PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (ENVIRONMENT)

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. 

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

For over 160 years, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Supporting this legacy and important public mission—with the goal of making the UW the world’s greatest public university, as measured by positive impact—guides everything we do in University Advancement . Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations, we advance the UW’s impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy and philanthropic support. 

The mission of University Marketing & Communications (UMAC) is to lead branding, marketing and communications efforts that advance the reputation, resources and relationships of the University. This starts with creating a culture of belonging within our organization that values the diverse experiences and expertise of our team members, allowing everyone to thrive and to contribute their unique talents as we strive to achieve our shared goals.

University Marketing & Communications has an exciting opening for a Public Information Officer. This is a full-time, permanent position.  

UW News, a division within University Marketing & Communications, builds awareness, increases support and collaborates across campus to connect the University with the public, primarily through media relations and securing coverage of University research and major initiatives.

The Public Information Officer in the UW News office serves as a press officer to identify and pitch stories on research and related educational projects that have the best potential for attracting state, regional or national/international news coverage. They will specifically cover the College of the Environment as well as related institutes and centers, working closely with both researchers and administrators on campus, and reporters and editors at news outlets. The Public Information Officer will also be responsible for media /interview training for faculty and other researchers, as well as editing and placing op-eds and analysis pieces by University researchers.

This role reports to an Assistant Director in the UW News office and works closely with communications managers in the College of the Environment.

What You Will Do:

Writing/editing (40%)

•     Identify stories on research and education that have the best potential for attracting state, regional or national/international news coverage, as well as stories that are most likely to be of interest to the campus and extended community.
•     Determine the best ways to make the story available to a variety of audiences, including the news media.
•     Edit and write news releases, arrange interviews, develop and provide media training, assist faculty with writing for a mainstream audience, and otherwise facilitate contact between students and faculty and reporters in the international/national, local and student media.

Media Relations (40%)

•     Respond to incoming calls from members of the media seeking experts on various topics.
•     Monitor developing news and identify which UW experts can speak on various topics.
•     Pitch story ideas to regional, state and national/international news outlets using software (MuckRack) or in-person (by phone).

Internal Relations (10%)

•     Provide expert public affairs advice and training, as needed, to faculty and administrators.
•     Develop collaborative relationships with academic and administrative units across the University.

Other duties as assigned (10%)

•     Help the UW News office develop new projects and initiatives, such as coordinating community events featuring UW experts, and overseeing the production of content that connects the UW with the wider community.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree and three years’ experience in writing and communications for nonprofit, government or higher education institutions, journalism and/or public relations.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

What You Bring:

•     Excellent writing and editing skills, with the proven ability to craft strategic content and messages from multiple voices, for a variety of audiences.
•     Experience editing written pieces for grammar, AP style, flow and readability.
•     Proven ability to translate the language of research and academia into meaningful language for the average reader.
•     Demonstrated curiosity, willingness to experiment, and ability to work in a collaborative environment with a diverse group of faculty and administrators.
•     Excellent communication skills and demonstrated familiarity with the rapidly changing technology and media environment and various platforms of news dissemination are essential.
•     Knowledge of digital media, including social media.
•     Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

What You Can Expect:

Cubicle/Open workspace environment, which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.

Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you log into your “My Jobs” page. If you choose to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

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