Research Communications Officer, Division of Research & Innovation
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Communications Officer, Division of Research & Innovation at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Position Purpose:
The Research Communications Officer is a key member of the Research Communications team in the Division of Research & Innovation. The team provides content and support for raising the visibility, profile, and impact of research initiatives to meet the university’s research goals. The Research Communications Officer will assist with efforts to gather and communicate the work, research findings and activities of the university’s research centers and institutes, the Grand Challenges initiative, and other research activities and accomplishments throughout the university. These communications efforts will be made through a range of digital, social, and traditional media channels, and the Division of Research & Innovation weekly newsletter. The position will produce a variety of reports, press releases/stories, website content, social media communications, marketing pieces, and events postings. The position will assist with the division’s website content management system that includes content updates and input for all areas of the Division of Research & Innovation. The position will assist the director of Research Communications with additional communication efforts to support research accomplishments and happenings throughout the university. The position will assist with creating basic graphics for use with content on websites, social media, etc.
Essential Functions:
Write and edit a variety of communication pieces such as news releases and feature stories, publications, and other informational pieces to promote research activities, successes and events. Assist with promoting stories to the media, posting on the web, and sharing on social media.
Organize and write material for the Division of Research & Innovation weekly newsletter.
Prepare promotional material for fliers, brochures, award nominations, presentations, websites, and reports for the research centers and institutes, the Grand Challenges, and other research initiatives and accomplishments.
Prepare postings and materials for events hosted by the Division of Research & Innovation and research centers and institutes.
Provide additional support for Division of Research & Innovation communication needs. This includes help with press releases related to other areas of research at Wayne State, , various communication efforts with schools and colleges, assistance with website/webpage creation and modifications for the Division of Research & Innovation; event calendar posting creations; and assistance with university-wide research events.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or related discipline from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience).
5 years of experience in writing, editorial or communications role with a wide portfolio of writing and editing samples across multiple topics.
Experience writing for a variety of audiences.
Experience in design of brochures, fliers, and reports.
Experience in using content management systems and event calendar systems.
Experience managing social media accounts.
Knowledge, skills and abilities:
Knowledge and ability to use, upload information and update content management systems.
Ability to multi-task and work under pressure and with deadlines.
Ability to translate difficult information into layman’s terms.
Ability to use all Microsoft platforms.
Ability to edit visual content using Adobe.
Ability to create graphs and charts to support written content.
Ability to create content for social media.
School/College/Division:
The Division of Research & Innovation
Primary Department:
H0905 - VP Research
Employment Type:
- Regular Employee
- Job type: Full Time
- Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/Salary Information:
- Compensation type: Annual Salary
- Annual Salary Minimum: $60,800
Working Conditions:
Normal environment.
Job Openings:
- Number of openings: 1
- Reposted position: No
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.
