Science News Editor C

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Science News Editor C

Job Profile Title

Editor C

Job Description Summary

The Science News Editor reports to the Director of News and Media. As a member of the University of Pennsylvania's Office of University Communications, she/he/they will oversee and contribute to editorial and media strategy for research-related communications—promoting research and expertise in science and technology, positioning Penn as a nationally recognized research university.

As a member of the news group, they will serve as the science news editor and have primary oversight of science news coverage and media relations managing a team of two science writers. They will coordinate the editorial calendar and assignments for coverage of published research, as well as faculty experts and student stories in STEM fields. The Science Editor will serve as the UComms liaison with the Penn Medicine communications team, the Vice Provost for Research comms team, and the Office of Government and Community Affairs to manage the Research@Penn communications effort and pitch national, regional, and local media with a targeted media strategy. She/he/they will collaborate with members of the Office of University Communications team to incorporate web, photo, video, and social media into the research communications plan.

The Science Editor will also source and write news releases and write news articles and feature stories contributing to Univ Comms electronic, print, and multi-media news formats including the Penn Today daily news website and upenn.edu homepage; a daily email newsletter that aggregates news across the University for campus and external audiences.

Application Requirement:
In addition to a resume/CV, a cover letter is required to be considered for this position.
Please upload cover letter and resume/CV. Multiple documents are allowed.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead editorial strategy for research-related University communications for the University of Pennsylvania and manage the Research@Penn communications effort.
• Maintain working relationship with writers, editors, and others at external news media to pitch national, regional, and local media with a targeted science media strategy that will result in positive news placement - to include social media promotion in coordination with UComms social media team.
• Manage a team of two science news officers/writers.
• Develop and maintain relationships across the University to source and write news releases, articles, and feature stories for campus print.
• Serve as liaison with Penn Medicine Communications team and the Vice Provost for Research Comms team, as well as coordinate science coverage with the Office of Government and Community Affairs.
• Maintain a monthly report documenting editorial assignments and earned media.
• Perform any other appropriate tasks as assigned by the Director for News and Media, and/or in association with the Director of Media Relations, Director of News Publications, or Associate Vice President for University Communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in related field, Master's degree preferred and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Additional education may substitute for required experience.
• Master's or doctorate degree in a relevant scientific field.
• Strong science knowledge, reporting, writing and editing skills for a variety of applications.
• Ability to work well with faculty and administration and translate sometimes technical academic subjects for lay audiences.
• Ability to produce content with both speed and accuracy.
• Proven management skills.
• Able to adhere to internal deadlines and production timelines.
• Documented media placement and experience working with media.
• Experience managing publication production a plus.
• Ability to source accompanying images and graphic design for written content.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise professionalism, sensitivity, good judgment, and problem-solving skills.
• Must be comfortable using technology, multimedia, and social media tools.
• A commitment to independent higher education in general and to the University of Pennsylvania in particular.

Application Requirement:

In addition to a resume/CV, a cover letter is required to be considered for the position. Please upload cover letter and resume/CV. Multiple documents are allowed.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hybrid Eligible - This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with a work week divided between working onsite and working remotely.

Department / School

President's Center

Pay Range

$61,046.00 - $95,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Affirmative Action Statement 
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay 

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