News Writer Salary: $22.00 per hour. Summary of Function: The Arizona Western College News Writer is responsible for crafting engaging and informative press releases to share college news, events, and achievements with local, statewide, and national media. This role also includes some content writing for the college's website and important institutional publications, ensuring all communications align with the institution's voice and mission. Typical Duties: * Serves Students. Write clear, concise, and compelling press releases for various college events, announcements, and achievements. * Research and reach out to on- and off- campus contacts to gather information and quotes for press releases and stories. * Post press releases along with engaging photos to the official college news web page, ensuring appropriate searchable tags and contact information is included. * Distribute press releases and media advisories to news outlets. Foster relationships with local media, responding to media inquiries and coordinating interviews with college representatives in consultation with the Associate Dean of Marketing and Communications. * Create written content for institutional publications such as the president's annual report, recruitment viewbooks, and other key publications. * Collaborate with the website development team and the Strategic Content Specialist to develop compelling content for the AWC website. * Proofread and edit all written content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and grammatical correctness. Adhere to the college's style guide and maintain a high standard of writing quality. * Support and participate in strategic planning initiatives and perform other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications: * Associate's degree in Journalism, Mass Communications, English, Media Relations, or related field * Proven experience in writing press releases and working with media outlets * Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with understanding of AP Style and journalistic principles Preferred: * Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Mass Communications, English, Media Relations, or related field * Two years of experience in writing press releases and working with media outlets * Previous experience in an educational environment Additional Eligibility Requirements: * N/A Classification: * Non-Exempt Position Type & Work Schedule: * Part-time; up to 19 hours per week; 12 months per year Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Knowledge of and ability to follow college policies and procedures * Knowledge of or ability to maintain organizational structure, workflow and operating procedures * Skill in current technologies and word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software, specifically Microsoft Office applications, Windows * Skill in managing one's own time * Ability to complete all departmental and/or institutional mandatory training or development * Ability to organize, work independently, prioritize, follow multiple projects and tasks through to completion, with close attention to detail while contributing to team environment * Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously * Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with media contacts and internal stakeholders * Ability to provide support and assistance for diverse populations in a professional and supportive manner * Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, in writing, and in a public setting, and to relate to others in a professional manner * Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and take appropriate actions to resolve problems using independent judgment and decision-making processes * Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other department staff, faculty, students, and the public Work Environment: * Inside office environment with normal noise and lighting levels * Work is performed in an open office environment with staff contact and interruptions * Working environment may include various locations across the services district, indoor, and/or outdoor locations as needed to support departmental or institutional needs * Occasional remote work opportunity. Position is designed to maximize in-person engagement while allowing for flexibility through designated work schedule and alternative engagement strategies tailored to departmental and institutional needs Physical Demands: * Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer * May lift, carry, push, and/or pull, at times a minimum of 10 pounds * Occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist * Must be able to navigate various departments of the organization's physical premises Travel: * Required to travel to other locations using various modes of private, commercial, or fleet transportation, and as needed to support department and institutional needs Note: * Yuma Campus * Not Benefits Eligible POSTING DATE: June 18, 2024 FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS: This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: The following materials must be uploaded at the time of application. Any materials submitted via e-mail, fax, or mail will not be accepted. Applications missing any of the below requirements will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. * Completed Application * Resume or Curriculum Vitae (no more than 3 pages) ADDRESS INQUIRIES TO: Arizona Western College Human Resources Phone: (928) 344-7505 / FAX: (928) 317-6001 / TTY: (928) 344-7629 Email: Human.Resources@azwestern.edu ARIZONA WESTERN COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER