Science Writer/Media Coordinator

University of Maryland • College Park, MD

1d • $79,440 - $95,328 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Maryland College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS) communications office seeks a full-time Science Writer/Media Coordinator to serve CMNS and the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing (UM-IHC). The role is based on site at UM-IHC in North Bethesda, Maryland, and CMNS in College Park, Maryland.

The position covers science and mathematics research across CMNS, including work in AI, quantum computing, Earth and space exploration, human health, and disease. It also covers people and health computing research at UM-IHC, which brings together computational and clinical expertise, biomedical innovation, health data, and academic resources from the University of Maryland, College Park; the University of Maryland, Baltimore; and the University of Maryland Medical System.

The incumbent conducts interviews and creates research press releases, news stories, narrative profiles, social media posts, newsletters, and printed materials about faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Content should be informative and engaging, make scientific topics understandable, and be coordinated across institutions. The role works with photographers, videographers, illustrators and animators, and graphic designers as needed.

The Science Writer/Media Coordinator also helps expand CMNS and UM-IHC media relations with local, regional, and national news outlets and specialized science and technology publications. This includes developing and pitching story ideas, writing news releases, and preparing media advisories. The candidate works with the CMNS Assistant Dean of Communications and the UM-IHC Co-Executive Directors and supports events, special projects, and other assigned duties. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or qualifying additional work experience substituted year for year for up to four years of required education.
• Three years of professional writing or editing experience.
• Knowledge of writing, editing, and public relations.
• Knowledge of interviewing, content editing, copy editing, and proofreading.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Skill in using Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.
• Ability to coordinate publications and website design, content, and production.
• Ability to execute multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Skill in science, health, or medical writing.
• Technical proficiency in web content management, social media, and photo editing.
• Strong understanding of Associated Press style.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple communications channels and campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews and write research press releases, news stories, narrative profiles, social media posts, newsletters, and printed materials about CMNS and UM-IHC faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
• Create informative and engaging content that makes scientific topics understandable and is coordinated across institutions.
• Work with photographers, videographers, illustrators and animators, and graphic designers as needed.
• Help expand and grow CMNS and UM-IHC media relations programs with local, regional, and national news outlets and specialized science and technology publications.
• Develop and pitch story ideas, write news releases, and prepare media advisories.
• Work with the CMNS Assistant Dean of Communications and UM-IHC Co-Executive Directors.
• Support events, special projects, and other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level