.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

Three years of experience writing articles or developing content in a higher education environment or for a general-interest magazine.
Three years of experience as an editor for a newspaper, journal, or magazine.
Proven ability to meet multiple, concurrent, fast-paced deadlines
Authoring of an institutional style guide
Proven ability to work cooperatively with diverse clients and partners, such as staff, volunteers, and students, in a service-oriented environment.
Project management experience.