Science & Engineering Editor

Northwestern University’s Office of Global Marketing and Communications (OGMC) strengthens the University’s identity and reputation by communicating its academic agenda to internal and external audiences. The Science and Engineering Editor promotes the research of Northwestern’s physical scientists and engineers to national, global, and local media, securing coverage in top news outlets.

Responsibilities

• Serve as one of two primary media contacts for the physical and life sciences in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and the McCormick School of Engineering.
• Develop relationships with science and technology reporters, understanding their interests and beats.
• Learn the media landscape to identify key outlets (print, broadcast, digital) for the science and engineering beat.
• Proactively pitch reporters and media outlets across local, national, and global landscapes, including tier-one outlets.
• Match faculty with breaking news stories to place them as expert commentators in the media.
• Translate complicated research into accessible language for reporters and the public.
• Conduct ongoing outreach to physical/life science and engineering faculty to learn about upcoming research.
• Write and distribute press releases (under embargo when possible) and media advisories about key research and events, adhering to Associated Press and house style.
• Use and maintain a Cision database of media contacts for press release distribution.
• Collaborate with fellow editors in media relations within OGMC.
• Partner with communications teams at Weinberg College, McCormick School of Engineering, and the Office for Research.
• Work with Northwestern research centers and institutes, such as the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics and the International Institute for Nanotechnology.
• Post press releases and media advisories on OGMC’s internal news channels, including “Northwestern Now” and “For Journalists” websites.
• Create press kits, including multimedia, for releases posted on the “For Journalists” website.
• Participate in media training of faculty as needed.
• Coordinate and staff onsite broadcast shoots between faculty and media when necessary.

Requirements

• Minimum of five years of experience in journalism, media relations, or marketing/communications roles.
• Undergraduate degree in journalism, public relations, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience writing about science, engineering, or technology (preferred but not required).
• Ability to communicate effectively with top scientists and engineers and stay current on relevant news.
• Strong understanding of the newsgathering process and experience working with reporters on deadline.
• Excellent writing, editing, pitching, and storytelling skills.
• Extensive knowledge of print, broadcast, digital, and social media.
• Strong news judgment and interpersonal skills.
• Organizational skills to manage information from diverse groups within and outside the University.
• Experience editing and pitching opinion pieces to local and national media.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Willingness to work after hours and weekends as needed to meet deadlines or cover events.

Pay

Target hiring range for this position is $65,000–$75,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and market data.

Schedule

Hybrid schedule: 3 days per week in the office, based in Evanston, Illinois.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Paid vacation, holidays, medical/sick leave, and parental leave.
• Tuition benefits for employees and dependents.
• Pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care.
• Retirement savings options.
• Wellness programs.
• Professional growth and development resources, including career tools and educational support.