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

• Normal office environment

• Ability to travel to various on- and off-campus locations

Physical Effort

• Typically sitting at a desk or table

• Typically standing or walking

• Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement

Equipment

• Office 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

• ​At least seven years’ experience in a communications role for higher education, media or academic medicine.

Preferred Qualifications: