Lead Writer & Project Lead

Public Relations Spec,Sr

Requisition ID req36716 Working Title Lead Writer & Project Lead Position Grade 13 Position Summary

Are you an entrepreneurial storyteller who loves uncovering meaningful work and bringing it vividly to life? Do you know how to ask great questions, find the right sources, and turn complex information into compelling, human-centered stories? If so, Project ECHO invites you to apply for a role with us: where you, and your writing, directly supports global impact.

Project ECHO is seeking an experienced, highly motivated writer and communications professional to serve as the lead writer for external communications and project lead for our flagship annual Impact Report. This role is ideal for a journalist, public relations professional or senior content strategist.

What You’ll Do

Impact Report Project Management

• Project Lead: Lead end-to-end coordination of the annual Impact Report, including concept development, approvals, writing, photography, videos, testimonials, and data integration.
• Write and edit the Impact Report stories and copy.
• Oversee design and development in collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Evaluate analytics and performance data to inform future storytelling and strategic decisions.

Lead Storyteller and Writer

• Serve as the primary writer for all external communications, including feature stories, annual Impact Report content, news releases, and other high-profile materials.
• Translate complex health and education initiatives into clear, engaging, and mission-driven narratives.
• Follow AP Style and has a keen eye for copy editing.

Website Content and Digital Publishing

• Create, edit and manage content within the Project ECHO website CMS (projectecho.unm.edu).
• Ensure all web content follows best practices for accessibility, SEO and usability.

Visual Storytelling (Photography & Video)

• Proactively capture or source photographs to accompany stories and build a robust, well-organized photo library with accurate captioning and usage data.
• Serve as project manager for video storytelling initiatives, coordinating projects with videographers and video editors as needed.

Collaborative Communications Support

• Provide general communications support for urgent and strategic needs as priorities shift.

Media Relations & Pitching (New Mexico Focus)

• Be responsible for our weekly Media Report.
• Respond promptly and professionally to media inquiries.
• Prepare spokespeople for interviews, provide media training, and monitor, track, and report on local, national, and international media coverage.

What It Takes to Succeed

This role requires exceptional writing ability, strong interpersonal skills and outstanding project management capability. You’ll be successful if you:

• Work confidently with minimal supervision
• Proactive self-starter: able to propose potential solutions and problem-solve
• Prioritize effectively; juggle multiple short and long-term projects, while meeting deadlines
• Build trust-based relationships across diverse stakeholders
• Are energized by collaboration, curiosity, and problem-solving
• Are deeply aligned with Project ECHO’s mission and values 

At Project ECHO, we believe that everyone, no matter where they live, should have good healthcare, education and a chance to thrive in their community.

We work with partners all over the world; work hours outside of normal business hours may be required.

Part of The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Project ECHO is funded by philanthropic grants and gifts, as well as federal and state government organizations.

Project ECHO prides itself on being a values-based organization and an inclusive place to work. Our seven values include: Democratization of Knowledge, Excellence and Accountability, Innovation and Learning, Joy of Work, Mutual Trust and Respect, Service to the Underserved, and Teamwork.

We strive to find employees who embrace and exemplify these values. To learn more, visit our Careers page.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• If this position is assigned to the Athletics Department, either administratively or functionally, compliance with