Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
The Director and Editor of Medical News plays a pivotal role in executing WashU Medicine's external communications strategy by amplifying the institution’s groundbreaking research, clinical excellence, and educational leadership. As a key member of the communications team, this individual exercises strong editorial judgment and collaborates with writers to craft compelling stories that elevate WashU Medicine’s reputation and innovations.
Responsibilities include shaping and editing press releases, news articles, and in-depth feature and magazine stories aligned with the school’s strategic initiatives. From story development through publication, the director and editor manages editorial workflow, leveraging project management tools and exceptional organizational skills to ensure timely, high-quality stories.
This position works cross-functionally with media relations, internal communications, social media, web development, and creative teams—along with broader university communications colleagues—to conceptualize and promote the stories that distinguish WashU Medicine and its faculty. An appreciation for the value of research and the humanity in medicine, a strong background in writing and editing, and a talent for translating complex topics into engaging, accessible narratives are essential. The ideal candidate is a creative, strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and is committed to delivering compelling, accurate, and far-reaching storytelling across multiple channels.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Identify, assign, manage and edit science and medical press releases, news stories and enterprising feature stories so they meet messaging objectives and adhere to brand guidelines. Works closely with science writers and media relations team to evaluate story ideas and build coverage in support of WashU Medicine’s strategic priorities and objectives. Also responsible for fact checking and proofreading.
- Manages junior writers and a complex editorial workflow, while maintaining up-to-date communications among team members and stakeholders – internal and external – on each story. Employs project management tools through every step of story development and distribution. Adheres to deadlines, embargoes, publication dates and other story milestones.
- Works closely with graphic artists, photographers and videographers to produce visual assets for stories. Collaborates with internal communications, social media and marketing teams to identify opportunities for distribution across channels and audiences.
- Serves as the university Record’s medical news editor, working closely with the university Record editor to schedule and submit Medical Campus news. Performs other duties as assigned, including evaluating analytics and maintaining news presence on website.
Applicant Special Instructions
Please submit a resume, cover letter, three to five writing samples, and five samples of articles that you have edited.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
Physical Effort
Typically sitting at a desk or table
Typically standing or walking
Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement
Equipment
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree
Certifications:
No specific certification is required for this position.
Work Experience:
Communications (7 Years)
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in journalism, communications or science-related field
Relevant experience in communications for an academic medical institution.
Solid writing and editing experience in science and medicine for lay audiences and the media; ability to translate technical information into lay language.
Creative approach to storytelling across media modalities, and experience in developing stories and assets for multimedia channels, including video, social media feeds and infographics.
Exceptional organizational skills and experience using project management tools to manage a high volume of content in a face-paced, deadline-driven setting.
Solid news judgment and understanding of current media trends and practices, brand storytelling and PR strategy.
Ability to think innovatively and build effective, collaborative relationships at all levels of the organization.
Demonstrated skills in leading teams and engaging and directing the work of others
on the team.
Knowledge of academic publishing and embargoes
Understanding of and commitment to the highest professional public relations and communications standards, especially in scientific/medical communications.
Familiarity with analytics, SEO and content management software (Wordpress)
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Master's degree
Certifications:
No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Skills:
AP Style Writing, Critical Thinking, Innovative Thinking, Leadership, Media Trends, News Editing, Organizing, Problem Solving, Project Management, Public Relations (PR), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Storytelling, Teamwork, WordPress, Working Independently, Writing
Grade
G15
Salary Range
$84,200.00 - $148,500.00 / Annually
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.