Writer and Editor
Job Description
General Description:
The writer and editor will assist NOVA’s Office of Communications with all facets of College communication, including external, internal and student communications. This is a mid-level position for an experienced writer.
DUTIES AND TASKS:
- NOVA’s multi-talented writer and editor will assist with writing and editing for all areas of the department, including internal, external, executive and student communications.
- Crafting and editing eye-catching feature articles, press releases, student communications and talking points to ensure NOVA’s messaging and writing style are consistent and cohesive across the College.
- Writing and shepherding content for major College publications, especially the President’s Report.
- Working with the executive office, communications, marketing and divisions across the College to shape and review talking points, PowerPoint presentations (content only) and other communications materials for the College President and Administrative Council members ahead of key external engagements.
- Periodically updating messaging and talking points on priority topics and issues for the college.
- Writing and polishing all types of College communications with extraordinary attention to detail, to ensure all communications are clean, factually accurate, follow the Associated Press Style Guide and align with the College’s style and voice.
- Supporting and backing up team members who are out of the office or overloaded (for example, reviewing the College’s daily newsletter – the Daily Flyer – for the Associate Director of Internal Communications).
Special Assignments
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
KSA’s
- Ability to edit copy to conform to AP and college style and to ensure copy is free of grammatical or factual errors.
- Ability to mimic writing styles of College leadership.
- Knowledge of the Northern Virginia area, including familiarity with local businesses, higher education institutions and government entities (Federal, Commonwealth and local).
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel), online communications tools (WordPress, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.).
- Working knowledge of technologies, content management systems and email marketing platforms such as WordPress, Mail Chimp, Constant Contact and Adobe.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, public communication, English or other relevant area that demonstrates occupational experience in writing, editing and proofreading.
- Some experience writing for a variety of styles (full-length feature articles, press releases, speeches, talking points, social media, website, technical, etc.) that is intended for a variety of audiences (students, employees, internal and external stakeholders, media, board, college administration, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional experience in post-secondary education, especially experience with community colleges.
- Experience working within a large multi-site institution.
Special Instructions to Applicants
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx , or call DARS at 800- 552-5019.
Additional Information
Background Check Statement Disclaimer
The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/
EEO Statement
The Virginia Community College System, an EEO employer, welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and recognizes the benefits of a diverse workforce. Therefore, the VCCS is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disabilities, political affiliation, veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors.
ADA Statement
The VCCS is an EOE and Affirmative Action Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), VCCS will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing and selection processes.
E-Verify Statement
VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
Quicklink for Posting: https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/58467