Research Communications Editor - Engineering Administration at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Research Communications Editor - Engineering Administration




Office of Marketing & Communications



The Office of Marketing & Communications in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for a Research Communications Editor. This position is responsible for proactively identifying opportunities to tell Grainger Engineering research stories that align with college goals and have the potential to elevate the college reputation. This position researches, writes and edits scientific and research-related communications, publications, press releases, news and feature stories and materials for print and web. Paramount in this position is proactively building strong relationships with faculty researchers across the college, as well as collaborating with our cross-functional marcom team including marketers, creatives, and project managers to deliver successful outcomes.



Duties & Responsibilities



Science Communications

• Collaborate with faculty and staff on the writing of news stories related to outcomes of various research grants, including published research.


• Proactively determine content materials, select subjects, conduct interviews, and ensure accuracy of facts.


• Employ strong editorial judgment and rapidly absorb complex ideas and distill them into accessible content for local, national and global audiences.


• Plan, edit and compose written content for diverse audiences, across a variety of channels including research- and academic-themed magazines, publications, websites, and electronic newsletters, social media, and other channels as appropriate.


• Provide support for major college, unit and department initiatives through planning, researching and writing briefing materials and reports.


• Follow and apply science communications trends to Grainger Engineering communications efforts.


• Provide editing, proofreading, and quality assurance as needed.


• Maintain a consistent brand voice and tone in all written work.

Coordination and Management

• Collect, analyze, and interpret information from peer-reviewed scientific journals and translate into news stories and content for a variety of college channels.


• Conduct independent research of scientific literature and other available research to add content to various college communications.


• Proactively research university programs for potential story ideas to generate media and public interest.


• Distribute science stories to EurkAlert.


• Supervise student workers including delegating work, reviewing completed tasks, developing strategies for, and measuring performance.

Other Duties

• Work within OMC project management software and system, maintaining accountability for projects and tasks.


• Represent Grainger Engineering communications on college and campus committees as requested.


• Assume additional duties related to furthering the Grainger Engineering mission and strategic priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field.


• Three (3) years (36 months) of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, newspaper reporting, radio/television broadcasting with emphasis on production, or web/digital media.


• Demonstrated experience interviewing constituents and crafting stories and/or profiles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, STEM, or a related field.


• Demonstrated experience in researching and writing proposals and/or impact reports.


• Demonstrated experience in STEM writing.


• Demonstrated experience with grant applications and scientific publications.


• Demonstrated supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to build relationships with faculty, students and staff across the relevant IRUs, research centers, programs and departments to effectively collaborate on research communications that align with the college brand.
• Ability to champion inter-professional relationships and foster a culture of diversity and inclusion with the department as well as the college.
• Excellent writing, interpersonal, and oral communication skills with proven ability to present, write, edit, and organize thoughts in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner.
• Ability to work independently and quickly to meet tight deadlines.
• Consistency in quality, tone and style, following university brand and editorial standards.
• Strong editorial and proofing skills and knowledge of AP Style.
• Passion for higher education and curiosity for new and exciting discoveries.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment and is highly adaptable to change.

Appointment Information


This is a 100% full-time Civil Service Public Information Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $60,000-$70,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.


For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .



Application Procedures & Deadline Information


Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on December 3, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Rachael Coleman (rfoll2@illinois.edu). For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .


Requisition ID: 1027100
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu


Apply Now