Writer/Editor, Office of Development Communications
At a glance
Mid-level Communications role at Penn State. Penn State University Park · full-time · $49,188–$71,340 base.
growthroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Write and edit print and digital appeals for University-wide and unit fundraising throughout the year
- Help shape annual giving and engagement campaigns across channels, including stories for web and social media
- Create marketing and solicitation materials for the developing annual leadership fundraising team
- Build the Lion Line engagement center’s communications calendar and interview campus and alumni spokespeople
- Explain the University’s needs, ambitions and values in both formal and informal communications
What you bring
- A bachelor’s degree and at least one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent mix of education and experience
- Experience producing written material for print and digital channels
- Strong writing, editing and people skills, with curiosity about what motivates people
Who this fits
This role suits an early-career writer/editor who can work independently and contribute to a collaborative team. It is based at Penn State University Park, and applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; Penn State does not sponsor employment visas. Remote or hybrid arrangements require approval, and the position includes a background check.
From the employer
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State is currently seeking a writer/editor in the Office of Development Communications to support a full calendar of multi-channel primary giving and engagement communications. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, this position plays an integral role in Penn State’s future and contributes to one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country.
Reporting to the Director of Engagement Strategy in Development Communications and working closely with the Office of Annual Giving as well as other partners across the University, this position will:
- Provide written and editorial support for a full calendar year of print and digital solicitations promoting University-wide and unit-level fundraising opportunities
- Collaborate on cross-channel annual giving and engagement-related campaign marketing opportunities, including storytelling on web and social media platforms
- Help to author marketing and solicitation materials in support of an evolving annual leadership level fundraising team
- Provide written and editorial support for the Lion Line engagement center communications calendar
- Conduct interviews with faculty, staff, donors, alumni, and students serving as solicitation signers and development spokespeople
- Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications
The successful candidate will have:
- A passion for storytelling and strong communication and editorial skills
- The desire to work as part of a creative, collaborative team
- Experience creating written content for both print and digital channels
- A natural curiosity about the motivations behind human behavior and an interest in advancing the philanthropic goals of the University
- Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills
- The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues
- A proven ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team
- A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored
DDAR is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree
1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations
If you believe in the power of higher education—and philanthropy—to shape the public good, you’ll excel right here in Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR). Our organization includes more than 500 professionals engaging a community of more than 800,000 alumni who believe in the power of giving back. Across our interdisciplinary teams of fundraisers, alumni relations professionals, communicators, event planners, financial experts, and more, there is a place for you to make a difference in the lives of students and faculty while taking your own career to new heights. Learn more about us at raise.psu.edu and explore the success of our most recent campaign at greaterpennstate.psu.edu.
Building a Career and a Life at Penn State
Across all campuses and an online World Campus, our 100,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the globe. Penn State consistently ranks among the top academic and research universities in the world: psu.edu/this-is-penn-state/facts-and-rankings
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $49,188.00 - $71,340.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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