A motivated and experienced writer who can meld technical information and marketing strategies into effective communications -- from news releases and backgrounders to contributed articles, white papers, media pitches and story ideas.

This full-time, contract position at our Round Rock office requires a clear, journalistic writing style as well as curiosity, flexibility, initiative, and the ability to work as part of a global team.  Experience writing about refining, oil and gas production, chemical manufacturing, mining, industrial energy, or automation is a plus, as is a background B2B communications.  This is not a technical writing job which focuses on manuals, instructions, help screens and product data sheets, but focuses on PR and media relations materials – targeted to three distinct media audiences within our industrial manufacturing customer base.  Targeted publication include engineering trade, industry vertical and horizontal trades targeted to mid-level management and business media targeted to the C-suite.  Relocation is not available.

Candidates should provide a resume and three relevant writing samples.

Qualifications:

Outstanding writing and editing skills, with samples to prove it

• Able to write in a journalistic style suitable for public relations
• Adept at improving clarity and readability
• Comfortable learning and writing about technical topics, especially for less-technical audiences
• Able to write for different media and audiences (earned, paid, owned and shared/social)
• Skilled in a variety of approaches, from explaining to persuading to story-telling
• Flawless at grammar, punctuation, and usage (with experience following AP style)
• Able to write quickly and accurately
• Proficient in MS Word and PowerPoint.

Business skills

• Capable of finding or establishing structure where none was apparent
• Adept at navigating writing topics that have never been sourced and dealing with ambiguity
• Skilled at understanding and supporting business, marketing and communications objectives in writing projects

Research / interviewing skills

• Good interviewer / listener / ability to source news
• Able to dig for answers or information (during interviews or meetings, or on your own)
• Willing to diplomatically but effectively challenge incomplete or dubious information

Flexibility

• Able to follow directions and work smoothly as part of a diverse, global team – but also to work independently and manage your own time
• Comfortable writing within a structured format, even when the inputs are numerous and come from multiple stakeholders
• Able to “wing it” and find your own way in new situations, and adjust quickly when requirements change

Diverse but relevant experience

• Some years of experience and/or employment as a writer (this is not an entry-level job)
• Proven aptitude for understanding and explaining technical or scientific topics – ideally backed by experience doing so in journalism or PR.
• Knowledge of chemical, refining, or oil and gas industries, or of process-control technology, is a strong plus.