Job Description

Position Location

Fort Collins, CO

Work Location

Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Research Professional Position

No

Posting Number

202500308AP

Position Type

Admin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification Title

Prof/Indiv Contrib II

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week

40

Proposed Annual Salary Range

$85,000 - $100,000 plus applicable benefits. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here .
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator .
  

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on

03/23/2025

Description of Work Unit

Colorado State University is home to the College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) and Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station (AES). The college has five academic departments – Agricultural Biology, Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics, Animal Sciences, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, and Soil and Crop Sciences. At 10 research centers in communities throughout the state of Colorado, AES investigates potential improvements to food production and agribusiness. In alignment with the University’s foundational land-grant mission, CAS and AES excel by integrating intentional discovery, inclusive learning and collaborative engagement. Anyone is welcome to take a seat at the table to learn, grow, discover, and make a positive impact on the world together. Learn more at agsci.colostate.edu.

The CAS Dean’s Office serves the college and AES through executive level leadership guided by a strategic plan and oversight of the college’s initiatives, including research, academic programs, student success and student recruitment. The CAS Dean’s Office provides central coordination of the college’s internal and external communication efforts, development and major gift cultivation, donor and alumni engagement, information technology and networking services. CAS is committed to providing students with high-quality undergraduate and graduate learning experiences in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Position Summary

The Lead Science Writer plays a crucial role in elevating the profile and reputation of Colorado State University, the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station through compelling scientific storytelling. This position requires a blend of strategic thinking, creative writing, and collaborative leadership skills. The ideal candidate will be a strategic storyteller with a passion for science communication, capable of anticipating future trends and crafting dynamic, data-driven communication strategies. They will excel in personal communication, fluently interacting with diverse stakeholders and audiences served by the institution. This position reports to the Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Required Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least five years of experience researching, reporting, writing, and editing in a professional setting.
• Experience in science writing and strategic communications.
• Excellent writing and editing skills with the ability to translate complex scientific information.
• Commitment to freedom of expression, critical discourse and the advancement of knowledge.
• Valid Driver’s License or access to a qualified driver or ability to secure one by start date.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, communications or related field.
• Ability to lead and collaborate across teams in a hybrid environment setting.
• Knowledge of local and national media landscapes.
• Proficiency in various digital communication platforms and tools, including Wordpress.
• Proven experience writing using AP style.
• Familiarity with topics and trends in higher education and scientific research.
• Experience or familiarity with agriculture.

Essential Duties

Job Duty Category

Content Development and Distribution

Duty/Responsibility

• Craft engaging, accessible content across multiple platforms, translating complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences.
• Manage and produce short- and long-form content highlighting research excellence, including publications, grants, and scientific breakthroughs.
• Support coordination of media opportunities and oversee content approval for institutional media platforms.
• Work with leadership to identify opportunities for opinion pieces and draft and place op-eds with local and national media.
• Develop and implement a system for story submission and selection.
• Evaluate communications efforts via analytics.

Percentage Of Time

75

Job Duty Category

Strategic Leadership and Collaboration

Duty/Responsibility

• Serve as a senior member of the communications team, fostering accountability and responsiveness to institutional needs
• Act as a key advisor on crisis communications, media relations, and internal communications
• Collaborate with university-wide departments to maintain consistent messaging, brand integrity and media coordination
• Anticipate future trends and challenges in higher education and scientific research
• Craft forward-thinking communication strategies aligned with institutional goals and priorities

Percentage Of Time

20

Job Duty Category

Additional Duties

Duty/Responsibility

• Inspire and mentor other communication professionals
• Identify and recommend investments in communication platforms and infrastructure
• Build relationships with researchers, scientists, and external partners to source compelling stories
• Develop and maintain connections with local and national reporters and editors who regularly cover science and other relevant topics

Percentage Of Time

5

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by Sunday, March 23, 2025, 11:59pm (MT). Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. If you have questions, please contact [email protected].


CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.


Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

Search Contact

Eugene Kelly, [email protected]

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Job Tags

Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Local area, Sunday,

Similar Jobs