Copywriter and Editorial Assistant

About CENIC: Join the team that connects California to the world — advancing education and research statewide by providing the world-class computing network essential for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. Our organization operates the California Research and Education Network (CalREN), a high-capacity computer network with more than 8,000 miles of optical fiber. The network serves over 20 million users across California, including the vast majority of K-20 students together with educators, researchers, and individuals at other vital public-serving institutions.

STATUS: Full Time

DEPARTMENT: Office of CEO, Communications Department

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

LOCATION: This position operates from a remote home office in CA or from a CENIC headquarters office in La Mirada CA or San Francisco, CA. Our offices are professional environments with standard office equipment including computers, telephones, photocopiers and large comfortable conference rooms and kitchens.

POSITION SUMMARY: COPYWRITER (50% of Job Duties)

Reporting to the AVP of Communications, the individual will contribute to CENIC’s outreach strategies and campaigns; work to build effective, engaging, and inspiring communications that strengthen the organization’s brand; and deepen connections with both internal and external communities. The primary duties are to create original content that brings to life the stories of research and education done over CENIC’s network. Writing topics are geared toward CENIC’s broad audience of researchers, educators, and technologists who use our private broadband Internet network in their work at California universities, community colleges, public libraries, K-12 schools, and a variety of other community institutions, including health care, arts, and culture. CENIC also partners with regional, national, and international organizations to extend the value of our advanced computer network. For recent examples, see the CENIC blog.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: COPYWRITER

Storytelling/Create original content: Develop story ideas, conduct research and interviews, write content such as original short-form (blog) articles and news releases, gather feedback, edit, and prepare for publication.

Develop rich content: Bring forward creative ideas to optimize articles in terms of data points, infographics, images, video, related resources, outbound links, and cross-bound links to related CENIC content.

POSITION SUMMARY: EDITORIAL ASSISTANT TO THE CEO AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS (50% of Job Duties)

Reporting to the CEO, the individual will support and enhance the effectiveness of the CEO and Board of Directors by developing and ensuring clear and consistent communication. The primary duties are to manage the content and production of executive communications, including but not limited to board reports, board orientation and training materials, and corporate resources and records. Acts as a primary contact person for the CEO and board members, routinely gathering, distilling, and disseminating information.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: EDITORIAL ASSISTANT TO THE CEO AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Communications: Develop board reports and other corporate materials.

Conduct research and interviews, write content, gather feedback, edit, and finalize for distribution.

Demonstrate discretion by maintaining confidential information.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS:

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to be a team player and to successfully work within a team, be nimble, agile and deal well with change to meet the Communications team’s objectives.

Strong organizational skills.

The ability to learn new concepts readily and think creatively.

Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Experience in a high-tech environment and/or working on technical projects is preferred.

Excellent interpersonal skills, with a strong ability to work well with others.

Ability to work and build relationships cross-functionally for deliverables across multiple departments and segmented audiences.

Demonstrably solid analytical and problem-solving skills.

Well-organized with impeccable attention to detail resulting in thorough and accurate work.

Ability to work well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Ability to consider, understand and prioritize security (and privacy, where applicable) principles, practices and procedures in all aspects of the employee’s role with CENIC.

Ability to work with minimal supervision.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree preferred; relevant work experience may be considered in place of degree.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Prefer 5 years of Experience and a BA, Communications or Journalism. Experience as a journalist or Public Relations writer in a telecommunications and/or technical environment is a huge plus. Understanding of copywriting for marketing and social platforms is also a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to work with interruptions throughout the day.

Ability to remain in a stationary position for 50% of the workday.

Ability to move around the office in order to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.

Ability to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery including a copy machine and computer printer.

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.

Ability to read a variety of materials.

Occasionally lift, carry or otherwise move and position objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

Hear and speak to exchange information in person, on the telephone and/or provide assistance to internal and external parties.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job functions.

Why work at CENIC?

Company Culture: Small teams and a collaborative environment provide the opportunity to make a large impact in a small organization.

Workplace Flexibility: We understand that the world is changing and we're open to remote and hybrid work options.

Community Engagement: We work with research and education institutions in the largest state economy in the United States. The work you do has meaning.

Health Benefits: We have generous medical benefits as well as dental, vision, and life insurance.

Paid Time Off: We offer liberal vacation, holiday, and sick leave.

Investment in Your Future: CENIC contributes to your 403(b) even if you don't. We also offer matching contributions on top of that.

WORK HOURS:

CENIC’s regular workweek is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ability to work evenings and weekends for problem resolutions, upgrades, etc., based on CENIC’s business demands.

TRAVEL:

Some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required depending on CENIC’s business needs.

WORK AUTHORIZATION:

Documented Proof of identity and legal eligibility to work in the United States.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.