Writer/Editor, Office of Development Communications

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 49,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a writer/editor to support a full calendar of fundraising communications across print and digital channels. You will craft compelling stories, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and help produce materials for leadership giving and university campaigns.

Reporting to the Director of Engagement Strategy, you will work with Development Communications and Annual Giving to articulate the university’s needs and values through clear, engaging content

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 1+ year of relevant experience required.
• Strong storytelling and editing capabilities.
• Experience creating content for print and digital channels.

Responsibilities

• Provide written and editorial support for print and digital solicitations.
• Collaborate on cross-channel annual giving and engagement campaigns.
• Help author marketing materials for leadership fundraising teams.
• Support Lion Line engagement center communications calendar.
• Interview faculty, staff, donors, alumni, and students for storytelling.

Skills

Storytelling

Editorial skills

Written content

Cross-team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State is currently seeking a writer/editor in the Office of Development Communications to support a full calendar of multi-channel primary giving and engagement communications. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, this position plays an integral role in Penn State’s future and contributes to one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country.

Reporting to the Director of Engagement Strategy in Development Communications and working closely with the Office of Annual Giving as well as other partners across the University, this position will:

• Provide written and editorial support for a full calendar year of print and digital solicitations promoting University-wide and unit-level fundraising opportunities
• Collaborate on cross-channel annual giving and engagement-related campaign marketing opportunities, including storytelling on web and social media platforms
• Help to author marketing and solicitation materials in support of an evolving annual leadership level fundraising team
• Provide written and editorial support for the Lion Line engagement center communications calendar
• Conduct interviews with faculty, staff, donors, alumni, and students serving as solicitation signers and development spokespeople
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications

The successful candidate will have:

• A passion for storytelling and strong communication and editorial skills
• The desire to work as part of a creative, collaborative team
• Experience creating written content for both print and digital channels
• A natural curiosity about the motivations behind human behavior and an interest in advancing the philanthropic goals of the University
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues
• A proven ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team
• A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored

DDAR is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations

If you believe in the power of higher education—and philanthropy—to shape the public good, you’ll excel right here in Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR). Our organization includes more than 500 professionals engaging a community of more than 800,000 alumni who believe in the power of giving back. Across our interdisciplinary teams of fundraisers, alumni relations professionals, communicators, event planners, financial experts, and more, there is a place for you to make a difference in the lives of students and faculty while taking your own career to new heights. Learn more about us at raise.psu.edu and explore the success of our most recent campaign at greaterpennstate.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $49,188.00 - $71,340.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

• in addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging.

We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.

We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State.

Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.