Writer

Job Description

The CALS Writer develops high-quality editorial content that advances the teaching research Extension and Advancement priorities of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications and operating as part of the CALS Marketing and Communications team the writer receives assignments based on college and university priorities and works across CALS to report write edit and produce compelling content for Virginia Tech News college websites newsletters the CALS digital magazine Advancement communications and other channels.

Teaching and research are primary areas of editorial focus including student experience and success faculty research and expertise the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (VAES) Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (ARECs) and other stories that demonstrate the colleges academic and research impact. The writer also provides significant support for Advancement communications including alumni and donor storytelling the monthly alumni newsletter annual giving activities the CALS digital magazine and other materials.

Working from editorial priorities established by the Assistant Director the writer collaborates with faculty students alumni donors subject-matter experts Advancement colleagues and academic research and Extension communicators to identify sources conduct interviews develop stories and ensure content is accurate engaging audience-centered and aligned with college and university priorities.

The writer also provides editing and editorial production support across CALS helping maintain consistent standards for accuracy clarity AP and Virginia Tech style brand alignment and readiness for publication.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in communications journalism English public relations marketing or a related field or equivalent relevant experience.
Professional experience in communications journalism writing editing public relations or a related field.
Demonstrated experience reporting writing and producing high-quality public-facing content.
Demonstrated ability to translate scientific technical academic or complex information into clear and engaging content for non-technical audiences.
Strong interviewing reporting writing editing proofreading and fact-checking skills.
Experience writing for multiple audiences formats and communications channels.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments priorities and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Experience collaborating with editors communicators subject-matter experts and other partners to develop content.
Ability to receive editorial direction and feedback and revise work effectively.
Working knowledge of AP style or comparable professional editorial standards.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience writing or editing in higher education science agriculture research or a related environment.
Experience writing about scientific or technical subjects for general public audiences.
Experience developing alumni donor fundraising stewardship or other Advancement communications.
Experience writing or editing magazine newsletter or long-form feature content.
Familiarity with agriculture and life sciences the land-grant mission Virginia Cooperative Extension VAES or ARECs.
Experience working with content management systems email publication platforms or other digital publishing tools.
Familiarity with Virginia Tech editorial and brand standards.

Pay Band

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$67500 - $71000

Hours per week

Varies

Review Date

September 16 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.