Creative Copywriter

Portland State University; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Portland State University is seeking a Creative Copywriter to shape the voice of the university, translating academic achievements, student experiences and institutional initiatives into compelling narratives.

The role supports enrollment campaigns, web copy for programs and alumni fundraising, all while following PSU’s brand guidelines. This in‑person, full‑time position reports to the Creative Director in University Marketing and Communications.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Translate complex academic achievements, student experiences and institutional initiatives into compelling, emotionally resonant narratives.
• Pivot seamlessly from undergraduate enrollment campaigns to web copy for academic programs to alumni fundraising appeals, while adhering to brand guidelines.
• Collaborate with designers, photographers and videographers to produce cohesive content across channels.

Skills

Copywriting

SEO writing

Research

Editing

UX writing

Education

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

Tools

Generative AI writing tools

Job description

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Portland State University

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
• Position FTE: 1.0
• Tenure Status: N - not applicable

Position Summary

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.

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 Range & Benefits Statement

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.

An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.

Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package.

Search Details

• Posting Close Date:
• Projected Close Date for Posting: Open Until Finalists Identified
• Application screening begins: 10/21/2026
• Quick Link: https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/50731

Supplemental Questions

1. * Please describe the degree program for your Bachelor's degree.

   (Open Ended Question)

2. * How did you first find out about this position?
   • PSU Website
   • Indeed.com
   • HERCJobs
   • Urban League of Portland
   • Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
   • Oregon Employment Department
   • Social Media
   • Person Referral
   • Career Builder
   • Glass Door
   • Other - Please describe in the next Question
3. If you selected Other, please describe.

   (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Writing Sample
4. Other 2 (describe)

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.