Western Kentucky University Coordinator, Technology at Communications

Western Kentucky University, The Center for Gifted Studies is seeking applicants for a Coordinator, Technology and Communications. The Center for Gifted Studies has provided services to young people who are gifted and talented, their educators, and their parents for almost thirty years. The Center is a dynamic, exciting, organization interested in leading discussion in print and online about the importance of gifted education, opportunities for gifted young people, and resources for their parents and teachers.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are customary for this position, but are not construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted, and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

Required Qualifications:

Salary Grade: 107 Expected Salary Range: $32,000- $35,000 annually

Applications for employment will be accepted electronically only. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and current resume, along with the names, addresses, and daytime phone numbers of three professional references using the online process. Please refer to the following website to apply: http://asaweb.wku.edu/wkujobs Reference requisition number S3050. For further assistance call (270) 745-5934. To ensure full consideration submit application materials by October 5th, 2011. Position will remain open until filled.

Western Kentucky University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or marital status in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices in accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Education Sector: Policy Writer/Blogger

Since our public launch in January 2006, we have earned a reputation as an intelligent, timely, and forward-thinking voice in education reform. The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Education Week, The Wall Street Journal, C-SPAN, CBS News, ABC News, and National Public Radio are among the news organizations that have cited the research, analysis, and commentary we publish and the policy events that we sponsor. For more information on Education Sector, please see www.educationsector.org.

At its best, Education Sector’s work helps to change the way that policymakers, educators, the media, and the public at large view educational issues. Powerful, accessible writing and communications are essential to this work. Social and new media, such as Twitter and blogging, are increasingly a part of our overall communications strategy.

We are adding a new position to our team that at its heart is about helping the public to understand and engage in complex education policy issues and the evidence—both qualitative and quantitative—behind these issues. The successful candidate may draw from many varied experiences—teaching, writing, reporting, policy advocacy, or new/social media—but will most definitely be a superb writer—curious, analytic, enterprising, and enthusiastic about monitoring, contributing to, and engaging in current education policy discussions. He or she should be able to communicate clearly to a wide variety of audiences, including state legislators, teachers, Washington, DC-based policymakers and engaged parents and local education leaders.

The writer/blogger will engage in a variety of roles, working with members of our policy and communications teams to:

Applicants should have three or more years of experience in education, journalism, advocacy, communications, or a related field. Successful candidates should demonstrate the ability to communicate across a variety of platforms, from opinion pieces to blog posts. The ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, a demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines, knowledge of social/new media platforms, an entrepreneurial spirit, and strong multi-tasking ability are a must. A demonstrated ability to use data and evidence in writing and communications is also critical. A commitment to improving American education is required, along with knowledge of educational issues and public policy. Knowledge and proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required; experience with online video editing programs (such as Final Cut) and online publishing tools (such as WordPress) is a definite plus.

Competitive compensation based on skills and experience; generous benefits, including health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance, monthly leave time for volunteer work, a flexible spending account, and a yearly contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan are also offered. The initial hiring range for this position is from $45,000 to $70,000, depending on experience and skill. This position is located in our Washington, DC offices, just south of Dupont Circle.

To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter, resume, and at least THREE writing samples (preferably from a variety of platforms, including at least one blog entry and its ensuing comments) to hr@educationsector.org. The subject line in your e-mail should read "Education Policy Writer/Blogger". Education Sector is a nonpartisan, equal opportunity employer that believes in growing and promoting a diverse work force.