Communications Writer and Editor

Job Title: Communications Writer & Editor

Department: Marketing & Media Relations

Reports To: ​Executive Director

Prepared Date: ​February 27, 2024

SUMMARY: 

 The Communications Writer & Editor will develop compelling content through engaging messaging and storytelling techniques that connect with a vast audience and influential stakeholder groups including prospective students, parents, alumni and donors. In addition, the position is responsible for developing engaging content for marketing and communications materials, write and edit reports, news releases and feature articles, website content, presentations, video scripts, donor solicitations and other forms of internal and external materials. The Communications Writer & Editor must write and edit copy to reflect the University’s brand while maintaining a consistent voice, style, message and standards and serves as a creative support in the development of clear, persuasive and compelling narratives that support the organization’s communications, marketing and strategic objectives. The Communications Writer & Editor will work as part of a dynamic and highly collaborative Marketing team in a fast-paced environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:  

1.  Conceptualizes, writes, edits and proofs content for a diverse array of University projects, while ensuring compliance with AP and internal style guidelines and brand standards.  
2. Supports the development of creative campaigns, ensuring all content aligns with both project-specific and department goals.
3. Content may include website copy, academic program descriptions, internal staff communications, fundraising communications, recruitment campaigns, magazine features and advertisements.
4. Meets with clients to develop content.
5. Manages multiple projects simultaneously and delivers projects to meet deadlines.
6. Regularly collaborates with the Marketing & Media Relations Team, as well as University clients across campus.
7. Additional job-related duties as required by the supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to succeed in a result-driven professional organization. Maintaining professional performance, demeanor, team-approach and focus on results while working under pressure in a dynamic environment. Customer, budget, quality and delivery conscious mindset. Ability to establish priorities, work independently with minimal supervision and facilitate teamwork. Highly organized, with the ability to plan, execute and multitask to meet deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.  

In addition, a successful candidate will have a passion for writing for a wide range of audiences, a high level of creativity, the ability to produce editorial content in a fast-paced and deadline-orientated environment, and working collaboratively with faculty, staff and students. This position requires strong writing, editing and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to develop impactful messaging.  Additional qualifications specific to this position are below: 

 Minimum Education and/or Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in writing, English or related field, plus at least three years of professional experience.

• Strong written and communication skills. Familiarity with journalistic styles, specifically knowledge of AP style writing guidelines, standards and ethics.

• Excellent history of copywriting, copy editing/proofreading and interviewing skills.

• Working knowledge in creating content for marketing campaigns, including experience writing for diverse audiences and editing high-quality content.

• Strong project management and communication planning skills coupled with an ability to understand and support strategic priorities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The Marketing & Media Relations Department at Millikin University is devoted to telling the Millikin story through various mediums to enhance the University’s brand. All staff are responsible for creating a safe, welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful and caring environment. We seek skilled and diverse colleagues who are flexible, self-motivated and will embrace and respect who we are and what we do. We also seek colleagues committed to moving the Millikin brand forward.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:  Typically sitting at a desk or table; occasional lifting 25 lbs. or less; intermittently sitting/standing; hearing and visual acuity within normal range; ability to stoop, kneel and crouch occasionally; high degree of mobility required. Dexterity to operate a keyboard.  

WORKING CONDITIONS: Typical working conditions found in most administrative work areas.      

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS Communicates effectively and appropriately. Gets along and cooperates with co-workers and appropriately interacts with others. Participates and functions as an effective member of the team.

CONFIDENTIALITY Exchanges University information with others only on a "need to know" basis.   

 ATTENDANCE Promptly arrives for the designated shift. Follows all applicable policies regarding schedules, attendance and organizational requirements. Typically considered an exempt/salaried position, so may involve longer days, weekends and off shifts as required to successfully perform job duties. Excessive absenteeism will hinder successful job performance.   

 SAFETY Understands and always uses safe practices. Reports all unsafe conditions to the Risk Manager immediately. Assures all equipment functions properly before use. Knows and adheres to all safety and fire prevention rules and regulations. Knows location and use of personal protective equipment, fire plan, SDS and Disaster Plan. 

 UNIVERSAL ACCOUNTABILITY Provides excellent service to all customers striving to exceed their expectations. Demonstrates courtesy, compassion and respect. Is thoroughly committed to the mission and vision of Millikin University.