SENIOR COPYWRITER
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Health Care Provider
Posted on June 24, 2019
Req #: | 166997 |
Department: | UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT |
Job Location: | Seattle Campus |
Posting Date: | 04/24/2019 |
Closing Info: | Open Until Filled |
Salary: | Salary is commensurate with experience and education |
Shift: | First Shift |
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for five consecutive years.
University Advancement has an outstanding opportunity for a Senior Copywriter
POSITION PURPOSE
The Senior Copywriter takes a leading role in communications for University Marketing & Communications (UMAC). By collaborating with the UMAC team and colleagues from the UW’s schools, colleges, units, programs and campuses, the Senior Copywriter helps develop and implement cohesive, compelling and accurate content that meets strategic marketing and communications goals.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Content development
Write and edit compelling, effective copy that supports UMAC goals while engaging a range of target audiences.
Research and write impactful stories about people and programs across the University and collaborate with production teams to help create and publish these stories.
Write original copy for a broad range of UW communications, including but not limited to: feature stories, ad copy, newsletters, brochures, print and digital advertising, event collateral, talking points, messaging, storyboards and scripts, toolkits, internal communications, magazine copy, web copy, social media and other digital content.
Create original content for event communications, including but not limited to: scripts, speeches, talking points, invitations, signage and promotions.
Develop materials for the general public, students, faculty, staff, donors, alumni and volunteers and ensure accuracy of information included in all written materials.
Actively maintain the UW’s Story Central and Pride Points databases.
Maintain flexibility in a fast-paced setting, and stay focused and productive under deadline pressure.
Relationship management
Participate in strategy sessions that serve branding and reputation-building initiatives. Partner with colleagues across the UW Advancement organization to develop and produce marketing and fundraising communications.
Foster and maintain relationships within UMAC and with units across the UW’s three campuses to find story ideas and secure interviews with students, faculty, donors and alumni as appropriate.
Hire and manage the team’s copywriting intern(s): assign and evaluate projects, hold regular one-on-one meetings, facilitate participation in the UMAC internship program, and coordinate with other UMAC departments to set up interest-based informational interviews and learning experiences.
Other duties as assigned.
Key Competencies
Core
Effective communications: Expresses oneself clearly and empathetically in interactions with others in all forms of communication, i.e., verbal and written, one-on-one and group, etc.
Interpersonal Awareness: Builds and maintains positive relationships and actively contributes as a member of working teams to achieve results.
Professional Credibility: Takes responsibility for meeting goals, objectives, obligations, and solving problems while representing the mission, vision and values of the organization.
Critical Thinking: Obtains, analyzes and evaluates information effectively in the face of ambiguity. Makes appropriate decisions based on relevant information and experience.
Ethics and Trust: Models and upholds the values of candor, openness, inclusiveness and honesty despite internal and external pressures. Acts consistently with Washington State ethical guidelines and organizational core values and beliefs.
Valuing Diversity & Inclusiveness: Respects, values and contributes to the UW’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.
Functional expertise
Organizational Acumen: Able to size up a situation, balance reason and the interest of others, and act in a decisive, timely and appropriate manner that is congruent with the organization's values, goals and mission to achieve success.
Planning & Implementing: Ability to develop strategies, measures for success and feasible timelines for successful project implementation and execution.
Managing Conflict: Recognizes and addresses conflicts and disagreements in a safe and respectful environment, manages conflicts collaboratively, and builds consensus with the best interests.
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, marketing or a related field and a minimum of two years of experience in marketing, advertising, public relations or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may substitute for a degree.
Strong portfolio that showcases narrative storytelling and copywriting skills and demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively with graphic and web designers, art/creative directors and video producers.
Experience developing and writing content for print, digital and social media. The Senior Copywriter should be able to hit the ground running on any type of writing assignment, so adaptability and comfort with different project lengths, formats and levels of complexity are a must.
Proven experience developing targeted messaging for a wide variety of audiences. Demonstrated ability to adjust voice and tailor communications for more than one audience.
Demonstrated expertise in the application of writing and editing styles. Familiarity with Associated Press style preferred.
Proficiency using Mac and PC computers. Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of alumni relations, development and advancement principles.
Experience in constituent communications or in a nonprofit or higher-education environment.
Familiarity with the University of Washington is a plus.
Experience working in an in-house marketing department, journalism, advertising or public relations is preferred.
Familiarity with WordPress is a plus.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Cubicle/open workspace environment that may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.
Able to work evening and weekend hours on short or limited notice when necessary.
Must be willing to travel when necessary.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
BENEFITS
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready.
Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed
The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.