Job Details

Staff Writer/Associate Senior Writer
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Position Number: 6025061
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Position Type: Development and Fund Raising

Staff Writer/Associate Senior Writer

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. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

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
Staff Writer/Associate Senior Writer

Job Profile Title
Staff Writer C

Job Description Summary
The Staff Writer/Associate Senior Writer (commensurate with experience) is an integral part of the Development and Alumni Relations Marketing and Communications team (also known as DARMAX). Reporting to the Director of Strategic Writing, this position is responsible for producing a high volume of executive remarks and creative content for print and web in a complex, deadline-driven environment. 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.

The Staff Writer/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.

The successful candidate will be passionate about the nuances of the written word and the art of effective storytelling. They will also possess the ability to research, absorb, synthesize, and communicate complex information on a wide variety of topics in a compelling manner.

This position requires a resourceful and versatile writer who is comfortable with a variety of styles and who can communicate effectively to multiple audiences including donors, alumni, parents, volunteers, University leaders, faculty, students, and staff.

Job Description

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop copy that reflects strategic thinking, persuasive power, and creative execution.
Conceptualize, write, and edit a wide range of communications to support Development and Alumni Relations' (DAR) integrated engagement efforts, including the evolving phases of specific fundraising campaigns.
Consistently exercise strategic judgement, discretion, and painstaking accuracy.
Participate in all aspects of the DARMAX communications program including conceptualizing narrative and content, building relationships and contacts, identifying stories and opportunities, and contributing to the ongoing creative efforts of Development and Alumni Relations.
Collaborate with DARMAX colleagues to maximize the impact of our entire suite of communications, working especially closely with other writers, graphic designers, digital staff, video producers, event planners, and more.
Form strong, collegial relationships with colleagues across DAR, including communications staff, frontline fundraisers, relationship managers, and alumni relations staff to facilitate effective communication and information sharing.
Take responsibility for managing writing assignments and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, demanding creative environment with many stakeholders.
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.
Work with a database to research gift information to use as background for creative content; handle confidential information appropriately.
Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development and training.

**Please provide a resume and cover letter in order to be considered for this role. Please upload all documents in the "Resume/CV" section of the application prior to submitting.**

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.
Two to three years (Staff Writer B job profile) or three to five years (Staff Writer C job profile) of professional writing experience including print and web publications and speeches; samples will be requested.
Superior writing and editing skills.
Experience writing leadership remarks for a range of events (e.g., large alumni gatherings, student celebrations, intimate donor celebrations and cultivation, etc.).
Experience with developing materials for fundraising campaigns; case statements and major gift proposals a plus.
An ability to digest complex information, understand multifaceted concepts, and translate those concepts into compelling prose.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, while meeting overlapping deadlines.
Strong interpersonal skills with a high degree of competency and comfort in interacting with people at all professional levels.
The ability to present ideas verbally with credibility and handle feedback gracefully.
Ability to use a database for research. Experience with project management software a plus.
Openness and enthusiasm for learning about and using existing and emerging technologies as they apply to our communications work.
Must submit cover letter, 2-3 writing samples, and resume with application.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Development and Alumni Relations

Pay Range
$51,824.00 - $75,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and

the pay range assigned to the job profile.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/FMC-Tower-Development/Staff-Writer-Associate-Senior-Writer_JR00103464-1