Content Specialist / Writer

Marymount University; United States; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Marymount University seeks a Content Specialist / Writer to create, edit, publish, and optimize high-quality content that supports the university’s priorities. You will produce content for the website, social media, email, print, and earned media, collaborating with the Marketing and Communications team to identify stories and meet publishing schedules.

The role requires strong writing and editing skills, SEO familiarity, and CMS experience, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Marketing, Journalism or a related field.
• 3–5 years of content strategy, writing, or a related field, preferably in higher education.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with SEO and analytics tools and CMS experience (WordPress).

Responsibilities

• Write and edit high-quality content for university audiences across web, email, publications, and social media.
• Publish content on schedule, coordinate across channels, and support media pitches and outreach.
• Optimize content for search and engagement using analytics and best practices.
• Collaborate with campus partners to identify stories and provide editorial guidance.
• Support special projects and coordinate with designers to bring content to life.

Skills

Strong writing

Editing

Storytelling

Social media understanding

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Marketing, Journalism or related field

Tools

WordPress

Google Analytics

Google Search Console

SEMrush

Job description

At Marymount University, we believe meaningful work happens when talented people come together with shared purpose. We serve not only our students—one another—creating a culture where teamwork, adaptability, and resilience are part of everyday practice, Located in Arlington, Virginia, just minutes from Washington, D.C., Marymount offers a dynamic and forward-looking environment where innovation is encouraged and flexibility is valued. We understand that higher education is evolving, and we embrace change with creativity, responsiveness, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Our faculty and staff thrive in a community that prioritizes communication, cross-functional collaboration, and service-driven leadership. Whether working directly with students or supporting them behind the scenes, every role contributes to a shared mission: helping students grow, succeed, and lead with purpose and confidence.

Title: Content Specialist / Writer

Direct Supervisor: Strategic Communications Manager

Status: Full-time, exempt

Grade: 11

Salary Range: $60,000 - $72,000

Division: Marketing and Communications

No. Direct Reports: 0

Location: 2807 N. Glebe, Arlington, VA (Main Campus)

Benefits Eligibility: Yes

SUMMARY: The Content Specialist / Writer creates, edits, publishes, and optimizes high-quality content that supports Marymount University's communications priorities, strengthens its brand, and engages diverse internal and external audiences. The position produces content for the university's website, social media, email, print publications, and earned media, including feature stories, web copy, news articles, blog posts, press releases, and campaign materials. Working under the Strategic Communications Manager, the Content Specialist / Writer collaborates with campus partners and members of the Marketing and Communications team to identify stories, develop audience-appropriate content, and meet established publishing schedules. The position ensures content is accurate, accessible, engaging, and consistent with Marymount's brand voice, messaging framework, and editorial standards. The role also applies search optimization practices, reviews content performance, and recommends improvements to increase visibility, reach, and engagement.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Writing and Editing (50%)

• Create high-quality, engaging content for various internal and external audiences, including prospective students, alumni, faculty, and donors across various touchpoints, including website, social media, email, and publications.
• Proofread content created by team members or external contributors to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with brand standards.
• Align writing with the university’s brand platform and messaging framework, ensuring a consistent voice and tone across all content.

Content Publishing (20%)

• Complete and coordinate assigned content according to established publishing schedules and university events, campaigns, and initiatives.
• Ensure content is accurately published across platforms and communications channels.
• Identify content for media dissemination through pitches and press releases.
• Maintain up-to-date media lists for external content sharing.
• Conduct content audits and recommend opportunities to update, improve, consolidate, or develop content.

Content Optimization (15%)

• Optimize content to ensure digital materials are discoverable through web (SEO) and generative search (GEO).
• Use analytics tools to assess content performance and recommend or apply improvements that increase engagement and reach.
• Recommend alternative formats and content types - such as video, infographics, and interactive content to support established communications goals.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration (15%)

• Collaborate with campus partners to identify potential stories that align with the university’s strategic priorities.
• Provide guidance to campus partners on digital content, tone, messaging, and editorial best practices.

OTHER DUTIES AND ASSIGNMENTS

• Provide creative support for special projects, campaigns, and events as needed.
• Work with the graphic designer and photographer/videographer to bring content to life visually.
• Stay up-to-date on content and digital communications trends to keep strategies fresh and relevant.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the VP of Marketing and Communications and the Strategic Communications Manager.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
• Experience: 3-5 years of experience in content strategy, writing, or a related field, preferably in higher education or a similar industry.
• Licenses or Certifications: None required.
• Financial Responsibility: May assist in budget planning for content-related tools or resources.
• Special Knowledge (including relevant skills and technologies): Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a demonstrated ability to create engaging content for different audiences.
• Familiarity with SEO and GEO best practices and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Search Console and SEMrush).
• Proficiency in content management systems (CMS), preferably WordPress.
• Understanding of social media platforms, trends, and engagement strategies.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support events and campaigns. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and deadlines. Must collaborate effectively with various departments and stakeholders across the university. Remote or hybrid work options may be available, subject to university policies.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and employment verification, and other role related requirements such as motor vehicle and/or drug screening.

Marymount University is an equal opportunity employer. Marymount University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected bases under applicable federal and local laws and regulations in any of its programs or its activities, including employment and admission.

Marymount University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or other protected characteristics in any of its activities, including employment and admission. The university also expressly prohibits any form of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and stalking in any of its programs or activities, including employment and admission. For more information, please visit: https://marymount.edu/student-life/health-wellness/title-ix-2/

Marymount University is an E-Verify employer. http://marymount.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/UTF-8E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es-1.pdf

About Marymount

Marymount University is a nationally recognized Catholic institution rooted in the traditions of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. The University fosters intellectual curiosity, service, and global perspectives, serving more than 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in suburban Arlington, Virginia, Marymount offers convenient access to the academic, cultural, and international opportunities of the nation’s capital. Marymount University is an Equal Opportunity and an E-Verify employer. Marymount offers a comprehensive and flexible benefits program designed to support the health, well-being, and work-life balance of our benefit-eligible faculty, staff, and their eligible dependents. The University's retirement plan includes a diversified portfolio of investment options, with a University match of up to 3% of employee pretax contributions for full-time employees. In addition to competitive health and welfare benefits, Marymount offers flexible and hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions, allowing up to two remote workdays per week.

Employee Benefits https://marymount.edu/faculty-and-staff/human-resource-services/benefits-2/

Background Checks: Pre-employment, post-offer background investigations are required for all new hires as a condition of employment. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the background investigation.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policy https://marymount.edu/faculty-and-staff/human-resource-services/human-resources-policies/non-discrimination-and-anti-harassment-policy/

Annual Campus Safety Report https://marymount.edu/student-life/health-wellness/campus-safety/campus-safety-report/

National Ranking - Points of Pride https://marymount.edu/about-mu/points-of-pride/

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