Writer/Content Developer

This position is no longer open.

The Marketing and Communications Department at LAU produces several new institutional publications per year; edits dozens of publications created previously; manages a dedicated editorial online news section about LAU initiative and events, develops collateral material for a large number of initiatives/events organized by LAU schools/institutes/offices; helps meet the editorial requirements of various university publications that arise every year (magazines, brochures ); acts as an advisor for the outsourcing of certain editorial-related projects.

The writer/content developer works in close collaboration with MarCom’s team members: managing editor, web editor, full time/freelance writers, and account managers.

The work requires an excellent background in communications, journalism, writing, and editing; It also requires excellent organizational skills and ability to manage several assignments at once with creative flair, up-to-date knowledge of editorial standards and professional approach to time, costs and deadlines.

The writer/content developer produces content for print and electronic communications, in line with rigorous editorial standards.

The writer/content developer position is based at LAU’s Beirut campus, and reports to the managing editor and senior web editor. Frequent commuting to Byblos campus is required.

Area of expertise:

Writing, editing, copy-editing, journalism and communication.

Position description:

The writer/content developer must act as a key player in the development of all university publications, and actively participate in developing the quarterly LAU Magazine & Alumni Bulletin.

The writer/content developer’s primary duty is to produce news and features for periodical print publications, including the magazine as well as he university’s website. He/she will be actively involved in the editorial development of LAU print and electronic communications from concept to completion, striving to ensure that all communications conform to rigorous editorial standards.

He/she will have strong writing and editing skills, along with previous experience in journalism and publishing.

This position will reinforce the overall mission and values of the university, support the goals of the University Advancement team and reflect LAU’s commitment to openness and transparency in both message and process.

Major duties and responsibilities:

To report on university events on campuses (Beirut and Byblos) in order to ensure coverage on the university’s various communication channels. Reporting duties include conducting interviews with LAU personnel and guests, performing extensive research of source materials to obtain and verify facts, and analyzing sources for accuracy of information.
To write news and feature articles for the LAU website and magazine in addition to other university publications.
To edit/copyedit documents from various university departments.
To systematically archive collected information and photos.
To keep abreast about new LAU initiatives, researches, and upcoming events that may deserve coverage, based on information collected during fieldwork.
To assist in implementing the branding and visual identity program internally. Fifteen percent of the writer’s job is allotted to creative assignments.
To adhere to MarCom editorial and procedural standards.
To coach and assist talented student writers.

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, English literature, or a related field. Advanced degree is a plus.
Good writing experience in communication, public relations, and/or three years as a reporter.
Absolute fluency in written, oral and spoken English (English mother tongue highly desirable).
Expert knowledge of spelling, punctuation, grammar, idiom and style.
Familiarity with AP, Chicago and New York Times style guides preferred.
Advanced computer skills and strong experience in Macintosh platform. Good knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing. Proficiency in Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and Acrobat CS5 is a plus.
Ability to manage several tracks and deal productively with delays.
Candidates should have potential passion for the work, and the initiative to search for new ways to approach old problems. They must be willing to solve such problems both as a leader and as a member of a team. They should be neat, organized, spirited and professionally capable multi-taskers.

Additional qualifications:

While not strictly necessary, each of the following qualifications will be considered a plus:

Fluency in Arabic.
Familiarity with LAU campuses, faculty, staff, students or alumni.
Familiarity with the higher education field.
Native fluency in English (highly desirable).
Digital photography skills.

A letter of intent, CV and three writing samples should be emailed to beirut.hire@lau.edu.lb, specifying the job title in the subject line.

Closing date for applications is Thursday August 29, 2013.

No applications will be accepted after this date, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified.