CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

Position Summary

The Data Science Institute (DSI) at Columbia University advances the state-of-the-art in data science; transforms all fields, professions, and sectors through the application of data science; and ensures the responsible use of data to benefit society. 

DSI invites candidates for the role of Senior Science Writer and Digital Content Manager to support the refinement of the Institute's communications across all channels. Reporting to the Institute's Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Media Relations, this individual will utilize exceptional writing and editing abilities and a profound understanding of social media platforms and practices and multimedia content to tell our stories and grow our audience in the digital space. 

The Senior Science Writer and Digital Content Manager’s primary responsibility will be to communicate complex information to multiple audiences by crafting a variety of content for DSI’s flagship web-based platforms and publications, including the Institute’s websites, social media channels, newsletter, etc. This content will highlight and promote DSI’s thought leadership, programs, and people and elevate the Institute's reputation as a leader in data science research, education, and outreach.

Responsibilities

• Identify storytelling opportunities, research, conceptualize, pitch, write, and edit polished and engaging copy, including news and research stories, briefs, features, and press releases, on topics and discoveries across a broad spectrum of data science-related disciplines for multiple audiences through a variety of digital communications platforms.

• Collaborate with internal and external partners for multimedia content, including video, graphics, and photography.

• Produce and manage content for DSI’s social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram) to drive traffic to and increase readership of DSI properties, making decisions on which platforms would be most useful to convey each message.

• Monitor the performance of all digital content, including social posts, news stories, videos, features, and press releases, generate reports, and help guide content decisions based on engagement analytics.

• Pitch content to other social media producers and influencers to extend the reach of DSI’s thought leadership.

• Assist with website redesign and related strategies.

• Serve as a copy editor for all content, print and digital, produced by DSI. Line edit and fact check to ensure accuracy.

• Ensure alignment of messaging and style across all digital channels.

• Attend and cover DSI events to ensure they are properly broadcasted across relevant platforms.

• Develop robust and mutually beneficial relationships with DSI members to stay abreast of their ongoing work and newsworthy projects and publications.

• Enhance established collaborative relationships across the University’s communications and public affairs teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or its equivalent, or a commensurate combination of education and/or experience. A minimum of five to seven years of experience as a science writer, editor or in public relations in higher education, news media organizations, government agencies, or knowledge-based organizations required.

• Excellent writing skills and professional editing experience.

• Excellent editorial judgement and experience recognizing and developing science news and feature stories.

• Capacity to synthesize complex materials and communicate highly technical and intellectually demanding information in a manner easily understood.

• Demonstrated skill in producing engaging content for social media channels.

• Knowledge of and experience with UX, SEO best practices, content management systems and platforms, and analytics tools.

• A self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently to produce concise, polished, and accurate deliverables within deadlines.

• Ability to multitask and work independently with minimal supervision.

• High attention to detail and accuracy.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and diplomacy to interact effectively with and provide customer service to a broad audience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant discipline is highly desired.

• Education, background, or strong interest in data science, engineering, technology, etc.

• Proficiency with digital media equipment and video editing software. 

• Portfolio/work samples will be expected as part of the application process.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.