New

Writer and Editorial Specialist

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia
$70,000 - $80,000 per year commensurate with education and experience.
United States, Virginia, Charlottesville
1215 Lee Street (Show on map)
Sep 17, 2025
The Writer and Editorial Specialist will join the Marketing and Communications Team as a key contributor to the School of Data Science's mission of advancing responsible data science for the common good. An experienced storyteller and editor, this individual will help the School achieve its strategic goals by creating and curating content that highlights the School's leadership in research, discovery, innovation, and education. The Specialist will play a central role in identifying and developing features that showcase faculty expertise, research breakthroughs, and interdisciplinary initiatives. They will translate technical concepts into compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences and strengthen the School's reputation as a leader in data science. They will collaborate with University of Virginia media relations while proactively building and maintaining their own network of media contacts to share School stories with local, national, and global audiences. In addition, the Specialist will manage a comprehensive 12-month editorial calendar-planning, sequencing, and coordinating content from the MarComm team across platforms to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and strategic campaigns. Serving as the School's editorial lead, this role will oversee written content across media, uphold brand standards, and ensure consistent messaging. Responsibilities: Content Development and Media Relations Lead the creation of content highlighting faculty research, School initiatives, and data science innovations. Manage and maintain a 12-month editorial calendar for the MarComm team, aligning content with strategic goals. Write features on School news, announcements, events, and people. Collaborate with UVA media relations to secure external placements and manage press inquiries. Translate complex data science concepts into engaging stories for broad audiences. Source and manage freelance writers when needed. Editorial Oversight Establish and enforce editorial guidelines and best practices for the School. Provide editorial support for articles, blogs, newsletters, video and podcast scripts, and special projects. Ensure that content reflects UVA and AP style, aligns with brand identity, and communicates consistently across channels. Ensure all digital content meets federal digital accessibility guidelines and aligns with University standards for inclusive communications. Partner with the MarComm team to integrate visual and written storytelling. Special Projects Serve as project manager for special editorial initiatives, including print and digital publications for the School and Dean. Qualifications Bachelor's degree and at least five years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field. Demonstrated success producing and editing a range of storytelling formats (news, features, press releases, long-form features, reports, newsletters, etc.). Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills; mastery of AP Style preferred. Background or experience in science writing and translating research for general audiences strongly preferred. Proven ability to manage and maintain long-term editorial calendars. Proficiency with MS Office Suite and familiarity with content management systems. Strong interpersonal skills; collaborative team player who thrives in partnership environments. Self-starter and innovator with a passion for storytelling, problem-solving, and advancing mission-driven work. About the School The University of Virginia School of Data Science-the first of its kind in the nation-is guided by common goals: to further discovery, share knowledge, and make a positive impact on society through collaborative, open, and responsible data science research and education. Founded in fall 2019 through the largest gift in UVA history, the School positions the university and our community to play a national and international leadership role in the global digital future. The School of Data Science is the newest and 12th School to be formed in the University's 200-year history. The School of Data Science is driven by a vision to meet the challenges of an increasingly data-driven world through excellence in collaborative, open, interdisciplinary research; education that produces responsible, diverse leaders; and service that leads to products and outcomes which provide societal benefit. This position will remain open until filled. This is an Exempt level, benefited position. The University will perform background checks on all hires (if required) prior to employment. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. For this role, the University will not sponsor or consider candidates requiring sponsorship for employment visas now or in the future. For questions about the position or the application process, please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Recruiter at das6zb@virginia.edu. Please apply through the University job board, Careers at UVA, and search for R0076457. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs' or through their 'Jobs Hub'. Applicants must complete an application online with the following documents:a resume and cover letter. Location: Charlottesville, VA. Salary range: $70,000 - $80,000 per year commensurate with education and experience. The selected candidate will be required to complete a background check at the time of the offer per University Policy. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Education: Bachelor's degree in related field. Master's degree preferred. Experience: At least five years of experience Licensure: None PHYSICAL DEMANDS This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.