Senior Research Communications Specialist

Job Requisition:

JR102167 Senior Research Communications Specialist (Open)

Job Posting Title:

Senior Research Communications Specialist

Department:

CC00253 WM001 | WMUA | University Communications

Job Family:

Staff - Communications

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular (benefited)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

Discovery 2

Primary Job Posting Location:

Posting Location - William & Mary

Job Description Summary:

Mission Statement

University Advancement creates the conditions for opportunity – human, financial, & experiential – by garnering and stewarding the resources that advance William & Mary.

Position Summary

The Senior Research Communications Specialist serves as a writer, both in beat areas on campus and on general assignments and works with our Media Relations team to pitch faculty as experts to local, regional and national news outlets. The position’s primary beats will focus on science, technology, data and research. Additional duties may include editing and posting stories on the W&M News website and social media pages, producing the W&M Weekly newsletter, scheduling photography and editing photos, assisting with university news clips and working with the entire University Communications team on special projects, major events, analytics and crisis management as needed.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of University News within University Communications, the Senior Research Communications Specialist will lead with university values to foster a culture of belonging and trust that embraces all people and perspectives. This position is based in Williamsburg and is expected to work in the office on campus, eligible to work remotely up to two days per week.

University Communications (UC) serves as William & Mary’s central communications office, comprising three teams that support and promote the vision, mission and values of the university. The Media Relations Team includes the university spokesperson and leads national media outreach, response, strategy and emergency communications. The Web Development & Strategy Team provides a suite of services to support campus digital and web communications, including collaborative planning, concepts, strategy and communications tools. The Content & Strategy Team leads public relations strategy, content strategy, communications planning, storytelling, internal communications, and social media. Part of University Advancement at William & Mary, University Communications coordinates closely with University Marketing and associated groups.

Review the full position description with all job duties under the “Featured Job Opportunities” on the University Advancement recruitment website: https://advancement.wm.edu/come-work-with-us/open-positions/index.php

Job Description:

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, submit application materials by the review date Wednesday, December 18, 2026. Applications received after the review date will be considered if needed.

Required application materials:

• A resume and cover letter are required for this position - please upload both documents with your application.
• Please include 2-3 writing samples - preferably news articles about science or research topics.

Salary: $50,000 to $55,000, commensurate with experience and internal alignment.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Outstanding news and feature writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a public relations mindset.
• Ability to write and edit quickly and meet deadlines.
• Experience in media relations and crisis communications or related work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of WordPress and Google Analytics, the latest Microsoft Office suite and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of Associated Press style and proficiency in social media usage and analytics.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree or training in journalism, communications or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience in higher ed, public relations, journalism, public contact or related activities with a focus on science, technology and research.

Conditions of Employment:

• This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

Job Duties:

50% - Writing & Research:

• Serve as writer, both in beat areas and general assignment, covering such things as major events, academic work, and developments on campus.
• Research stories, interview subjects, and write articles for W&M News.
• Serve as the News & Media liaison to select departments on campus and work with the Senior Associate Director of University News as needed in news writing and editing.
• Work with the campus photo team to schedule photography to accompany stories or take photos and use appropriate editing software to prepare them for publication.

30% - Web & Social Support:

• Upload news/features stories and photos and related content to W&M News online and W&M social media sites and monitor and document analytics and performance.
• Assist with the creation and distribution of such products as the W&M Weekly newsletter and daily news clips.

15% - Media Relations:

• Work with Media Relations to pitch stories to local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Work with members of the W&M faculty to pitch them as experts to local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Serve as an on-call representative for emergencies and other after-hours needs on a rotating basis with other members of the office.

5% - Collaboration:

• Serve as part of a team that coordinates elevating the brand of William & Mary across all media and take part in brainstorming sessions on how that can be best achieved.
• Serve as direct liaison between Communications units, university students, staff and faculty, and select William & Mary departments.

Equal Opportunity Statement EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

Background Check Statement William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Benefits Summary Statement William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program). Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/hr/currentemployees/benefits/index.php

Additional Job Description:

Job Profile:

JP0836 - Public Relations & Marketing Specialist III - Nonexempt - Salary - S08

Qualifications:

Compensation Grade:

S08

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-11-05

Position Restrictions:

Continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited

EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Applicant Notice: By applying for this position, you consent to William & Mary's use, review, and retention of your application materials for recruitment and employment purposes. Materials may be shared with authorized individuals participating in the hiring process and will be managed in accordance with applicable laws and university policies.

Probationary Period Notice: Individuals selected for full-time staff positions will be required to complete a twelve (12) month probationary period in accordance with university policy.

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.