Marketing & Communications Writer - McKelvey School of Engineering (Hybrid)

Position Summary
The Marketing & Communications Writer will plan and execute integrated and creative print and online marketing campaigns and create internal communications that reinforce and share McKelvey Engineering’s mission, values and community.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Integrated Marketing

• Writes and develops content for print and digital marketing and communications including email, landing pages, and paid social media campaigns
• Helps co-create and execute marketing campaigns for targeted audience groups
• Works with Digital Communications Manager and Social Media Coordinator to write and edit web content and/or social media campaign content and email marketing campaigns that will attract new students and engage current students and alumni.
• Independently researches and writes compelling, audience-appropriate and channel-appropriate content that supports key communication objectives as well as the university’s overall content and creative strategy.
• Makes independent editorial judgments to shape content provided by campus partners into snappy, persuasive, message-based copy for use across a range of print, digital and multimedia marketing tactics, including marketing copy for websites, video scripts, dean’s remarks, talking points, Powerpoint presentations, etc.

Internal Communications

• Contributes to the school’s internal communications content across channels and platforms, including:
  • Proposes, plans, writes, edits, and fact checks stories for the school’s website and the University.
  • Records about students, student groups, school activities, special initiatives, and alumni profiles, among others.
  • Collaborates with colleagues on storytelling across multiple media including identifying video and social media content.
  • Assists Engineering News & Content Director with writing stories for Engineering Momentum magazine and proofreading.
  • Maintains regular contacts with internal key sources, such as student groups, Societies Council, Undergraduate and Graduate Student Services offices to identify storytelling themes and newsworthy events.
  • Works with colleagues to develop content about undergraduate and graduate students working on research or scholarships or outreach programs.

Marketing

• Works closely with members of the Digital team to ensure alignment between content and function as copy is being developed working within digital templates, sourcing proper images, etc.
• Leverages editorial content developed by other team members to be used in marketing campaigns.
• Effectively works with different teams across the school and university when writing copy.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or related field.
• Four years of professional experience in marketing, communications, or news and feature writing.
• Experience in/with:
  • Content creation, news and feature writing
  • Digital campaigns and multimedia strategy
  • International marketing communications
  • Microsoft and Adobe Creative Suite products
  • Cascade, WordPress or web editing software
  • Workflow, systems/process improvement
  • Higher education environment
• Master’s degree in marketing, communications, or related field.
• More than five years of professional experience in marketing, communications, project management, or related field.
• Detail oriented and committed to accuracy.
• Analytical and skilled at making data-driven decisions.
• Strong writing, editing and copyediting, especially for digital and marketing campaigns.
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills; ability to multitask and handle multiple projects at a time.
• Ability to devise communication strategies and tactics.
• Familiarity with information technology for internal communications.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, self-starter environment.
• Positive work ethic; team oriented, collaborative.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills; demonstrated ability to diplomatically enforce deadlines.
• Eagerness to collaborate with colleagues who specialize in social media, video, still photography, audio and more.​
• Detail oriented and committed to accuracy.
• Analytical and skilled at making data-driven decisions.
• Strong writing, editing and copyediting, especially for digital and marketing campaigns.
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills; ability to multitask and handle multiple projects at a time.
• Ability to devise communication strategies and tactics.
• Familiarity with information technology for internal communications, including Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, self-starter environment.
• Positive work ethic; team oriented, collaborative.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills; demonstrated ability to diplomatically enforce deadlines.
• Eagerness to collaborate with colleagues who specialize in social media, video, still photography, audio and more.
• Excellent knowledge of Associated Press Style.
• Excellent spelling and grammar.
• Excellent typing skills.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in related field and three years relevant experience or equivalent education and experience.

Grade
G10

Salary Range
$48,700.00 - $80,500.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected]  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.