Speechwriter/ Staff Writer

The Speechwriter/ Staff Writer, within the Division of Government Relations and Public Affairs, will research and write primary documents that will support University-wide internal and external communications and the work of the Chancellor’s Office and the Provost’s Office, including speeches, talking points, reports, letters, columns and other materials. The incumbent will work collaboratively with a broad cross section of University faculty, staff and students, including senior administrators and deans and will be called upon to assist with related public relations, website, social media, or marketing projects to support the Office of Communications and the University. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Work closely with the Chancellor’s Office to research and write speeches for public appearances and campus events; write and/or edit remarks from outside writers, when necessary; proofread and fact-check to ensure that information is accurate;
• Draft columns, memos, letters, weekly emails, and other materials to support the Office of Communications and Chancellor’s Office; edit columns, stories, news clips, and other materials for other writers as needed;
• Develop strategy to elevate priority internal and external communications, and proactively propose, develop, and write chancellor’s communications consistent with the University’s Strategic Plan and the Strategic Communications and Marketing Plan; plan and develop calendars for recurring communications;
• Work with the Provost’s Office and the deans of the colleges to research and write reports for the UMass Board of Trustees highlighting University accomplishments and summarizing achievements;
• Write scripts for major events such as University commencement, convocation and honorary degree awards to ensure smooth and orderly event flow, in coordination with the Office of Special Events;
• Write and edit communications from the Office of Special Events, including letters sent to VIPs honorary degree recipients, and visitors to the Chancellor’s Office, to ensure consistent messaging;
• Write stories highlighting particular University or faculty achievement(s) for use in the University’s online publication, The Point; the alumni magazine; and/or website;
• Support the Office of Communications and the division of Government Relations and Public Affairs by assisting with public relations, social media, website, and marketing projects, including presentations to various audiences;
• Participate in Office of Communications planning meetings and contribute ideas to strengthen the University’s internal and external communications;
• Serve as communications liaison to respective colleges and departments across campus to help determine what upcoming events and achievements should be promoted in news stories, press releases, op-eds, and on the website;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications or a closely related field and a minimum of five-seven (5-7) years of professional writing experience, preferably in an academic environment, is required. Exemplary writing skills and portfolio are required. Speechwriting experience preferred. Experience with social media and web communications preferred.

• Ability to handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously, while managing time efficiently and prioritizing tasks;
• Ability to work under pressure and under tight time frames;
• Ability and willingness to handle confidential university information;
• Ability to work with and communicate with diverse student population and other health professionals;
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with Division of Government Relations and Public Affairs staff, as well as high-level administrative offices, including the Office of the Chancellor and Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs;
• Exemplary editing skills;
• Exemplary attention to detail;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Strong commitment to customer service.

Additional Information:

The University of Massachusetts Boston provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information. In addition to federal law requirements, the University of Massachusetts Boston complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the University operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Among the procedures which may be used to select personnel to fill vacant positions are review of work experience, reference checks, and interviews. All appointments and promotions will be effective on a Sunday.

Application Instructions:

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter, and list of three professional work references at: https://umb.interviewexchange.com

• Professional Union.
• Full time. Benefited.
• Unrestricted funding.
• Grade 31 (see link below for salary chart).

https://www.umb.edu/editor_uploads/images/hr/ProfessionSalaryRanges2007.pdf

Only Internal Professional Bargaining candidates will be considered during the first 7 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

Closing date for applications: October 21, 2016* Search Extended.