November 14, 2024

Montana State University

Bozeman

Editor II

University Communication’s mission is to enhance MSU’s public image, increase the public’s awareness of MSU’s accomplishments and develop consistent communications that build the university’s reputation. University Communications provides a wide range of services to the university through its operational units: Montana PBS, MSU News Service, MSU Creative Services, MSU Web and Digital Communications and University Marketing. Its staff includes writers, editors, graphic designers, photographers, video producers, publications specialists, marketing specialists and Web programmers.

Under the supervision of the director of the MSU News Service, this position will function as an editor, writer and Web manager responsible for researching, writing, coordinating and editing copy that will be used in media releases, publications, marketing materials, websites and internal university communications. This position will assist the University Communications directors with other projects and duties as delegated and assist with emergency communications as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

At the direction of the MSU News Service director, the person in this position will:

Edit and write copy on a broad range of topics to be used in news advances, media releases, internal university communications and online.
Coordinate the sending of a regular email newsletter, including writing summaries, screening for accuracy and assisting people who submit content.
Work with executive-level offices to draft and send emails to the campus community.
Use the university’s content management system to post or modify content on an as-needed basis for communications clients.
Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Demonstrated successful experience that includes writing, editing and proofreading on tight publication deadlines.

Experience working with a Web content management system.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Two to three years of successful experience editing, writing and proofreading on tight publication deadlines.

Demonstrated experience working as a journalist and knowledge of Associated Press Style.

Experience including institutional branding in written materials.

Experience writing in multiple styles, including for the Web, marketing materials, news releases and technical writing.

The Successful Candidate Will

Have experience writing for news media.
Possess a high degree of knowledge of punctuation and grammar.
Have a passion for higher education and the land-grant mission.
Have a basic understanding of Web, social media and traditional print media.
Maintain attention to detail, meet deadlines and prioritize competing demands.
Maintain confidentiality.
Have the ability to work independently on a wide array of tasks.
Exercise good judgement and motivation.
Work productively in a team environment.
Respond positively to editing.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

A minimum of three writing samples of published, bylined work. Examples of published work can include, but are not limited to, copy that appeared as a newspaper or popular magazine article, as a press release, or on a website under the applicant’s name. At least one sample must be 400 words or longer. Applicants are encouraged to submit a variety of work demonstrating their writing range. Do not submit personal blog posts, theses, scholarly publications, position papers, or communication/marketing plans.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

The person in this position must be able to use a computer monitor, keyboard and mouse for long periods of time with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position has supervisory duties?

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

Desired Start Date

Upon completion of successful search

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on November 26, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.