Copywriter

Marketing

Position Overview

The copywriter creates, develops, plans, writes, and edits various marketing communications that may be instructional, informational, or promotional in nature. The copywriter works both independently and collaboratively with internal teams and partners (clients) to develop new concepts and copy in support of branding initiatives, recruitment objectives, and partner or university goals.

Projects include print, digital, broadcast, and social media tactics, and assignments include original, creative work for a variety of media: advertising copy; headlines; features, cutlines, and blurbs for multi-page booklets; concise and targeted email messages, subject lines and tweets; Instagram and TikTok content; scripts for video and for radio and TV ads; and informative, interactive text for websites.

The copywriter participates in and relies on marketing research, focus groups, and surveys to inform their work. However, much of the copywriter's work comes from independent research and expertise in marketing copywriting best-practices for multiple platforms. The copywriter interviews sources and relies on their own experience and/or customer/colleague knowledge to devise original concepts and copy.

The copywriter gives presentations in small and large group settings and collects feedback constructively. Deadlines vary from long-term and annual projects to short-term and immediate.

If you are looking for a rewarding and dynamic career, look no farther than the University of Kansas. In addition to a competitive salary, KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, 9 paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a great retirement program, medical and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options and state of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational opportunities for employees. KU is a great place to work!

About Lawrence, KS

The University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, a community of about 95,000. Only 35 miles west of Kansas City and 20 miles east of Topeka, you will never be far from barbecue, jazz, museum culture, and more. Lawrence has a lively downtown and a thriving arts and music scene, and its local government has enacted ordinances supporting equality for all members of its population. Lawrence locals covet the numerous sports and recreational opportunities, local shops, and a wide range of locally-owned restaurants.

Job Description

50% Content creation

• Write, review, refine, and finalize copy for a variety of projects.
• Work both independently and in collaboration with editors and other creative team members.
• Review work of self and others with a critical eye to strategic communication best-practices.
• Strive to create work that is original and inventive while meeting KU brand standards and stated marketing objectives.

30% Concept and content ideation and development

• Bring copywriting expertise to bear on the development of strategic concepts and content for a variety of partners and objectives.
• Collaborate with the marketing strategy and creative teams to develop ideas for a variety of marketing tactics that support strategic goals.
• Research appropriate topics or approaches.
• When needed, participate in photo or video shoots, design brainstorming sessions, partner presentations, or other related activities.
• Write and refine a variety of copy to support concept-stage presentations or other spec work.

10% Editing/proofreading

• Copyedit text and/or review printer proofs of projects produced by the department.

10% Other duties as assigned

• Attend staff and partner meetings. Work collegially with staff and partners in a team environment. As needed, prepare and present research, work, or recommendations to internal and/or partner teams.

Position Requirements

1. This position is hybrid. The copywriter works both remotely and on-site based on a departmental schedule.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in advertising, public relations, strategic communications, journalism, English, communications, or closely related field.
2. At least three years' professional copywriting experience in advertising, public relations, or marketing agency or similar in-house unit; magazine; newspaper or related entity.

Preferred Qualifications

1. An excellent portfolio that demonstrates a clear mastery of marketing copywriting, ideally with a diversity of projects and styles.
2. Experience writing across a variety of topics and formats and creating compelling copy.
3. Experience writing copy for websites and wireframe/sitemap specifications.
4. Experience creating copy/concepts for higher education clients.
5. Knowledge of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
6. Experience translating instructions, rules, and regulations into clear, engaging copy containing a call to action.
7. Experience creating text for an integrated campaign using print, broadcast, and digital components.
8. Experience working both in a team environment and working independently.
9. Familiarity or experience with InDesign or InCopy, Drupal, and other production software and Workamajig or other project-management software.
10. Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
11. Experience meeting deadlines under pressure.
12. Prior work experience that required strong organization and attention to detail.

Contact Information to Applicants

Deb Graber, associate director
debg@ku.edu

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application includes:

1. Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
2. Resume.
3. Contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor).
4. Completion of the online application.
5. Three samples of professional copywriting work submitted as attachments during the application process.

Only complete applications will be considered.

• Application review begins Monday, February 20, 2023 and continues until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Advertised Salary Range

$48,000 – $50,000

Application Review Begins

20-Feb-2023

Anticipated Start Date

27-Mar-2023

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

FTE

1.0

Reg/Temp

Regular

FLSA Status

Professional

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm

Job Family

Public Affairs-KUL

Conditions of Employment

Contingent on Funding

Work Location Assignment

Hybrid

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information and retaliation in the University's programs and activities. Access to information regarding equal opportunity and diversity worksite posters is available at http://www.humanresources.ku.edu/policies_procedures/category_details/index.aspx?category=8 or you may contact 785-864-4946 or employ@ku.edu for alternate access options. Any inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies should be directed to: Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY