Creative Copywriter

Portland State University, College of Urban and Public Affairs; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

95% premium healthcare

Retirement & vacation package

Reduced tuition for OSU system

Job summary

From PSU's campus in Portland, University Marketing & Communications crafts bold stories that showcase PSU as a diverse, forward‑thinking institution. The Creative Copywriter translates academic achievements and student experiences into emotionally resonant narratives that align with the university brand.

The role requires versatility to handle enrollment campaigns, program web copy, and alumni fundraising appeals while maintaining consistency with brand guidelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or related writing field.
• 4–6 years of professional copywriting in agency, corporate marketing, or higher education.
• Strong portfolio across digital, print, and video formats.

Responsibilities

• Translate complex academic achievements into compelling narratives.
• Pivot from enrollment campaigns to web copy and alumni fundraising while following brand guidelines.
• Collaborate with photographers, designers, and videographers to produce consistent content across channels.

Skills

Copywriting

Brand storytelling

Research & writing

SEO & UX writing

Collaboration with media/creative team

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English/Journ/Comm/Marketing

Tools

Generative AI writing tools

Job description

Position Announcement

Position Details

Proposed Start Date 11/16/2026 Classification Title Communications / Marketing Rank N - No Rank Working Title Creative Copywriter Department 101400 - OMC Marketing & Communications Position Number D98593 Representation UU - Unclassified Unrepresented Renewable Renewable End date, if applicable Position FTE 1.0 Tenure Status N - not applicable

Position Summary (brief)

Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept

Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands‑on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.

More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree‑lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state‑of‑the‑art science labs. We are proud of our world‑class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.

Position Summary

From our campus in the heart of Portland, University Marketing & Communications (UMC) is the university’s strategic and creative powerhouse. We tell the bold, vibrant stories that showcase PSU as a diverse, forward‑thinking, impact‑driven institution. We act as stewards of the university’s brand and animators of its narrative, driving enrollment, employee pride, community engagement and global reputation. Through compelling visual and written content and a strategic approach to social media, media relations and internal communications, we highlight Portland State’s achievements, foster engagement and reinforce the university’s contributions to our community and beyond.

The Creative Copywriter is the voice of the university, translating complex academic achievements, student experiences and institutional initiatives into compelling, emotionally resonant narratives.

This role demands a versatile writer who can pivot seamlessly from a high‑energy undergraduate enrollment campaign to web copy for academic programs to a sophisticated alumni fundraising appeal, all while strictly adhering to the university’s brand guidelines.

The position reports to the Creative Director in University Marketing and Communications. This is a fully in person full‑time (1.0 FTE) renewable 12‑month appointment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or a related writing‑focused field.
• Experience: 4-6 years of professional copywriting experience in an agency, corporate marketing department, or higher education setting.
• Portfolio: A strong portfolio of published work demonstrating versatility across digital, print, and video mediums.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional research and writing skills for higher education, nonprofits, or the education sector.
• Superior ideation skills and understanding of SEO best practices and writing for user experience (UX).
• Excellent organizational skills and multitasking ability.
• Experience in working with diverse photographers, designers and videographers.
• Competence in using generative AI writing tools ethically as a brainstorming or efficiency partner.

Key Cultural Competencies

• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.

Work Days/Hours

Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm; all PSU staff work in‑office at least 4 days per week.

Total Compensation

Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.

The starting annual salary for this position will be between $65,004 and $80,004, but may be negotiated above this range, dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

Benefits

• 95% premium paid healthcare
• generous retirement and vacation package
• reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools

Additional Information

This is an on‑campus position. The supervisor may approve up to one day of remote work, in accordance with the PSU Remote Work policy.