Writer/Content Developer - LAU - Lebanon

The Marketing and Communications Department (MarCom) at the Lebanese American University is looking for a writer/content developer to join a dynamic team of multidisciplinary professionals with a common desire to contribute to the successful implementation of the university’s integrated marketing and communications initiative.

Area of expertise:
Writing, editing, copy-editing, journalism and communication.

The Writer/Content Developer must act as a key player in the development of all university publications, and actively participate to the development of the university’s quarterly publication, LAU Magazine & Alumni Bulletin.
The Writer/Content Developer’s primary duty is to produce news and features for periodical print publications, including the magazine and the university’s website. He/she will be actively involved in the editorial development of LAU print and electronic communications from concept to completion, and will strive to ensure that all communications conform to rigorous editorial standards.
He/she will have strong writing and editing skills, along with previous experience in journalism and publishing.
This position will reinforce the overall mission and values of the university, support the goals of the University Advancement team and reflect LAU’s commitment to openness and transparency in both message and process.

Responsibilities
- To confer with LAU departments to analyze and interpret specific writing needs.
- To plan and create appropriate publications including newsletters, pamphlets, brochures, features and foundation proposals in accordance with specific budgetary requirements.
- To report on university events on campuses (Beirut and Byblos) in order to ensure coverage on the university’s various communication channels. Reporting duties include conducting interviews with LAU personnel and guests, performing extensive research of source materials to obtain and verify facts, and analyzing sources for accuracy of information and the most effective approach to material.
- To write news and feature articles for the LAU website and magazine in addition to other university publications, and to refer freelancer-submitted articles to the appropriate editor for review and approval.
- To copyedit documents from different university departments.
- To collaborate with the Web Editor and other department staff to enhance communications and efficiency within the university.
- To systematically archive collected information and photos as required by the web editor.
- To inform the Marketing and Communications Department about new initiatives, research, and upcoming events that may deserve coverage, based on information collected during fieldwork.
- To assist in fulfilling the promotion of the branding and visual identity program internally. Ten percent of the staff writer’s job will be to work on creative assignments.
- To adhere to editorial and procedural standards of the Marketing and Communications Department, and the Lebanese American University as a whole.

Minimum qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in communication, public relations, marketing, journalism, English literature, or a related field. Advanced degree is a plus.
- Good writing experience in communication, public relations, and/or three years as a reporter.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
- Computer proficiency (Microsoft Excel/Word/PowerPoint) and minimum Web knowledge.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Strong ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and respect deadlines.
- Self-directed and rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
- Strong interpretation skills required.
- Excellent writing skills and good communications skills.
- Ability to work in a group as well as independently, particularly in coordinating and completing projects for online and print publication.
- Creative and a critical thinker.

Additional qualifications
While not strictly necessary, each of the following qualifications will be considered a plus:
- Fluency in Arabic.
- Familiarity with LAU campuses, faculty, staff, students or alumni.
- Familiarity with the higher education field
- Native fluency in English is highly desirable.
- Basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop is an asset, as are digital photography skills.

Send CV, a letter of interest and three writing samples with subject "Writer/Content Developer" to beirut.hire@lau.edu.lb