Writer/Editor

American University•Washington, DC

1d•$70,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

American University is seeking a Writer/Editor to identify, pitch, and craft compelling, high-impact stories across its flagship enterprise channels. This role involves working closely with an editor and a creative team to drive community-centered storytelling, transforming institutional milestones, research breakthroughs, and individual voices into vibrant narratives for diverse audiences. The Writer/Editor will research, report, and write engaging content for various platforms including American magazine, the weekly AU Now newsletter, university web pages, marketing campaigns, and multimedia scripts. The position requires executing a range of storytelling formats, experimenting with fresh narrative techniques, and delivering polished, accurate copy on deadline while maintaining a consistent brand voice. Collaboration with visual creatives and a strong understanding of digital reading habits are key. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in reporting and writing versatile stories across print and digital platforms, with exceptional interviewing, research, and narrative development skills. They should be a bold thinker, embrace creative risk-taking, and be adept at managing both fast-turnaround assignments and long-form features. Strong project management, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset are essential. Experience in copyediting, proofreading (The Chicago Manual of Style), or multimedia production is a strong plus.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
5 - 8 years of relevant experience.
At least five years of professional writing experience—preferably with a news outlet or higher education institution.
Strong writing, copyediting, and proofreading skills.
Familiarity with videography, social media, and digital publishing.
Self-starter with an entrepreneurial approach to their work, capable of juggling competing priorities and deadlines while thriving under pressure.
Confident interviewer and savvy researcher.
Excellent news judgment, strong diplomacy skills, and ease in both academic and non-academic settings.
Proven ability to write compelling, accurate content in a variety of styles for diverse audiences.
Collegial and flexible team player who brings empathy, a collaborative spirit, and a good sense of humor.
Ability to seamlessly transition from interviewing the university president for a magazine feature to shooting tiny-mic videos with students on the quad.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with The Chicago Manual of Style.
Experience with multimedia production (scriptwriting, video, or social).

Responsibilities

Identify, report, and write a wide range of print and multimedia content for American University’s flagship enterprise channels, including American magazine, AU Now, university web pages, marketing campaigns, and multimedia scripts.
Research story ideas, develop interview questions, cultivate on- and off-the-record sources, and produce clear, concise, and colorful copy for assignments ranging from 200-word department pieces to 3,000-word features to a holiday video script.
Copyedit and proofread content as needed.
Collaborate closely with the editor to brainstorm story concepts, plan dynamic editorial calendars, and develop enterprise packages for the university.
Identify students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members with compelling narratives; cultivate a robust network of sources across campus and beyond; conduct background research; and track emerging trends in higher education, alumni communications, and digital media.
Build and publish stories within the content management system (CMS), assisting with the ongoing maintenance and digital presentation of the university’s news and magazine sites.
Support broader university communications initiatives and perform other related editorial or creative duties as needed.