Position Function:
The Mississippi State Office of Public Affairs operates within the university’s Division of Strategic Communications. The office includes the university’s news, photography and graphic design units; strategic marketing/branding; the University Television Center and WMSV campus radio station.
The Multimedia Communications Specialist identifies important story ideas, writes news releases, and has the ability to shoot and edit photos and video when needed—completing the work in a timely and well-presented manner. Research, interviews, writing, editing and production of print and digital content, for the university's key external and internal audiences, are the essential elements of work for this position which reports to the News Editor, Senior Associate Director and Chief Communications Officer.
Salary Grade: 14
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
May 2024
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
--Serve as one of three primary news writers in the Office of Public Affairs News Bureau, generating a proportionate share of news
--Develop sources, create story ideas, write and produce content for print and digital platforms, and strategically disseminate to news outlets locally, regionally and nationally
--Write and edit both news and feature stories—supporting university goals
--Gather and edit photography and video on events and news-related activities with camera and/or cell phone and share on university social media platforms
--Collaborate and produce news packages which may include media advisories, releases, photos and/or video
--Assist with writing for Alumnus magazine, other publications, special events and other projects
--Work with and contribute to content developed by all areas of Public Affairs, including but not limited to branding/marketing, social media and photography
--Show initiative in completing work, be a substantive team member and available after hours as needed
Minimum Qualifications:
--Bachelor’s degree in print, broadcast, digital journalism; communication; public relations or related field
--Two years of related experience
Equivalent combination of education and experience in writing/editing both print and digital news and other content may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
--Experience in a higher education setting
--Demonstrated work in writing for both print and digital platforms
--Basic photography, videography and editing skills
--Ability to work in team setting and independently
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
--Expertise in researching, understanding and simplifying complex information for a variety of audiences
--Ability to work on multiple news assignments and projects at one time while meeting deadlines
--Self-motivated and detail oriented
--Excellent written and verbal skills
--Ability to interact well with diverse populations—students, employees, other university stakeholders
--Excellent writing, proofreading and communication skills
--Ability to write and edit digital and social content, including video
--Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, Adobe Photoshop, and either Microsoft or Adobe video editing software
--Demonstrated knowledge of Associated Press style
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
- Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion
- Often exposed to heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc.
- Frequent shifts in work priority: interruptions requiring immediate attention; unusual pressure due to accountability for success and project completion
- Frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, reaching, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands
- Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, and ability to distinguish colors
- Required work outside the standard 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online. Please include cover letter and resume along with names and addresses of at least three references.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
