Copy Editor & Writer

Howard University

1d•$60,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer: Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness JOB PURPOSE: The copy editor/writer ensures compliance with Howard.edu style and brand guidelines, Associated Press, and other written communication conventions and standard rules of grammar. This employee also reviews digital content to ensure certain search engine optimization models are followed and that hyperlinks are functional and accurate. Editing assignments will often be time sensitive and require a short turn around. The copy editor/writer also plans and develops assigned content projects, such as articles for the website and Howard Magazine, that enhance the institution's visibility and reputation, conveys its mission, key messages, and initiatives to external and internal audiences. This function is core to OUC’s role in distributing knowledge and information to a wide range of audiences based on Howard University programs and priorities. The ideal candidate is an extremely strong writer with demonstrated expertise in grammar and style conventions and a passion for details. The ideal candidate is also an experienced storyteller in all stages of content development and project management, from story ideation to publishing. The incumbent will work closely with colleagues who have functional expertise in multimedia (photography, video, digital distribution, etc.), as well as various campus stakeholders and media outlets to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of news and information about the University.

Requirements

Extremely strong proofreading and editing skills, with a high degree of proficiency in grammar usage.
Extremely strong writing skills, with proficiency in AP Style.
Strong attention to detail, with the ability to provide written and verbal feedback.
Ability to gain a thorough understanding of University’s visions, mission, goals, and objectives.
Research and interview skills.
Comfort in using content management systems.
Ability to translate complex technical and scientific subject matter for easy comprehension by readers with as little as a seventh-grade education.
Proficiency in search engine optimization.
Comfort in adhering to deadlines.
Must be able to manage shifting priorities.
Adaptability in working both within long-term, systematic plans and in a time-sensitive environment with tight turnaround based on emerging circumstances.
Ability to work as a team member and establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with students, faculty, staff, University officials and the general public.
Ability to meet with people of diverse backgrounds to secure information in order to develop high-quality content.
Ability to use sound judgment and make decisions that demonstrate strong problem-solving ability, adaptability, and responsiveness to change.
Ability to exercise critical and analytical thinking while working with independence within a defined scope that elevates and protects the University’s reputation.
Ability to assist in the management of complex projects and to construct professional level material on short deadlines.
Ability to follow established priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver quality customer service.
Bachelor’s degree in English, humanities, journalism, communications, public relations or related field, and two years of profession experience in editorial environment or equivalent combination of three (3) years combined relevant training and experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in education, higher education, media organizations, public relations or strategic communications firms preferred.
Master’s degree in English, communications, journalism, or a related field, preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Proofreads and edits written copy to eliminate grammatical and typographic errors.
Proofreads and edits written copy for institutional printed publications, including headers, main body copy, captions, and references.
Provides guidance with regards to preferred style conventions, especially Associated Press guidelines.
Writes articles which serve as proof points in support of Howard’s key messages, particularly those related to research, impact, excellence, and influence.
Performs extensive research to find areas where Howard has unique expertise, stories, and historical perspectives.
Fact checks story details to ensure accuracy, transparency, and authority.
Interviews subject matter experts, sources, students, faculty, stakeholders, and administrators, as well as external sources with relevance to a story.
Finalizes copy and stories for posting on websites, with specific attention to search engine optimization tactics including linking, metadata, and headers.
Integrates stories into messaging platforms which promote related university programs and initiatives.
Prepares stories for publication in Howard Magazine and other publications.
Edits stories to ensure readability, correct grammar and punctuation, typographical error elimination, and adherence to designated style guidelines.
Develops story headlines for digital platforms which garner interest and engagement with targeted audiences.
Maintains a database of subject matter experts and cultivates relationships with key faculty members, student organizations, and campus leadership.
Monitors trending news, blog, and social media topics to determine ways to maximize visibility and engagement through storytelling.
Develops story ideas and pitches them to team leadership, including, in some cases, full storyboarding.
Outlines components for comprehensive storytelling, including multimedia elements which accompany written copy.
Communicates specific multimedia direction, including photography, infographics, and video guidance.
Works with members of divisional teams with responsibility for multimedia content production to ensure initiation, execution, completion, and delivery.
Develops, communicates, and manages an audience targeting strategy for each article, including distribution methodology, promotion tactics, and schedules.
In the absence of divisional or contracted photographer or videographer availability, captures images and video needed to convey story sentiment.
When necessary, edits photos or videos for suitable placement in alignment with stories.
Crops photos for usage in digital stories in accordance with content management system standards.
Uploads photos and videos for usage in digital stories.
Monitor audience engagement using metrics and data analysis tools.