As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

The Editorial Assistant supports and expands the UW News office's ability to effectively share the UW's stories and track the University of Washington’s reach across regional, national and international media outlets. The position's main focus is to lead tracking of media mentions and preparation of a digital archive of news coverage that is used by units across campus. This position will also assist with compiling and/or editing other media-related emails for internal audiences.

A secondary role of the Editorial Assistant is to write and edit short stories and features for the UW News website, covering topics of interest to the UW community, including projects and books by, and recognition of, UW faculty, staff and students.

The position also assists with daily office tasks such as handling incoming calls from the news media, assisting with social media, CMS posting, and collaborating with staff on projects and story elements.

The position requires a high degree of initiative in identifying and developing stories and finding creative ways to share them via social media, newsletters and other platforms available to the news office. It also requires a willingness to be flexible, to experiment and to adapt to a rapidly changing media environment. The employee should be able to use creative approaches to solve complex problems while functioning with substantial autonomy in decision-making.

The employee should have experience editing and writing pieces with correct grammar, AP Style, flow and readability, and will join a team that regularly peer-edits news releases and stories before publication.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Media Relations

Monitor, compile and report the UW's mentions in the media each weekday.

Assist in planning, compiling and/or editing media-related emails for internal audiences.

Generate ideas, write and edit stories on faculty, staff and students whose work is of interest to the UW community.

Generate social media posts, in alignment with strategy and goals, for the UW News social media accounts, and coordinate with UW's central social media team on these efforts.

Assist in maintaining the UW News website.

Handle incoming requests from members of the media seeking experts from the UW.

Assist in deciding the best ways to make stories available to a variety of audiences, including the news media.

Develop collaborative relationships with academic and administrative units across the University.

Demonstrate excellent writing, editing, grammar and AP Style skills.

Other administrative tasks include: Answering phones; assisting public information officers as needed; monitoring the UW News inbox and voicemail; greeting drop-in visitors to the office; and collecting and archiving daily newspapers.

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field and 2-3 years' experience in public information, news media and/or public relations.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

The position primarily requires use of a media monitoring program (MuckRack) and online archiving system (Pinboard), but also includes some knowledge of technical elements such as spreadsheet maintenance, basic HTML and other software.

The position requires an individual who is willing to experiment, enjoys working in a collaborative environment and has the necessary skills to manage expectations of diverse groups of faculty and administrators.

Excellent editing and writing skills, demonstrated familiarity with the rapidly changing technology and media environment, and knowledge of various platforms of news dissemination are essential. Knowledge of how to work with digital media, including social media, and a willingness to experiment are required. Experience in developing multimedia products, including video, is desired.

Must be an excellent writer/editor, with great attention to detail, and the proven ability to effectively use AP Style.

Experience with WordPress, email newsletter software (Marketo or similar), Microsoft Excel, media monitoring services (MuckRack or similar), project management software (Asana or similar), basic HTML, and preparation of written and visual materials for digital publication are desired.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position requires a flexible schedule as the workload and times vary considerably.

Cubicle/open workspace environment, which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.

Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.