Associate Editor & Writer

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

We are seeking the next Associate Editor & Writer is a skilled writer and journalist responsible for researching, interviewing, and developing engaging stories that support Howard University's editorial and communications priorities. The position produces content for Howard Magazine, The Dig, newsletters, annual reports, executive communications, major event programs, and other print and digital platforms.

As a member of the Office of University Communications editorial team, the Associate Editor/Writer identifies compelling stories from across the University and transforms complex information into accurate, accessible, and engaging content. The position also supports publication production, copyediting, fact-checking, multimedia storytelling, website content, newsletters, and social media promotion.

Nature and Scope
The Associate Editor/Writer works collaboratively with writers, editors, photographers, designers, videographers, communications professionals, University departments, faculty, students, and alumni. The position requires strong news judgment, attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to manage multiple assignments within established deadlines. The Associate Editor/Writer develops relationships across the University community to identify stories that highlight Howard University's academic excellence, research, institutional leadership, student experiences, alumni achievements, and community impact.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility. However, the Associate Editor/Writer may coordinate assignments with freelance contributors, student workers, interns, photographers, designers, and other content partners as needed.

Principal Responsibilities

Editorial Reporting and Writing

• Research, interview, write, and revise news stories, profiles, features, and other editorial content for Howard Magazine, The Dig, newsletters, major event programs, and other content for the University’s digital platforms.

• Produce accurate and engaging content for print, web, email, social media, and multimedia audiences.

• Serve as a leader writer on research stories, demonstrating the ability to translate complex research information into compelling narratives and stories that demonstrate impact, excellence, and opportunity for the University..

• Complete assignments according to established editorial calendars, production schedules, and deadlines.

• Identify and pitch timely story ideas based on current events, University priorities, audience interests, and developments within the Howard community.

• Translate complex academic, research, and institutional information into clear and compelling narratives.

• Develop and maintain relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, administrators, and other members of the Howard community.

Editorial Production

• Assist with copyediting, proofreading, research verification, and fact-checking.

• Support the planning, development, and production of Howard Magazine and other University publications.

• Compile recurring magazine sections, including alumni notes, memorial notices, book features, and other assigned content.

• Assist with the development and production of University annual reports and special editorial projects.

• Coordinate editorial content with photography, design, graphics, and multimedia needs.

• Develop creative briefs, visual concepts, and mood boards to support assigned stories.

• Maintain organized interview notes, source materials, approvals, drafts, and supporting documentation.

Digital and Multimedia Content

• Assist with publishing and formatting stories for The Dig, Howard Magazine's website, and other University digital platforms.

• Develop content that integrates writing, photography, video, graphics, and other multimedia elements.

• Build and produce newsletters according to established editorial and production schedules.

• Write promotional copy and social media posts that support the distribution of editorial content across multiple channels.

• Apply search engine optimization practices and digital storytelling techniques to strengthen audience reach and engagement.

• Collaborate with digital, web, social media, photography, video, and design teams to produce integrated content.

Executive and Institutional Communications

• Assist with drafting executive communications, institutional messages, remarks, correspondence, talking points, and other leadership content as needed.

• Ensure that content reflects Howard University's mission, values, priorities, editorial standards, and institutional voice.

• Support time-sensitive communications assignments and special projects.

• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive or unpublished information.

Collaboration and Administration

• Participate in editorial meetings, content-planning sessions, and production reviews.

• Coordinate with University schools, colleges, departments, research centers, and administrative units to gather information and develop stories.

• Manage multiple assignments and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

• Monitor higher education, cultural, community, and national news for potential connections to Howard University.

• Maintain familiarity with evolving journalism, digital media, audience engagement, and content-production practices.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Editorial Judgment and Collaboration

• Demonstrates strong news judgment, intellectual curiosity, and storytelling ability.

• Identifies timely and relevant connections between current events and Howard University.

• Builds productive relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Works collaboratively across editorial, creative, digital, and communications teams.

• Exercises discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.

• Responds constructively to editorial feedback and incorporates revisions efficiently.

Writing and Editorial Excellence

• Produces clear, accurate, engaging, and audience-appropriate content.

• Demonstrates excellent grammar, editing, proofreading, and fact-checking skills.

• Translates complex information into accessible and compelling narratives.

• Maintains consistency with University editorial standards, messaging, and voice.

Digital Communications

• Understands digital storytelling, website publishing, newsletters, social media, and multimedia content.

• Applies basic search engine optimization practices to digital content.

• Develops creative promotional copy for multiple communication channels.

• Collaborates effectively with photography, video, design, social media, and web professionals.

Project and Deadline Management

• Successfully manages multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.

• Meets deadlines while maintaining accuracy and editorial quality.

• Organizes source materials, drafts, approvals, and production assets.

• Communicates promptly regarding assignment status, potential delays, and production needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, communications, history, or another writing-intensive field.

• Minimum of five years of professional experience in journalism, editorial writing, communications, publishing, or a related field.

• Strong reporting, interviewing, research, writing, editing, and analytical skills.

• Demonstrated ability to write features, profiles, news stories, and digital content for diverse audiences.

• Professional writing samples or published clips are required.

• Familiarity with Associated Press style.

• Familiarity with search engine optimization, social media, and digital publishing.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet established deadlines.

• Experience with video, photography, multimedia production, or visual storytelling is preferred.

• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, media, publishing, or another mission-driven organization is preferred.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Compensation Range: $70,000 - $75,000