Class
Code:........0985G
Position #:(PTAA).......
Developed by:...........
Reviewed
by:............
Approved by:............
Date:..............12/07
UNIVERSITY OF
Position Description
TITLE: Writer
DIVISION: University
Relations (Communications & Marketing)
REPORTS
TO: Director,
Communications & Marketing
GRADE: 10
SUPERVISES: Clerical support staff
BASIC
FUNCTION:
Research and write news
releases, copy for use on the University of Rhode Island website and other
electronic communications, and related marketing/promotional materials for
distribution to print, broadcast, online media and other venues; function as a
reporter covering assigned academic and administrative beats; cultivate,
maintain, and expand correspondence and contact with print, broadcast, and
online media.
ESSENTIAL
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work with Public Information Officers to
write and edit press releases, articles, and text for electronic communications
as assigned.
Write and edit citations, brochures and
other promotional copy for all communications vehicles as assigned.
Function as a reporter covering assigned
academic and administrative beats.
Advise faculty, staff and students on
ways to make news; gather information for publicity purposes; determine news
value of story ideas.
Maintain up-to-date files on assigned
coverage areas including, but not limited to, list of media resources and
experts, upcoming events and program developments.
Cultivate, maintain, and expand
correspondence and contact with print, broadcast and online media including,
but not limited to, reporters, editors, news directors, and assignment editors;
pitch story and article ideas to local, regional, and national media.
Assist with the URI Speakers Bureau, as directed, arranging for faculty/staff
experts to address numerous community organizations on a variety of
topics. Also assist with maintenance of
the URI News Sources Directory of faculty/staff experts.
Assist in planning and preparing press
conferences and media seminars.
OTHER
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work on special projects as needed.
Perform other duties as required.
LICENSES,
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:
Personal computers, printers and word
processing, database management software.
ENVIRONMENTAL
CONDITIONS:
This position is not substantially
exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required: Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications or
related field; three years of full-time experience reporting for a print,
broadcast or online media outlet, or a minimum of three years of full-time
experience at a public relations or advertising agency (experience must include
story placement in local, regional, or national print, broadcast or online
media outlets); ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
excellent interpersonal skills; computer skills.
ALL REQUIREMENTS
ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH
DISABILITIES.