Content Strategist

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 22 Aug 2021

Posting Details


Working Title Content Strategist
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202100831AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Prof/Indiv Contrib III
Number of Vacancies 1
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $70,000 - $75,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ & https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 08/22/2021
Description of Work Unit
The Content and Creative Strategy team in the division of University Advancement at Colorado State University is seeking a Content Strategist. The position will develop high-impact, multi-platform (print, web, social, podcast, video) communications to reach a diverse array of constituents in support of Colorado State University’s mission.
Who We Are 
Located in the beautiful town of Fort Collins, Colorado, CSU is a premier land-grant university with world-class programs in education, outreach, and research. CSU has a student body of 34,000 students, 7,000 employees, 200,000 living alumni, and annual research expenditures exceeding $350 million. 
Within CSU, the Division of University Advancement is integral to achieving and sustaining the University’s institutional excellence through fundraising and engagement efforts. With one of the leading development teams in the country, the Division most recently reached its $1 billion campaign goal 19 months ahead of schedule. 
University Advancement Engagement designs and delivers the donor experience at CSU. As the central team with responsibility for donor relations, stewardship, events, and marketing/communications, we provide comprehensive, strategic engagement opportunities that increase Ram Pride, strengthen donor and alumni connections to the University, and inspire philanthropy at CSU. Grounded in the mission and core values of University Advancement, UA Engagement incorporates the principles of excellence, purpose, gratitude, collaboration, and innovation into every aspect of our work. 
The Content and Creative Strategy team spearheads marketing and communications strategy for CSU’s alumni and donors and promotes their participation in the CSU donor journey through creative, collaborative and comprehensive planning and tactical implementation.
Position Summary
The Content Strategist will collaborate with other members of the Content and Creative Strategy and UA Engagement teams to develop high-impact, multi-platform (print, web, social, podcast, video) communications to reach a diverse array of constituents in support of the Division of University Advancement and Colorado State University mission. The Content Strategist will write, edit, and proofread content across all platforms to tell the story of donor and alumni impact. The position will serve as a resource in developing new ideas to engage alumni and donor audiences.
 The Content Strategist will provide editorial, creative, and technical guidance to members of the UA Engagement team. This individual also will contribute to UA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by ensuring all content is accessible to all and representative of CSU’s diverse student, alumni, and donor population. 
This position will report to the Director of Content and Creative Strategy and will supervise two full-time employees: the Advancement Writer and the the Digital and Web Content Specialist.This position is based in Fort Collins, with the potential for flexible work arrangements, including remote work.
Required Job Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university by the date of hire 
  • Minimum of 4 years experience or more writing, editing, and proofreading high-quality publications with significant visibility 
  • Minimum of 2 years experience supervising full-time professional staff and leading a team in the development and execution of complex strategic goals, initiatives, and programs 
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a thorough knowledge of English grammar, punctuation, and spelling 
  • Demonstrates active engagement and support of diverse individuals, opinions, and perspectives, and will actively engage with and support the University’s mission, vision, and values
  • Must have a valid driver’s license, the ability to obtain a driver’s license, or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date 
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Demonstrated ability to motivate and work effectively in a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment 
  • Demonstrated ability to write and edit compelling stories for high-quality publications and large, diverse audiences 
  • Demonstrated abilities to coordinate and manage multiple projects in a highly organized and effective manner and meet deadlines 
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and an affinity for learning new technology 
  • Demonstrated experience using social media and website analytics to improve content strategies 
  • Demonstrated expertise in working for higher education or nonprofit fundraising initiatives 
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines in a fast, dynamic environment
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Create and write content
Duty/Responsibility
Establish and determine overarching storytelling strategies that highlight the value and impact of philanthropy University-wide. Strategize and develop written content for digital and print magazines and newsletters, major gift announcements, fundraising proposals, alumni and donor profiles, video scripts, impact reports, internal communications, etc. that demonstrate a compelling need for and the impact of philanthropy at Colorado State University. Research, write, edit, and design engaging content for other marketing channels. Travel locally to conduct interviews with donors and others. Strategize and implement comprehensive written communications pieces for the Division to advance its mission and goals in alignment with University branding/messaging efforts. Examine projects from start to finish with a lens of diversity and inclusion, ensuring different voices and backgrounds are heard and represented both in the creative process and in the finished product; ensure final product is accessible by different audiences, regardless of background and ability. 
Percentage Of Time 50
Job Duty Category Supervision, Collaboration, Budget Management
Duty/Responsibility
In consultation with the Director of Content and Creative Strategy, develops and manages a $5K – $10K budget. Conduct annual performance reviews for professional staff; hold regular meetings with team members to direct work, identify areas for efficiencies and ensure deadline completion. Motivate team members to accomplish effective and highly collaborative, team-oriented environment. Ensure an inclusive team environment where all employees feel valued, their ideas welcomed, and their contributions affirmed; contribute to the overall UA division culture and goals of inclusivity. Consistently work toward elevated cultural competency and inclusive leadership/supervisory tactics. Ensure active engagement and support of diverse individuals, opinions and perspectives, and actively engage with and support CSU’s mission, vision and values. Perform other work-related duties as assigned. 
Percentage Of Time 30
Job Duty Category Project Management and Collaboration
Duty/Responsibility
Collaborate with the Director of Content and Creative Strategy and team as well as internal and external resources and stakeholder partners (Colleges and Units) to ensure flawless, on-time, and high impact delivery of advancement communications components. Manage editorial calendars for print and digital publications in alignment with annual alumni and donor engagement plans and division priorities. Manage a diverse portfolio of writing assignments including research with ability to utilize data and analytics for supporting documentation. Actively participate in University Advancement Engagement and Advancement Division meetings, trainings, and events (which may involve occasional night and weekend activities) supports Division-wide priorities and initiatives. Serve as resource, and written content area expert to other units, departments and divisions within Colorado State University for fundraising, alumni, and donor relations strategies. 
Percentage Of Time 20

Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, all materials must be received by 11:59 pm (MT) on August 22, 2021. Applications will be reviewed immediately within two weeks of the full consideration date and all applicants will be notified of their status in the search.
A $5,000 moving allowance may be negotiated at the time of hire. 
Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter that demonstrates any and all of the required and preferred qualifications that they meet 2) a resume, and 3) three professional references noting name, phone number, email address, and professional relationship (one must be a current or former supervisor). References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. 
Successful applicants should be prepared to submit a copy of professional work that they feel best showcases their experience, style and skill set as it relates to this position. Examples might include a creative portfolio, writing samples, design pieces, etc. 
For tips on how to craft a successful application, please review the FAQ document on our Careers site at: giving.colostate.edu/careers/current-opportunities/. You can also sign up for our Careers mailing list to receive updates about future job opportunities with CSU University Advancement.
Questions regarding the position or anything else related to careers with UA may be directed to Annika Yappert, Recruiting & Talent Acquisition Specialist, at [email protected].
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, Travel
Search Contact Annika Yappert, Recruiting & Talent Acquisition Specialist, [email protected]
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy and will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

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