Copywriter & Content Strategist - University Communications

University of Illinois at Chicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a talented Copywriter & Content Strategist to enhance its brand and reputation. In this dynamic role, you will create and refine marketing content across various channels, ensuring consistency in messaging and voice. Collaborate with diverse teams to develop integrated campaigns that resonate with audiences while leveraging your expertise in SEO and digital marketing. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape content strategies and engage with a vibrant community, making a significant impact on the university's initiatives and outreach.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Paid leave

Tuition waivers for employees and dependents

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in copywriting and content creation.
• Expertise in AP Style and SEO best practices.

Responsibilities

• Create and optimize marketing content to enhance UIC’s brand.
• Manage content calendar and ensure timely delivery of high-quality content.
• Collaborate with design and digital teams for effective content.

Skills

Copywriting

Content Strategy

SEO

Editing

Digital Marketing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications

Master’s Degree in a relevant field

Tools

CMS platforms

Job description

Copywriter & Content Strategist - University Communications

Hiring Department: University Communications

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1033564

FTE: 1

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9AM - 5PM

Shift: Days

# of Positions: 1

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Posting Close Date: 5/14/2025

Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $63,000.00 - 70,000.00 / Annual Salary

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation. It is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI), and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC offers nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in collaboration with civic, corporate, and community partners worldwide, including health sciences colleges. UIC emphasizes cutting-edge research and a commitment to student success, embodying a vibrant urban university. Recent rankings by U.S. News & World Report show UIC climbing in the top public schools and national universities. With nearly 260,000 alumni, UIC is also one of Chicago’s largest employers.

Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leave (Vacation, Holiday, Sick); and tuition waivers for employees and dependents. See the full list of Employee Benefits for more details.

Position Overview

The Copywriter & Content Strategist is responsible for creating, refining, and optimizing marketing content to enhance UIC’s brand and reputation. This role ensures consistent messaging and brand voice across digital, social media, email, advertising, and other channels to increase engagement and awareness.

Responsibilities

• Implement brand identity and content priorities supporting university initiatives through strategic copywriting.
• Serve as the university’s expert on crafting clear, compelling marketing content. Manage a content calendar for the UIC.edu homepage for timely, high-quality content delivery.
• Identify content trends, audience preferences, and insights to optimize copy. Support marketing campaigns and initiatives with copy development.
• Write and refine content for print, digital, email, social media, newsletters, advertising, and video scripts.
• Edit and proofread for accuracy, clarity, grammar, punctuation, brand voice, style, and SEO. Collaborate with design and digital teams for effective content.
• Develop content for articles, case studies, websites, infographics, multimedia, and promotional materials highlighting UIC’s programs, research, students, and campus life.
• Manage and mentor copywriters, guiding content creation, editing, and project management.
• Maintain and update content style guides, editorial calendars, and workflows for efficient production.
• Enhance content discoverability through organic and paid strategies, including SEO best practices and keyword research.
• Support website SEO evaluations, monitor metrics, and use insights to refine content strategies. Conduct content audits and contribute to monthly performance reports.
• Collaborate with marketing teams and stakeholders to develop integrated campaigns aligned with university goals.
• Stay informed on industry trends, best practices, and emerging digital marketing technologies.
• Serve as an editorial policy expert, offering guidance and training to teams and contributors.
• Coordinate with freelance contractors to ensure quality and timeliness.
• Uphold understanding of university mission, values, goals, and prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in all strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned in the evolving marketing landscape.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, broadcasting, web/digital media, or related field.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in copywriting, content creation, and editing within marketing, higher education, or digital agency environments.
• One (1) year of experience in public relations, journalism, social media, or digital media emphasizing production.
• Expertise in AP Style, SEO, and CMS platforms.

Note: A Master’s Degree in a relevant field may substitute for one year of experience.