News Writer

The News Writer is a Public Relations & Marketing staff member responsible for gathering College news and information through interviews and research in order to develop press releases, public-service announcements, and marketing/informational stories and materials for internal and external publication in newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and online media. The News Writer will occasionally be called upon to take photographs of College-related subjects and to serve as a backup for the College Editor in posting news and announcements to the Penn College News website. The News Writer will assist the supervisor with media-relations and emergency-messaging responsibilities as needed. Travel may be required with use of a college vehicle or personal vehicle, with reimbursement at the current College rate. Frequent evening and weekend work may be required.

 

The candidate must present a portfolio that includes writing samples and photography during the interview process.

 

Full-time Employee Benefits include: medical and dental insurances, retirement plans, paid time off, educational benefits for employees and dependents at Penn College and Penn State University, and more. For additional information, click here.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree in Media, Communications, Journalism or related discipline, or associate degree with substantial work experience directly related to the position. Required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid and in State Valid Driver's License and have access to a vehicle during the workday. Required

EXPERIENCE

• Three (3) years of related work experience in writing and editing. Required
• Digital-photography experience. Required
• Experience in higher-education news development. Preferred

ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Excellent writing and editing skills. Required
• Excellent computer skills for writing/editing text. Required
• Digital-photography and photo-editing skills. Required
• Able to work with very tight deadlines and minimal supervision. Required
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality. Required
• Competent to research and report information accurately and completely. Required
• Exhibit a professional demeanor. Required
• Prepared to follow directives of the supervisor and to communicate messages as presented by the administration. Required
• Comfortable with a behind-the-scenes role in managing the dissemination of College news and information. Required
• Interpersonal skills necessary to deal effectively and courteously with students, faculty, staff, administrators, media, and the public. Required

 

Research, write, and review press releases on College-related subjects.

Meet with school deans, assistant deans, faculty, and staff in departments College-wide on a regular basis to identify and develop topics for stories that promote the unique attributes of the institution.

Work with the supervisor or other appropriate staff to proof and distribute College news releases (and Dean’s List and Graduates notices) to the news media.

Prepare and issue urgent announcements from the College administration when requested.

In collaboration with PRM colleagues, respond promptly and effectively to inquiries submitted to the emails for news functions.

As assigned by the supervisor, notify news media of campus events and activities, including issuing invitations to press conferences. Assist with coordination when reporters/editors visit campus to cover events/activities.

Through the guidance of the College Editor or the supervisor, develop content (editorial text and photographs) for Penn College Magazine, including the print editions, the online Impact Report issue, and the magazine's website.

When the College Editor is unavailable, prepare/edit news items (press releases, announcements, photos/photo galleries, calendar items, etc.) and post them to Penn College News throughout the workday.

When the College Editor is unavailable, prepare and issue a morning email message alerting the College community and external subscribers to the latest information on Penn College News.

Under the direction of the supervisor, distribute information to the news media in the event of delays/closings and similar emergency situations.

Take photographs of College-related subjects, adjust and correct as needed with photo-editing software, and use the digital database for storing, identifying, and retrieving digital images.

Work with other PRM staff as needed to develop profiles on students for use in print and online marketing materials.

Will work in a variety of settings, from campus laboratories, to workplaces, construction sites, etc.

Based on minimum education and experience qualifications the yearly salary range is $48,000 - $57,000.

This is not a complete itemization of all facets of this position. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. The College has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without prior notice.

Penn College is committed to equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

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