Technical Aide

Full Job Description

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides technical support. Responsibilities may include computer programming or operations; research support; medical patient care; technical equipment maintenance, repair, fabrication or operation; or other technical support functions.

Unit Position Summary

The successful candidate will help tell the stories of the college’s students, faculty, alumni, donors, programs, and initiatives for audiences that include prospective and current students, alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and the public. Working closely with editorial and social media colleagues, the Senior Writer will take assigned stories from initial research through publication and social media promotion, producing content that is accurate, engaging, accessible, and consistent with the college’s voice and editorial standards.

Desired Qualifications

General

Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to develop content that supports college priorities and demonstrates the impact of the arts and humanities.

Manage multiple assignments and meet publication deadlines, including time-sensitive announcements.

Create and maintain project records in ClickUp, updating assignment status and organizing drafts, photos, and supporting materials.

Participate in team and editorial meetings and incorporate feedback throughout the content development process.

Writing and Editorial

Research, report, and write news and feature articles, student and alumni profiles, faculty research stories, award announcements, and coverage of programs and initiatives.

Review source documents and background materials, develop interview questions, and conduct interviews with faculty, students, alumni, donors, and external partners.

Translate complex research and academic subjects into clear, compelling stories for a range of audiences.

Fact-check, edit, and proofread articles, captions, and other communications using Associated Press style, MSU editorial standards, and college style.

Coordinate accuracy reviews with story subjects and revise drafts in collaboration with the editorial team.

Gather photographs, confirm caption details and photo credits, and prepare simple photo composites as needed.

Provide additional writing and editing support for college communications and initiatives.

Social Media

Write and adapt social media copy for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X, tailoring content to each platform and audience.

Prepare longer narrative posts and other content that highlights college stories, accomplishments, events, and opportunities.

Coordinate with social media colleagues to schedule and publish approved content on college channels.

Verify account handles, links, and details; write descriptive alternative text for images; and maintain accurate posting records.

Website and Event Publishing

Build and publish articles in WordPress, including headings, links, tags, photographs, galleries, captions, and alternative text.

Check published content and correct factual errors, broken links or images, and formatting issues.

Review college events weekly and add listings to the arts.msu.edu calendar, including accurate event details, tags, images, and alternative text.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher in journalism, communications, English, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Demonstrated professional experience researching, interviewing, writing, and editing news and feature stories for publication.

Excellent storytelling, written and verbal communication, fact-checking, and proofreading skills, with proficiency in Associated Press style.

Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and incorporate editorial feedback.

Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and a collaborative approach to working with colleagues and interview subjects.

Experience writing and publishing content for social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5