Job no: 500760
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Communications
Union: USA/MTA
Categories: Administrative/Office Support

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Works with a broad range of university constituents to edit and/or rewrite text for sense, logic, and adherence to university guidelines and brand messaging. Copyedits and fact-checks written material (print and web).

Essential Functions

• Edits and/or rewrites copy for a wide range of university materials, such as annual reports and promotional materials with a focus on messaging/storytelling, for sense, logic, factual accuracy, and adherence to university guidelines.
• Copyedits written material (print and web) to ensure that high-profile communications materials from UMass Amherst, including student recruitment materials, the commencement program, and many others meet the highest editorial standards. Corrects errors in grammar, spelling, accuracy, consistency, and usage. Responsible for reviewing documents and websites before they become public. Fact-checks materials for accuracy and appropriateness. Communicates with primary sources and identifies credible online sources.
• Conceives of story or content ideas to advance the university’s strategic plan.
• Performs additional editorial duties. Corrects and prepares electronic text files and tracks corrected versions and proofs. Reads proofs for typographical and mechanical errors before they are sent to the printer. Attends University Relations editorial meetings and contributes to content plans and workflow of departmental publications.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• A minimum of 3 years copyediting experience.
• Strong writing skills
• Ability to edit and/or rewrite high-level written materials while meeting tight deadlines
• Excellent knowledge of grammar, usage, composition, and spelling.
• Broad general knowledge and skillful and thorough research ability.
• Knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style and Associated Press Style Guide.
• Ability to proofread and copyedit manuscripts for technical and lay audiences.
• Familiarity with design software for print and web. Excellent word processing skills
• Sound knowledge of proofreading, copyediting symbols, designer specifications, and printing terms.
• Ability to recognize and determine obvious errors and changes needed in design specifications
• Able communicator, team player, and good interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Three or more years experience writing in a higher education setting preferred
• A Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Communication or related field of study is highly preferred

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours week.

Salary Information

Grade 15

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references. Applicants should apply by the priority deadline of June 5, 2019 in order to ensure consideration.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: May 23 2019 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jun 5 2019 Eastern Daylight Time