Writer, Senior/Editor

Summary: The senior writer will be responsible for print/electronic elements of marketing communications including assembling, editing, and writing descriptive copy for reports, summary reports, newsletters, abstracts, research publications, monographs, multimedia materials, media advisories, scripts, training materials, proposals, public relations materials, other technical and non-technical information, talking points, PowerPoint presentations, and blog posts for both internal and external outlets.

Essential Duties: (These duties represent a sample and may vary by position.)

• Identifies and assists CCO in managing issues
• Directs reputation management initiatives for CCO
• Identifies, researches and develops thought leadership on key educational and political issues and concerns
• Analyzes educational research and data
• Synthesizes data/research into most salient issues, data points
• Writes compelling, concise and jargon-free copy that accurately reflects complex educational and political issues and concerns for top level CMS executives
• Interviews superintendent, executive staff, senior staff and other experts regarding complex educational issues and CMS initiatives
• Serves as high level, in-house senior level reporter and editor
• Counsels, coaches junior level communications staff regarding writing, editing, communications
• Ensures that all CMS communications meet high standards for quality writing
• Researches and writes white papers/position papers on key issues, major initiatives
• Researches, writes, edits and places opinion pieces, columns for executive and senior staff, and other administrators as assigned
• Researches, writes, edits and places in-depth articles (1,500 to 3,000 words) on CMS initiatives, achievements in education trade press
• Researches, writes, pitches and places positive stories about CMS in national and local press
• Serves as departmental editor for PIO, CMS TV, Volunteers and Partnerships, Superintendents' office
• Writes speeches and talking points for superintendent
• Writes powerpoint copy for superintendent
• Assists CCO with other duties as assigned
• Assists CCO in developing and executing public relations strategy
• Assists with crisis communications and media relations
• Performs other duties as required.

Education and Experience:

Minimum

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, English or related field with heavy emphasis on writing/editing.
• 15 plus years proven track record in senior level positions in news and feature writing, editing, journalism and publications management.
• Extensive authorship of variety of written materials on complex issues, including opinion pieces, in-depth analyses, feature stories and news stories, human interest and issue-oriented stories, well-researched and articulated white papers (position papers) on specific issues; successful story placement and relationships/contacts with national press/media; successful article placement and relationships/contacts with national trade press.
• Experience ghost-writing for CEOs, including talking points, speeches, presentations, opinion columns, employee communications, etc.

Desired

• Master's degree or equivalent professional experience.

• 20 plus years' industry-specific knowledge, experience and success in writing for education media/news, and managing education-related national news media.
• Knowledge and success in working with Charlotte and Raleigh media.

Licensing / Certification Requirements: N/A

# of Jobs
1.00

Salary: From
47071.00

Salary: To
59, 967.00

Teacher Scale
N

Minimum Educational Requirements
Bachelors

Term
12 Month

Additional Job Information

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

Highly skilled and compelling writing ability, highly intelligent, intellectual curiosity, quick grasp of issues, self-starter and manager, strict adherence to deadlines, issue-oriented research capabilities, political savvy, Internet and technology literate (experience in media databases, research, MS Office Suite?MS word, powerpoint, access, excel), experience in media tracking software and systems, reporting functions.

Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary. It requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision and hearing. The work requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations. The work at times requires bending, squatting, reaching, with the ability to lift, carry, push or pull light weights. The work requires activities involving driving automotive equipment.

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In compliance with Federal Law, Charlotte - Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.