Eastern Mennonite University Hiring for Senior Writer & Communications Manager – Telecommuting-eligible at Main Campus – Harrisonburg, VA, 22802 Full Time

Job Location: Main Campus – Harrisonburg, VA

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: Bachelors Degree

Job Category: Marketing

Senior Writer and Communications Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Senior Writer & Communications Manager Effective Date: June 27, 2023Department: Marketing & Communications Schedule: Regular, 12 mo., FT, M-FSupervisor: Director of Marketing & Communications IPEDS Classification: 11FLSA Classification: Exempt CUPA: 196470

Job Summary:

The Senior Writer & Communications Manager is responsible for telling the story of EMU through news articles, feature stories, press releases, as well as print and digital publications/communications to advance the strategic goals of the university, including those related to undergraduate and graduate enrollment, university advancement, and community outreach. Telecommuting-eligible position.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work with Director of Marketing and Communications to develop content strategy.
• Generate and field story ideas to create content aimed at attracting current and prospective students and parents, donors, and the media; collaborate with marketing team members on photo and video assets as well as social media and web distribution.
• Distribute press releases to local, regional, national and international media, as appropriate; field press requests and assist with media training and talking point generation as needed; distribute hometown releases on student accomplishments through Merit software.
• Work with clients to create/manipulate email marketing content that is on-brand and meets the desired objectives.
• Work with clients and marketing team members to generate two alumni magazines (Crossroads) per year, an annual report, and other university publications as needed.
• Regularly assess magazine content and design for continual improvement, providing input on best practices and industry trends; recommend content and design changes to engage readership by alumni, donors and prospective students, supporting university advancement and enrollment goals.
• Provide measurable results of communications efforts while staying on top of communications trends and technologies; change course as needed.
• Serve on the Crisis Management Preparedness Team and Incident Command Team.
• Manage freelance and student writers.
• Performs additional duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Qualifications Required Skills/Abilities:

• Impeccable writing and editing skills.
• Solid news judgment; the ability to sell a story by determining appropriate hook and angle.
• Ability to compromise on copy points and negotiate in a respectful, tactful way.
• Ability to work with clients to create/manipulate content that uses appropriate media and on-brand messaging to achieve desired objectives.
• Savvy in building and maintaining press relationships for maximum coverage.
• Knowledge of production process for publications; experience in writing and editing copy, selecting photos, and working with a graphic designer to create a cohesive and compelling layout and design.
• Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of communications efforts.
• Capacity to juggle competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, content management systems (WordPress), marketing automation and email marketing platforms (Mailchimp and Campaign Monitor); familiarity with Flickr and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube); ability to learn project management, digital asset management software, and marketing software (Teamwork, Canto, Merit).
• Familiarity with AP style.
• Willingness to work occasional off-hours to meet story and publication deadlines.

Education and Experience:Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, or related major, and a minimum of 5 years ofexperience in communications, marketing, journalism, media or public relations. Project management experience, client relations skills, and leadership experience on a team required. Master’s degree and experience in crisis communications preferred. Experience in a higher education or marketing/communications environment is preferred. Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands and fingers, to handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The employee must occasionally travel to meetings and conferences off campus, which may include some overnight travel. Supervisory Responsibilities:May supervise student employees.