Senior Faculty Awards Specialist (Writer/Editor) Job Details | Purdue University

Job Summary

The Faculty Awards Specialist (Writer/Editor) is integral to advancing Purdue University's standing by enabling faculty members to secure national and international recognitions for their achievements in research, teaching, and service.  This role is ideal for a skilled writer with a deep understanding of the nuances of both scholarly and persuasive communication.  Working both independently and collaboratively, the Faculty Awards Specialist researches top-tier awards, interprets complex nomination criteria, and crafts compelling nomination packages that authentically capture the contributions of Purdue's faculty.

Drawing on experience in academic writing, proposal development, or technical communication, this specialist will coordinate and refine detailed narratives that align faculty accomplishments with the strategic aims of prestigious granting organizations.  By enabling faculty members to secure these accolades, the Faculty Awards Specialist not only highlights individual faculty success but also strengthens Purdue's reputation as a global leader in higher education.

Responsibilities:

• Research, write, coordinate, and submit approximately 50 faculty nomination packages per year for prestigious awards.  This involves interpreting award criteria, identifying strategic opportunities, and crafting narratives that showcase each nominee's unique contributions, resulting in compelling, competitive submissions
• Work independently and with university and college leadership to research recognition opportunities, communicate requirements of recognition granting organizations, and support development of faculty nomination processes at the college and department level
• Maintain databases related to upcoming recognition opportunities for faculty; awards received by faculty and nominations underway for faculty members, for regular reporting to college and university leadership
• Serve as a liaison between the Office of the Provost's Faculty Recognition Program and college level award activities; participate in learning, professional development and reporting activities with the Office of the Provost's Faculty Recognition Program and a team of faculty awards specialists across the university

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Science, Engineering, Technology or a related field
• A minimum of five (5) years of writing experience including a strong portfolio of writing and editing for both academic and lay audiences
• Five (5) or more years of experience in higher education, consulting, industry, government or non-profit sectors
• Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of required education and related work experience
• Demonstrated success in grant-writing/proposal development or relevant associated skills
• Editing and Revision Skills:  Proficiency in revising and refining drafts to meet specific criteria and produce polished persuasive, and cohesive narratives
• Research and Analytical Skills:  The ability to identify and analyze prestigious awards relevant to faculty achievements, assess eligibility, and interpret complex nomination criteria
• Strategic Thanking:  Skilled at aligning faculty accomplishments with the values and goals of awarding bodies, demonstrating a strategic approach to enhancing Purdue's recognition efforts
• Project Management:  Experience coordinating multiple nomination packages and ensuring timely submission of high quality materials, which is crucial in managing award cycles and deadlines
• Familiarity with Academic and Research Culture:  Understanding the academic environment and research culture, which supports effectively capturing faculty contributions within the unique context of higher education
• Database and Research Software Proficiency:  Familiarity with research databases (like Google Scholar or Scopus) and tools for managing award tracing or proposal development, which could enhance efficiency in the role

What Is Helpful:

• Advanced degree

What We Want You To Know:

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check is required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply

What You'll Get In Return:

All university employees are afforded a generous benefits package, https://www.purdue.edu/hr/benewell/index.php, including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions. As part of Purdue University’s expansive employee benefit package, the University is proud to offer its employees the opportunity to grow, learn, and advance by offering a tuition remission opportunity at both Purdue University and Purdue Global.

Take Your Next Giant Leap

We never stop, we keep going, because Discovery is in our DNA, and we want you to discover a Career at Purdue University! Come work alongside a family of diverse culture with faculty, students, and staff who come together to become one, Boilermakers! Our greatest adventures are yet to come, and we want to include you.

Come take your Next Giant Leap and Discover your next career!

Apply here:

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John Grundy, PhD

Director, Faculty Recognition Program

Office of the Provost

113A Hovde Hall

773-895-2685