Science Writer/Media Relations

As the university’s central marketing and communications team, Strategic Relations and Communications advances CU Boulder’s mission, vision, and reputation through an integrated communications approach supporting a campus-wide experience that inspires greater affinity and engagement.

Strategic Relations and Communications advances national and global recognition of CU Boulder by demonstrating its public value, improving the inclusiveness of our marketing and communications, supporting a campus-wide experience that inspires greater affinity and engagement, and providing tools and processes for campus partners.

• Identify stories of wide public interest for news packaging by meeting with campus scientists and communications partners to discuss research, and reading national science publications, websites, and academic papers to keep abreast of the national research trends and advances, particularly in space, aerospace, and quantum science and technology.
• Develop and nurture relationships with journalists covering core topic areas.
• Write news releases and CU Boulder Today stories and pitch them to local, state, national, and international media.
• Shoot, gather or assign images and video, and package stories as appropriate for the website, news media, and social media.
• Share media results and metrics with researchers as appropriate. Coverage areas include: aerospace, physics, quantum science and technology, AI, anthropology, planetary sciences, geological sciences, cinema studies, computer science, and mechanical engineering.
• Follow trends in the media and pitch related stories to local and national media.
• Write and disseminate expert tip sheets through social media and through other media relations tools.
• Respond promptly to all media requests.
• Update journalist resources and multimedia assets on CU Boulder Today website and on media monitoring tool.
• Assist with faculty media training periodically.
• Assist other university departments and business units that need a writer with scientific research-writing expertise. This could include projects for Marketing and Creative Services, Research & Innovation, Alumni Relations, Government Relations, or other units that need research content of strategic value.
• Stay up-to-date on university emergency communications procedures and serve as a member of the emergency response team as needed. (May require after-hours staff duties).
• Other duties as assigned.

This is a hybrid work opportunity. There are in-person requirements of 2-3 days per week.

The annual salary for this full-time position is $70,900 - $78,500.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.
• 3+ years of professional science-related experience in journalism, communications or mass communications.
• Proficient in AP style.
• Demonstrated understanding of social media storytelling and platform standard processes for short-form video.

• Demonstrated knowledge of how to translate complex scientific and academic research into clear, accurate, and engaging content for general audiences.
• Skill in adapting content for multiple platforms, including websites, news media, and social media, while maintaining consistency with institutional voice and priorities.
• Ability to package stories using written, visual, and multimedia elements to increase public engagement and media pickup.
• Ability to respond promptly, professionally, and accurately to media inquiries and requests for expert sources.
• Ability to work across multiple departments and units to support strategic research communication needs.
• Ability to handle multiple projects, due dates, and contending priorities in a fast-paced communications environment.
• Ability to align storytelling and media outreach with campus priorities and an integrated marketing and communications plan.
• Capacity to serve as part of an emergency response communications team, including availability for occasional after-hours duties.

• Master's degree.
• Experience in issues management and emergency communications.
• 5+ years of professional science-related experience in journalism, communications, or mass communications.
• Experience writing or editing for print or broadcast media.
• Experience in higher education, creating research- or science-related content.
• Proven ability to independently and quickly capture simple photo and video content using a smartphone or similar lightweight equipment (DJI Osmo Pocket 3) to create short-form video content for social media.
• Familiarity with basic-level Adobe Premiere video editing skills, including trimming clips, adding captioning, incorporating b-roll and exporting for social platforms.

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• A current resume.
• A cover letter that briefly describes how your background and experience align with this position.
• PDF Sample of Work/Portfolio.

We may ask for references at a later time.

Please apply by April 27th, 2026, for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.