Job Details

Science Writer/Media Relations

Position Number: 7077341
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Public Relations, Marketing and Communications

Science Writer/Media Relations

Requisition Number: 71296
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 27-Apr-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Strategic Relations and Communications Department at CU Boulder invites applications for a Science Writer/Media Relations position! The key elements of this position include breaking down complex research into engaging content that anyone can understand, attracting positive attention from the media and key constituents in Colorado and nationwide for innovative research through strong written and multimedia storytelling and proactive pitching, leveraging faculty expertise by working with journalists seeking experts on timely topics, collaborating and working with videographers, photographers and other members of the Strategic Relations team to create and share high quality multimedia story assets, serving as the main point of contact for news on space and quantum and various other academic disciplines, and aligning work to campus priorities and the integrated marketing and communications plan.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

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.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

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.

What You Should Know

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

What We Can Offer

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

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be inspired. Be Boulder.

What We Require

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.

What You Will Need

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.

Special Instructions

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.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Science-Writer-Media-Relations/71296