Department: University Communications
Classification: Publications Editor
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $19.72 – $29.96 per hour
FTE: 1.0
Review of Applications Begins
Position closes October 31, 2023
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please submit the following with your online application:
• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job announcement.
• A resume of your educational and professional work experience.
Department Summary
University Communications tells the University of Oregon’s stories to a broad range of audiences and positions the university to succeed and thrive. The department manages a suite of communications tools, including public relations, branding, advertising, licensing, digital media, and more for the benefit of the university.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Communications, the Editor & Writer is the primary editor and proofreader of University Communications content. This position serves as an authority and campus-wide resource for the University of Oregon editorial style and ensures all content is consistent with a top-tier research university regarding spelling, punctuation, grammar, style, length, accuracy, and ease of understanding.
In the editing role, typical contacts and interactions include University Communications designers, writers, editors, project managers, and clients; communications staff for the university’s nine schools; and other university personnel.
Using the UO style guide, Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster dictionary as resources, the editor has the independence to make decisions about changes to content to ensure consistency with the standards of a top-tier research university. The editor is responsible for refining client submissions to conform to university style and brand guidelines and helping project managers meet deadlines for the production of various publications. The effect of these decisions is to ensure that the university’s reputation as an outstanding institution of research, education, and service is preserved and enhanced in the public eye.
The Editor & Writer also proactively identifies and produces stories and other messaging for University Communications channels, including topics related to campus arts, cultural events, and other areas as needed.
In the copywriting role, typical contacts and interactions include faculty, staff, students, alumni, and others in the campus community and, as necessary, members of the general public.
Using as guidelines the university’s goals for recruitment, retention, reputation, development, and student support, the copywriting role has the independence to identify story ideas and content that serve university audiences and preserve and enhance the university’s reputation in the public eye. The impact of these decisions will be to advance the university’s goals and preserve and enhance its reputation.
Minimum Requirements
• Four years of experience as an editor reviewing and correcting written materials for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax errors and modifying copy to conform to standards of style, length and ease of understanding.
A Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, or related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.
Professional Competencies
• Ability to read copy to detect errors and verify facts.
• Ability to write compelling and in-depth stories that engage readers.
• Thorough command of the Chicago Manual of Style
• Ability to prepare for and conduct interviews with article subjects that produce essential content in an efficient use of time
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word “track changes” and Adobe PDF commenting.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
• Three years of experience writing articles or developing content in a higher education environment or for a general-interest magazine.
• Three years of experience as an editor for a newspaper, journal, or magazine.
• Proven ability to meet multiple, concurrent, fast-paced deadlines
• Authoring of an institutional style guide
• Proven ability to work cooperatively with diverse clients and partners, such as staff, volunteers, and students, in a service-oriented environment.
• Project management experience.
FLSA Exempt: No
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.
This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits .
The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination .
In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report .
Advertised: September 27, 2023 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: