Under administrative direction, researches, writes, edits, proofreads and files news stories, features, and public relations articles for use on agency communications materials including news releases, publications, blogs, web sites, speeches, presentations and associated marketing materials.
Hours: 8-5, Monday - Friday.
Job location is the Nebraska State Office Building, Downtown.
Examples of Work:
Position may not involve all of the specified duties, nor are the listed examples exhaustive. Conduct research to discover interesting and significant stories concerning agency programs, issues and activities. Obtain first-hand information by attending economic development related events including community and company announcements, press events, forums and meetings. Interview key individuals to obtain information about how programs are utilized by communities and companies. Gather, corroborate and interpret relevant data to effectively communicate local and statewide impacts from economic development programs as they are utilized by partner organizations and businesses. Interpret research and findings to construct well-written articles, for news releases, blogs, websites, social media, speeches, marketing and public relations materials, presentations, comprehensive reports and other communications platforms. Keep abreast on economic development related news and developments by studying newspapers, news sites, publications, blogs, and attending events etc. Partner with other journalists, editors, producers to establish contacts and sources for ongoing research. Edit and update existing publications, materials and web based information. Establish, organize and file contacts and sources and data for use in future research and assignments. Candidates will be most successful in meeting the position requirements if they have experience in creative writing, journalism, research for journalism, public relations, blogging, social media, marketing principles, business writing, editing and communications strategy. Please include a portfolio of writing examples with your application that demonstrates the scope of your talent, and the depth and breadth of your work. This can include work done through school and professional experience.
Qualifications / Requirements:
REQUIREMENTS: Bachelors degree in journalism, communications, public relations, advertising, creative writing or related field and three years related experience. Experience in developing, planning and managing public relations/publicity campaigns, mass media communication activities or public information programs may substitute for the education on a year for year basis. As a part of the application process, the hiring manager would like a minimum of 2 writing examples required. Wording for post: "Please upload a minimum of two writing samples. Please include a creative piece, like a success story or company profile with interviews and also a more technical piece like a report, press release or white paper. Please also bring writing samples with you to the interview to leave behind."
PREFERRED: Two years experience writing experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of: the principles and practices of visual reproduction such as photography, graphics, or printing; the English language including spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, word usage and grammar; the techniques, formats, and styles of public information dissemination; agency operations, rules, policies, and objectives; agency program legislation and goals; statewide and local media sources and operations including appropriate contact persons, possible costs, and publication/broadcast deadlines; reference sources including agency reference material and external information sources; the interrelationships of agency public information functions/activities and state/local program activities. Ability to: communicate orally and in writing in individual or group settings with news media representatives, governmental or program officials, agency staff, and the public, at levels understandable to each audience; apply the principles and practices of public relations/journalism to operation of a public information function; operate audio and/or visual equipment such as tape recorders, cameras, and slide/movie projectors; write/edit copy to fit assigned space in a layout; compare finished product with established standards and/or original to identify errors; evaluate the public information potential of written, illustrative, and related material for a specific project assignment; develop the information dissemination approach most likely to reach the target audience; assess the impact and effectiveness of specific public information materials or activities in meeting the interests of the public or media and the needs of the agency; develop and apply agency policies and procedures for the public information function; assign and review the work of others; plan and organize the operations of a public information function.
To apply, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nebraska/jobs/1919207/writer-communication-specialist?keywords=writer&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs