(On-site) Storyteller/Content Writer - Strategic Communications and Marketing

The Storytelling Department at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Storyteller/Content Writer.

About the Opportunity

The Storyteller/Content Writer is a key member of the Storytelling Team within Strategic Communications and Marketing, responsible for advancing West Virginia University's brand through compelling, strategic content.

This role requires a versatile writer who can move seamlessly between longform storytelling and marketing execution. This entails producing feature stories, profiles, and editorial content for WVU Stories and other University platforms, while also contributing clear, persuasive copy for campaigns, recruitment, and digital platforms.

The ideal candidate brings a strong narrative instinct, sharp editorial judgment, and the ability to adapt voice and style for a range of audiences, including prospective students, faculty, alumni, donors, media, and other key stakeholders.Success in this role means consistently producing high-quality, engaging content that communicates the impact of the University's people, programs, and research.

This position is ideal for a "utility player" writer-someone who thrives on variety, enjoys switching between deep storytelling and strategic messaging, and is motivated by the opportunity to shape how a major university tells its story across platforms.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Write and edit a wide range of content, including feature stories, profiles, research-based articles, and WVU Stories editorial content
• Develop marketing and campaign copy for web, email, social media, print, and recruitment materials
• Translate complex academic, scientific, and technical topics into accessible, engaging storytelling
• Conduct interviews with students, faculty, staff, and external partners to develop original content
• Write scripts and content for video, multimedia, and emerging platforms
• Collaborate with colleagues across Strategic Communications and Marketing and WVU units on integrated campaigns and storytelling initiatives
• Manage multiple assignments simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines
• Build and maintain strong relationships with campus partners and stakeholders
• Perform other duties as assigned
  

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in the following:
  • Journalism, communications, marketing, or public relations
• Demonstrated experience in both editorial storytelling and marketing or promotional writing preferred
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a portfolio that demonstrates range across storytelling and marketing content
• Ability to shift tone and style to meet the needs of different audiences and platforms
• Strong interviewing and research skills, with the ability to distill complex information into clear, compelling narratives
• Demonstrated ability to identify meaningful stories and align them with broader communication and marketing goals
• Understanding of how content supports brand, enrollment, reputation, and engagement objectives
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Sound judgment and decision-making in communications and messaging
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across a large, complex organization
• General knowledge of digital, print, and integrated marketing communications

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.