Copywriter

Job Description

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 . 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. 

University Marketing & Communications has an exciting opening for a Copywriter. This is a full-time permanent position.   

The Copywriter develops, writes and revises a wide variety of marketing copy for University Marketing & Communications (UMAC) as part of the Creative Team. By collaborating with the UMAC team and cross-campus colleagues, the Copywriter helps create compelling, consistent, accurate content that meets strategic marketing and communications goals.

What You Will Do:

Content Development (70%)

•     Research, develop and create 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 across multiple platforms, including but not limited to: admissions materials, event collateral, print and digital ad copy, e-newsletters, brochures, scripts, fundraising campaign materials, web and video copy, social media and other digital content, promotional materials, and feature stories that align with University priorities.
•     Collaborate with members of multiple teams on idea development, concepts, research and execution of copy.
•     Stay current on and apply best practices of equitable storytelling and language, with an openness to ongoing learning and development.
•     Stay current on and apply best practices for writing SEO content.
•     Assist with fact-checking, research, organization, outreach and other editorial administrative tasks that support content development. Help maintain and update team resources.
•     Maintain flexibility in a fast-paced setting, and stay focused and productive under deadline pressure.

Relationship Development (20%)

•     Foster and maintain relationships within UMAC and with communicators and units across campus.
•     Serve as representative of the University of Washington, UMAC and the Creative Team when interacting with students, faculty, staff, donors and alumni.
•     Participate in strategy and brainstorm sessions with colleagues.

Other duties as assigned (5%)

What You Can Expect:

•     Cubicle/Open workspace environment, which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.
•     Ability to occasionally work evening and weekend hours, as necessary, on short or limited notice.

Job Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of experience in marketing, communications, advertising, editorial, publishing, journalism, 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:

•     Strong writing skills and a love for words.
•     Experience receiving feedback on drafts from editors and stakeholders, and incorporating it into revisions.
•     Experience with or understanding of creating SEO and/or social media content. 
•     Demonstrated creativity, organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
•     Understanding of equitable and inclusive storytelling when working with or writing about diverse groups of people and communities.
•     Ability to make decisions in ambiguous situations and exercise good judgment in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
•     Experience working in nonprofit communications, journalism, advertising, public relations, or a marketing or creative agency is preferred.
•     Familiarity with higher education and the University of Washington is a plus.
•     Experience working in digital, social, web or video content is preferred.
•     Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with project management software (like Asana) and file-sharing systems (like Microsoft SharePoint) is a plus.
•     Familiarity with Associated Press style.

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