Associate Senior Writer
- Employer
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Location
- Pennsylvania, United States
- Closing date
- 11 Mar 2020
View more
- Job Type
- Professional Services, Fundraising, Development & Alumni, Marketing & Communications
- Contract Type
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full Time
University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Associate Senior Writer
Job Profile Title
Staff Writer C
Job Description Summary
The University of Pennsylvania’s Development and Alumni Relations Marketing and Communications (DARMAX) Department is responsible for conceiving and executing communications strategies to advance the goals of Penn’s Development and Alumni Relations office (DAR) and the mission of the University. The Associate Senior Writer functions as a key part of a highly accomplished writing team within the department of Development and Alumni Relations, Marketing and Communications (DARMAX).
Job Description
Reporting to the department’s Director of Strategic Writing Services, this position is responsible for generating compelling, strategic development narratives that effectively communicate the vision, mission and impact of the University of Pennsylvania. The Associate Senior Writer produces an array of materials including, but not limited to, executive speeches and talking points, print publications, website content, video scripts, citations and awards, and event marketing materials.Reporting to the department’s Director of Strategic Writing Services, this position is responsible for generating compelling, strategic development narratives that effectively communicate the vision, mission and impact of the University of Pennsylvania. The Associate Senior Writer produces an array of materials including, but not limited to, executive speeches and talking points, print publications, website content, video scripts, citations and awards, and event marketing materials.
This position requires a resourceful and versatile wordsmith who can write in a variety of voices and communicate to multiple audiences including donors, alumni, parents, volunteers, University leaders, faculty, students, and staff. Exercising strategic judgement and painstaking accuracy, the Associate Senior Writer develops copy that reflects strategic thinking, persuasive power and creative execution.
The Associate Senior Writer is responsible for advancing Development priorities while conveying the positive impact of philanthropy and alumni engagement on the University, the community and the world. This is a highly visible position and the individual acts as a liaison to an array of Penn’s departments and programs, while also representing the University through interactions with Penn’s donors, volunteers, and other external audiences.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conceptualize, write and edit a wide range of communications to support DAR’s integrated development and alumni relations efforts, including the evolving phases of specific campaigns. These include, but are not limited to, executive speeches and talking points, print publications, website content, video scripts, citations and awards, and event marketing materials. Edit and proofread documents produced by DARMAX.
- Participate in all aspects of the DARMAX communications program including conceptualizing narrative and content, building relationships and contacts, spotting stories and opportunities, and contributing to the ongoing creative efforts of Development and Alumni Relations.
- Collaborate with DARMAX partners to maximize the impact of communications, especially other writers, graphic designers, digital developers, video producers, event planners. Form strong, collegial relationships with DARs frontline fund raisers, relationship managers, and alumni relations staff. Anticipate, understand, and meet their needs. Collaborate with staff across the University to facilitate effective communication and information sharing.
- Take responsibility for managing projects and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, demanding creative environment with many stakeholders. Occasionally work with outside vendors (graphic designers, photographers, videographers, printers, etc.) in the production of communications materials.
- Contribute to the spirit of teamwork and to the strength of the University by providing proactive, positive, and effective customer service to Penn employees as well as external supporters and partners. Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development and training.
- Work with a database to research gift information to use as background for creative content; handle confidential information appropriately.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field and five to seven years of development writing experience in a nonprofit environment, ideally higher education, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strength in assimilating complex information and understanding multifaceted concepts and the ability to translate those concepts into compelling prose.
- Experience writing leadership remarks for a range of events (e.g., large alumni gatherings, student celebrations, intimate donor celebrations and cultivation, etc.) campaign-related materials, case statements and major gift proposals a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, highly demanding projects, while meeting deadlines.
- Superior writing and editing skills.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with a high degree of competency and comfort in interacting with people at all professional levels. Ability to present ideas verbally with credibility and handle feedback gracefully are key to success.
- Ability to use a database for research. Experience with project management software a plus.
Interested applicants must provide a resume, cover letter and three writing samples in order to be considered.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Development and Alumni Relations
Pay Range
$50,684.00 - $91,232.00
Affirmative Action Statement
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.
Special Requirements
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
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