Description

Posting Details

Posting Number

S14992P

Working Title

Staff Writer

Department

MarComm-Media Communications

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time

Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00. Occasional nights and weekends needed..

Advertised Salary

$55,000 - $60,000

Posting Date

04/15/2026

Open until filled

Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date

06/01/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title

Communications Pro I

FLSA

Exempt

FTE

1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English, public relations, or a related field.
• One to three years of professional writing, journalism, or communications experience.
• Demonstrated experience writing news stories, features, profiles, or narrative content for print or digital platforms.
• Familiarity with higher education environments and the ability to translate complex topics into accessible, engaging stories.
• Ability to adapt writing style and tone for different audiences and platforms.
• Familiarity with AP Style and standard journalistic editing practices.
• Experience with content management systems ( CMS ) or web publishing tools.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a collaborative communications environment.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Media Communications & Relations, the primary role of this position is to write compelling, high-quality content that tells the story of the University of Georgia's achievements and impact. This individual will produce a wide range of written materials-including magazine features, news stories, profiles, and narrative content-crafted for a wide range of audiences across print and digital platforms.

The Staff Writer will produce clear, engaging content for a wide range of audiences-including alumni, students, faculty, staff, news media, and external stakeholders-across a broad portfolio of assignments such as strategic initiatives, research, campus life, institutional achievements, and timely news.

The writer will develop content for publications and platforms managed by the Division, including but not limited to UGA Today, Georgia Magazine, marketing campaigns, institutional news, web content, and email newsletters. This position requires strong adaptability and the ability to shift voice and tone depending on platform, audience, and purpose.

The writer will collaborate closely with UGA Marketing & Communications staff and stakeholders across schools, colleges, and administrative units to identify story opportunities, shape narratives, and execute high-impact communications.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to produce clear, engaging content for a wide range of audiences.
• Effective interviewing and reporting skills, including the ability to synthesize complex topics into accessible narratives.
• Knowledge of journalistic standards and editorial practices, including familiarity with AP Style.
• Ability to adapt voice, tone, and style for different platforms and audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders across the institution.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and quality in written content.

Physical Demands

Work in standard office environment

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Content Development & Storytelling

• Works independently to research, interview, and write news, feature stories, profiles, and narrative content that reflects the University of Georgia's mission and strategic priorities.
• Produces executive-level messaging, institutional announcements, and general assignment stories for multiple platforms.
• Serve as the lead narrative creator for flagship institutional stories, major research features, and special publications.
• Independently identify, develop, and lead complex storytelling projects, determining narrative structure, themes, tone, and stylistic direction with minimal oversight.
• Develop narrative strategy for major communications initiatives, shaping editorial direction and ensuring creative alignment with institutional goals.

Percentage of time

65

Duties/Responsibilities

Editing & Quality Assurance

• Serves as backup to the Managing Editor to edit and refine written content produced by colleagues and campus partners as needed to ensure clarity, consistency, tone, and adherence to brand and editorial standards.
• Provides constructive feedback and helps maintain the overall quality and integrity of published content.
• Provide expert guidance to campus stakeholders on narrative development, messaging approaches, and best practices in creative communication.

Percentage of time

15

Duties/Responsibilities

Content Planning & Story Development

• Identifies and pitches story ideas that align with institutional priorities and audience interests. Works with colleagues across schools, colleges, and administrative units to discover compelling stories and develop editorial opportunities.
• Create long-form and multimedia-supported content that requires substantial originality, critical thinking, and interpretation of complex topics for a wide range of audiences.

Percentage of time

10

Duties/Responsibilities

UGA Today Website and Email


Serves as backup for UGA Today email newsletter production and distribution as well as UGA Today website content publication and organization management.

Percentage of time

5

Duties/Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

Percentage of time

5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name

James Hataway

Recruitment Contact Email

jhataway@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Writing Sample

Optional Documents

1. Other Documents #1
2. Other Documents #2