Application Process
Qualified candidates should complete and return a Graduate Assistantship Application to the office of publications, along with two letters of reference. In addition, candidates should supply two writing samples, preferably one human interest/feature story (1,000 words or less) and one journalistic/technical story that explains a complex concept (1,000 words or less).
Primary Purpose of GA
The Writer/Editor GA is responsible for the development of content for student recruitment publications as well as alumni communications, print and Web applications for both the College of Arts and Letters and the office of publications. This includes writing stories about faculty, students and alumni, as well as the refinement of text to follow University style guidelines.
The year-round assistantship also involves maintaining the University’s profile story (“spotlight”) database, as well as posting to various websites/blogs.
Description of Work
- Coordinates with the Office of Publications, as well as the College of Arts and Letters, to research, develop and/or refine content for student recruitment and alumni communication efforts.
- Collaborates with students, faculty, staff and alumni to gather information.
- Collaborates with University Relations staff to develop content for social media.
- Uses invention, imagination, originality and talent to write and edit content as assigned.
- Writes stories about faculty, students and alumni using Microsoft Word.
- Edits stories and other content according to Associated Press writing style and office policy to ensure text is accurate and grammatically correct.
- Maintains University spotlight database by approving, editing and writing submitted stories.
- Prioritizes tasks to ensure deadlines are met.
- Works cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
- Shares office space, equipment (e.g. fax, copier) and materials with fellow employees.
- Runs office errands and other light duties as assigned.
Qualifications Required
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in communication, creative writing, journalism, English or related area.
Knowledge
- Knowledge of software, such as Microsoft Word.
- Knowledge of using email.
- Knowledge of database applications.
- Knowledge of utilizing social media.
- Knowledge of conducting research as it applies to writing stories.
- Must know how to read and write the English language.
- Knowledge of Associated Press writing style is not necessary but is helpful.
Abilities
- To interview University faculty members, students and alumni.
- To write compelling stories for print and Web use.
- To organize text to maximize scanning activity.
- To work in front of a computer for long periods of time.
- To perform routine tasks without losing attention to detail.
- To produce written documents in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation and grammar.
- To research relevant areas and summarize the pertinent information.
- To communicate effectively with story contacts and with fellow employees.
- To handle several tasks at once while paying attention to detail.
- To always be friendly and helpful to the public to ensure quality customer service and good public affairs.
Physical Requirements
- Pushes, pulls and carries up to 25 pounds.
Working Environment
- Primarily indoors with heating and cooling regulated in a general office environment.
Miscellaneous Requirements
- Must meet the requirements of employment as stated by Missouri State Graduate College.
- Should have valid driver’s license if operating a vehicle to conduct University business.
- This GA position requires an average of 20 hours a week.
- This GA position requires occasional night and evening work that may approach up to 10 hours a semester. During weeks when the GA works more than 20 hours, comp time is given the following week.