Req #: 234093

Department: UNIVERSITY MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Job Location Detail: 2 days in office (Monday and Wednesday)/3 days telework

Posting Date: 05/13/2024

Closing Info: Open Until Filled

Salary: $6,694-$7,046 per month

Shift: First Shift

Notes: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. (https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/benefits-professional-staff-librarians-academic-staff-20230701_a11y.pdf) Writing samples will be requested for this position. Please have a link or document ready to share when the University Advancement Recruiting office reaches out. Priority consideration will be given to applications completed by 5/27.

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

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.

For over 160 years, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Supporting this legacy and important public mission—with the goal of making the UW the world’s greatest public university, as measured by positive impact—guides everything we do in University Advancement (https://www.washington.edu/advancement/) . Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations, we advance the UW’s impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy and philanthropic support.

The mission of University Marketing & Communications (https://www.washington.edu/marketing/) is to lead branding, marketing and communications efforts that advance the reputation, resources and relationships of the University. As part of University Advancement (https://www.washington.edu/advancement/) , our work enhances the UW’s service to students, our state and society at large, including vital efforts to address inequities in access to opportunity and education. This starts with creating a culture of belonging ( https://www.washington.edu/advancement/ua-dei-visions-values-and-actions/) within our organization that values the diverse experiences and expertise of our team members, allowing everyone to thrive and to contribute their unique talents as we strive to achieve our shared goals.

University Marketing & Communications has an outstanding opportunity for a Senior Copywriter. This is a full-time, permanent position.

The Senior Copywriter collaborates with the UMAC team and colleagues from the UW’s schools, colleges, units, programs and campuses, to help research, write, and refine compelling, consistent and accurate content that meets the University’s strategic marketing and communications goals. These communications and projects will be consumed broadly by a variety of audiences. This position is responsible for advancing University Marketing & Communications projects in an inclusive and equity-focused manner in support of the institution’s public mission.

What You Will Do: Content development (80%)

• Develop compelling, effective copy that supports UMAC goals and engages a range of target audiences. • Write and revise original copy for a broad range of UW communications, including, but not limited to: admissions materials, event collateral and invitations, print and digital ad copy, newsletters, brochures, scripts and talking points, magazine copy, web copy, social media and other digital content, promotional materials and signage, and feature stories on a variety of subjects. • Research and write impactful content about people and programs that align with University priorities: conduct interviews with story participants, coordinate with other University units, provide input on photographs and design to support the story, revise based on editorial and leadership feedback, and help navigate approval from all stakeholders. • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams as well as leadership to pitch, write and publish stories on a variety of channels. • Manage assigned projects by collaborating with colleagues from UMAC and other units to coordinate details and ensure successful completion. • Stay current on and apply practices of equitable storytelling and language, with an openness to ongoing learning and development. • Assist the Director of Content with strategic story planning for the UW homepage, alumni magazine and other channels. • Manage ad hoc writing projects and strategic communications related to events and other initiatives in a variety of mediums. • Supervise freelance writers, as needed, including hiring, managing, assigning, and evaluating projects.

Relationship development (20%)

• Foster and maintain relationships within UMAC and with units across the UW to highlight their stories and secure interviews with students, faculty, staff, donors and alumni as appropriate. • Represent the UW with integrity, diplomacy and equity. • Collaborate with campus partners as well as members of creative and strategy teams on idea development, concepts, and execution of copy for a wide range of outlets, including social, video, print and web. • Participate in strategy and brainstorm sessions that serve branding and reputation-building initiatives. • Partner with colleagues across UW Advancement to develop and produce marketing communications. • Interact directly with University leadership and other unit leads on content needs and marketing and communication goals.

Other duties as assigned. Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of four years of experience in marketing, communications, advertising, editorial, public relations or a related field with a strong writing component.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

What You Bring:

• Experience developing and writing content for print, digital and social media and a familiarity with AP (Associated Press) Style. • Demonstrated ability to adjust voice and tailor communications for more than one audience. • Experience working with and writing about diverse groups of people and communities, demonstrating cross-cultural competency and a knowledge of equitable and inclusive storytelling practices. • Proven adaptability and comfort with varying project lengths, formats, timelines and levels of complexity. • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with editors, graphic and web designers, art/creative directors and video producers. • Experience receiving feedback on drafts from editors and stakeholders, and incorporating it into revisions. • Respect for, and willingness to contribute towards the UW’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity, and a commitment to examining personal beliefs and biases and continuous development as a member of a team devoted to equity. • Creativity, organizational skills and strong attention to detail. Ability to make decisions in ambiguous situations and exercise good judgment in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. • Strong relationship building skills within a large, complex organization. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite. Familiarity with Asana and Microsoft SharePoint is a plus.

What You Can Expect: • Cubicle/open workspace environment which may result in higher levels of noise and visual distractions. • Some evening and weekend hours are required, as necessary, with short or limited notice.

Application Process: The application process 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 Work 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 log into your “My Jobs” page. If you choose 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.

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University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.