Associate News Editor

UMass Amherst•Amherst, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Using multimedia news gathering skills, exercising sound editorial judgment and working independently, the Associate News Editor develops and disseminates information highlighting the achievements of the campus, its faculty and community to local, regional, national and global news media. Reporting to the Deputy Director of News and Media Relations, this role plays an essential part in amplifying the university’s triumphs, ventures, and the pivotal role it plays in shaping the lives of its students for the common good. A primary focus is promoting research and expertise from the university’s schools and colleges, including opportunities tied to published research and breaking news. The position requires research skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of audiences, including news media, administrators, faculty, staff, students, public officials, alumni and donors. The job requires being available outside of normal business hours as needed, such as during commencement or other important events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and 3-5 years of experience in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to accurately translate technical or scholarly information into common language.
Knowledge of social media and its use in media relations.
Familiarity with workplace collaboration software such as Teams and project management software like Asana.
Excellent interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with a wide range of audiences, including the university community, the public, alumni and donors, and members of the press.
Ability to work independently and as a team member, exercising sound judgment under deadline conditions.
Strong time-management abilities.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with scientific communications (e.g., artificial intelligence, computational biology, machine learning and robotics) is desired.

Responsibilities

Identify, research and produce breaking news pitches, expert tip sheets, news releases, feature stories, news summaries, and social media content.
Facilitate strategic placement of stories in local, regional, national and global media that ladder up to institutional priorities.
Work closely with college and school officials within the university, particularly campus communicators and deans, to develop an earned media plan for their respective beat and in responding promptly to reporters’ inquiries.
Identify opportunities for creating video, audio and photo content.
Develop and curate media distribution lists and cultivate relationships with local, regional and national reporters.
Track media coverage generated and analyze trends.
Advise faculty, administrators and staff on how to appear before the media, including preparing briefing material, crafting the message, fielding questions and assessing public perception of the university.
Exhibit the utmost discretion to keep information confidential or under embargo until it is released publicly.
Perform other duties as assigned.
If requested, serve on occasion as a spokesperson for the campus.
If requested, serve on the emergency communications team as needed.