Content and Editorial Lead

Portland State University Foundation; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 67,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 Day Work Week

Employer-paid medical

Dental & Vision coverage

PTO & holidays

401(k) employer contribution

Long-Term Disability

Tuition discount

Job summary

PSU Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on raising resources for Portland State University. The Content and Editorial Lead will craft stories that demonstrate the impact of philanthropy, writing donor and student profiles, fundraising appeals and reports to engage donors and the broader community.

The role sits on the Development and Engagement team, coordinating with leadership to align content with campaigns, managing calendars, and ensuring consistency across channels year-round.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, English or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in writing, content development, communications, or a related field.
• Strong writing and editing skills, adaptable for formats/platforms/audiences.
• Experience developing content across multiple platforms and channels.
• Experience using Canva or other basic graphic design software for social media assets.
• Competence in using generative AI writing tools ethically.
• Experience with social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, CRM and cloud-based tools.
• Commitment to inclusive, equitable, and respectful work environment.
• Reliable, regular, and predictable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Write and edit content including impact web stories, donor and student profiles, fundraising appeals, proposals, speeches and impact reports.
• Identify and develop stories that demonstrate the impact of philanthropy at PSU.
• Use editorial judgment to shape stories, refine messaging, and ensure clarity and emotional resonance.
• Coordinate visual storytelling including photo/video direction with partners.
• Manage day-to-day social media operations across PSU Foundation and alumni platforms.
• Write and post social content aligned with organizational voice and goals.
• Monitor channels and respond professionally; track basic engagement metrics.
• Collaborate to align content with campaigns and fundraising strategies; maintain editorial calendar.
• Oversee end-to-end content lifecycle: pitching, drafting, editing, production, and publishing.
• Edit and fact-check AI-assisted content for accuracy and brand alignment.

Skills

Strong writing and editing

Content development

Social media management

Generative AI writing tools

Communication across platforms

Digital storytelling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, English or related field

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Canva

Asana

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

CRM systems

Generative AI writing tools

Job description

PSU Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising resources for Portland State University. Recognized as one of Oregon’s best nonprofits for six years in a row, we are a team of colleagues dedicated to advancing PSU’s vital mission and supporting one another’s achievement and learning. We help PSU thrive as a center of education and innovation by inspiring giving, engaging alumni, and raising visibility for Oregon’s most diverse public university.

If you are a communications professional committed to changing what is possible for our city and driving in tangible ways toward equitable success for Oregon’s students, then there is no more meaningful place to bring your talents and your passion than the PSU Foundation. As part of our team, you’ll see first‑hand how generosity leaves a lasting impact on the people and programs of Portland State University and the communities we serve.

About The Role

The Content and Editorial Lead is a writer, storyteller and editorial partner on the PSU Foundation’s Development and Engagement team. This role creates and shapes content that helps donors, alumni and the broader community understand Portland State’s impact and the difference philanthropy makes for students and the university.

From donor profiles and student stories to fundraising appeals, proposals, speeches, reports and social media posts, this role moves comfortably between formats, audiences and voices. Working closely with Assistant Vice President of Communications and Engagement and the Director of Marketing, the Content and Editorial Lead brings strong ideas to the table, identifies stories worth telling and takes initiative to coordinate interviews, gather information and move projects from concept to publication.

If you’re a strong writer who enjoys finding the story and bringing an idea to life, we’d love to hear from you.

Position Overview

Content Development - 50%

• Write and edit a wide range of content including impact web stories, donor and student profiles, fundraising appeals, proposals, speeches and impact reports
• Identify and develop stories that demonstrate the impact of philanthropy at PSU
• Use strong editorial judgment to shape stories, refine messaging, and ensure clarity, accuracy and emotional resonance
• Concept and contribute to visual storytelling, including photo and video direction, in collaboration with partners

Social Media Management - 25%

• Manage day-to-day social media operations across PSU Foundation and alumni platforms
• Write, create and post social media content that aligns with organizational voice and goals
• Monitor social media channels, responding to comments and interactions in a timely and professional manner
• Track basic social media engagement metrics and share insights to inform future content
• Capture or coordinate real-time content (photo/video) for social platforms, including event coverage as needed
• Stay current on social media trends and formats, testing new approaches within established guidelines

Content Strategy and Editorial Stewardship - 25%

• Partner with the Director of Marketing and AVP of Communications and Engagement to align content with campaign, engagement and fundraising strategies
• Manage and maintain the editorial calendar, tracking content projects, timelines and deadlines across multiple channels and stakeholders
• Plan, prioritize and coordinate storytelling initiatives to ensure a consistent flow of content throughout the year
• Serve as editor for key publications for alumni and donor audiences
• Collaborate across teams to identify content needs and opportunities
• Oversee the end-to-end content lifecycle, including pitching, drafting, editing, production, review and publishing across digital platforms
• Evaluate, edit and fact-check AI-assisted content for accuracy, tone and brand alignment.
• Serve as a resource to colleagues on editorial standards

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, English or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in writing, content development, communications, or a related field; relevant internships and student experience may be considered toward this requirement.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt content for different formats, platforms, and audiences.
• Experience developing and producing content across multiple platforms and communication channels.
• Experiencing using Canva or other basic graphic design software for social media asset creation.
• Competence in using generative AI writing tools ethically as a brainstorming or efficiency partner.
• Experience with social media channel management (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn).
• Proficiency with commonly used workplace technologies, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, CRM platforms, and other cloud-based collaboration and document management tools; demonstrated ability to leverage emerging technologies to enhance productivity, accuracy, and overall work quality.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment, collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
• Demonstrate reliable, regular, and predictable work attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education or non-profit organization
• Working knowledge of Asana or similar project management tools

Our compensation philosophy reflects our commitment to pay equity, transparency, and valuing the contributions of every team member.

• Hiring Range: $66,500 - 83,000 (Offers are determined based on a candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications, while ensuring internal pay equity.)
• 4-Day Workweek: As part of our commitment to wellness and workplace culture, we’ve transitioned to a 4-day workweek—an innovative shift that reflects our values and promotes balance across our team. Business operations are closed on Fridays, supporting work-life balance and recognizing the value of your time.
• Top-Tier Benefits: We offer one of Oregon’s leading nonprofit benefits packages, designed to support the well-being of employees and their families. Full-time employee benefits include:
• 4 Day Work Week, with business operations closed on Fridays.
• 100% employer-paid medical coverage on our base plan
• 95% employer-paid dental and vision coverage
• Up to 27 days of paid time off plus 10 paid holidays, including one floating holiday
• Up to 12% employer contribution to eligible 401(k) plans after applicable waiting periods
• Employer-paid Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Portland State University affiliated employee benefits, including tuition discount

Studies have shown that individuals with marginalized identities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification in the job description. Our priority is finding the best candidate for the role, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds. PSU Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.