American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University Department: Community Communications Time Type: Full time Job Type: Regular FLSA Status: Exempt Work Modality: Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week) Union: SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. Job Description: Summary: The Writer/Editor identifies, researches, and writes stories for AU's flagship publication, American magazine, including at least three feature stories and more than a dozen departments per issue. Participates in editorial planning and works closely with editor and art director on all aspects of the magazine, including generating a variety story ideas (profiles, research, trend pieces, institutional news, and more), brainstorming art, attending relevant photo shoots, writing headlines, and crafting marketing material to promote magazine content. Helps edit the magazine at two crucial points in the production process: before it is sent to press and in bluelines. Assists in curating the magazine's website and social media feeds. Completes other general tasks as needed to work toward the magazine's success and also regularly contributes to other storytelling platforms, including AU Now, the university's weekly email newsletter. Essential Functions: * Identify, report, and write a variety of stories for American magazine. This involves researching, preparing questions, interviewing numerous sources (some of whom will be used for background only), and writing clear, concise, and colorful copy for stories ranging from a 200-word department to a 3,000-word feature. Responsible for writing at least three features and multiple departments every issue. Writes headlines, cutlines, cover copy, and table of contents blurbs in conjunction with editor. Conducts editing responsibilities. Also contributes stories to AU Now. * Work closely with editor to shape the editorial calendar. This includes identifying alumni, students, faculty, staff, and other AU community member; developing sources across campus and throughout the alumni community; conducting research about potential ideas; keeping abreast of trends in university and commercial magazines; and fleshing out ideas with the editor. * Curate the magazine's website and social media feeds and assist with communications plan to promote and share content upon publication. Load stories into the CMS. * Other Duties as Assigned. Competencies: * Displaying Creativity. * Prioritizing and Organizing. * Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions. * Evaluating and Implementing Ideas. * Developing Plans. * Thinking Broadly. * Supporting Coworkers. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: * Full-time. * Hybrid (three days in the office). * 35 hours per week. Salary Range: * $70,000-$75,000/yr. (commensurate with experience). Required Education and Experience: * Bachelor's degree or equivalent. * 5-8 years of relevant experience. * At least five years of professional writing experience-preferably with a news outlet or higher education institution. Preferred Education and Experience: * Bachelor's degree. * 8-10 years of relevant experience. Additional Eligibility Qualifications: * Strong writing, copy editing, and proofing skills and familiarity with social media and digital publishing. * Self-starter who takes an entrepreneurial approach to their work. Able to juggle competing priorities and deadlines and thrive under pressure. * Confident interviewer and savvy researcher. * Excellent news judgment and diplomacy skills; comfortable in both academic and non-academic environments. Able to write compelling and accurate content in a variety of styles for diverse audiences. * Team player who demonstrates empathy and the spirit of collaboration. Benefits AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options. Other Details * Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check. * Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university. * Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. * American University is an E-Verify employer. Current American University Employees American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings. Contact Us For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [email protected]. American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.