Marketing Copywriter and Editorial Coordinator

This position is a member of an integrated Marketing and Communication division that leads promotional and internal communication initiatives for both Augsburg University and Luther Seminary. This person will work with staff who may be employees of either Augsburg University or Luther Seminary. The senior marketing copywriter and editorial coordinator assist all areas of the university and seminary in crafting key messages for various communication vehicles consistent with the institutions’ brand and strategic initiatives, with special emphasis on marketing communication/promotional writing, advertising, and editorial and web content. The position consults with campus partners and serves on collaborative creative teams. This person coordinates the timely publication of periodic institutional communications and contributes to the writing, editing, and project management of the institutions’ signature publications and marketing materials, including the university and seminary magazines. This person optimizes and integrates magazine content across all relevant media outlets. The position will develop and update editorial standards and brand voice guidelines.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conceptualizes, writes, and/or edits (to include writing original copy, compiling/repurposing existing copy, rewriting portions of partner-prepared copy, and editing partner-prepared copy for content, tone, style, grammar, completeness, institutional messages and identity, harmony with communications plan objectives, and state and federal regulatory compliance) copy for a variety of projects including but not limited to a wide variety of admissions/enrollment and Institutional Advancement/Seminary Relations marketing materials, including direct mail, advertising, publications, and the institutions’ websites. 
• Create copy for publicity and marketing materials including printed publications, electronic publications, websites, other electronic media, advertising, direct mail, and collateral materials. 
• Consults with campus partners to identify marketing copywriting needs, audiences, and objectives, evaluate current publications for effectiveness, and recommend alternatives where appropriate. Develops promotional messaging to ensure that marketing and branding materials effectively support strategic institutional goals. Maintains consistency of brand voice across various communication platforms, both print and online. 
• Serves on creative teams comprising graphic designers, web specialists, videographers, photographers, copywriters, and editors. Works collaboratively with colleagues within Marketing Communication and across both institutions. 
• Establishes tone and content for marketing communication efforts, develops and maintains editorial standards in partnership with the communications copywriter, and communicates editorial guidelines and brand messaging standards to college departments to ensure consistency in marketing materials. 
• Researches, interviews, writes, edits, and proofs biographical profiles, informational and historical articles, announcements of College/student/alumni distinctions and achievements, College overview statements, College events, etc. 
• Serves as the final check-point before publication or release of assigned publications, ads, and web content to ensure the brand story is illuminated through the copy while also being accurate and correct; ensures the consistent telling of the Augsburg and Luther brand stories through tone, voice, accuracy, consistency, and quality. 
• Manages multiple and competing priorities to ensure timely delivery of critical projects; requires an understanding of how projects relate to the broad strategic goals of the University, the Seminary, and of the department. 
• As assigned, coordinates and ensures timely publication of periodic communications including, but not limited to, A-mail, magazines, and event and calendar listings.

Additional Responsibilities

• Represent Augsburg Marketing and Communication to other departments, to university and seminary administration, and to outside constituents. 
• Conduct periodic analysis of web, social media, email marketing, and direct marketing metrics to support strategic marketing planning. 
• All other duties as apparent or assigned by supervisor(s).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, public relations, English or a concentration in writing. 
• Minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience required; experience in an internal or external agency environment preferred. 
• Proven ability in marketing/advertising copywriting; in higher education and nonprofits is a plus. 
• Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment with superb attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to successfully work as part of a team as well as independently with little supervision. 
• Knowledge of writing styles for marketing/communication, feature stories, and web. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, strong organizational skills, and strong oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a diverse work environment. 
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Ability to reason/analyze, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate patience. 
• Ability to show initiative, organize workflow, manage multiple projects at one time and handle frequent interruptions.

Benefits at Augsburg:

Augsburg University offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards program including:

• Competitive wages 
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage 
• A generous 403(b) matching program with an employer contributions of up to 8% upon eligibility 
• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses and dependents, and participation in the Tuition Exchange program with colleges and universities throughout the US 
• Generous paid time-off, including 14 paid holidays, 12 sick days, 2 community service days, and vacation of up to 22 days per year immediately upon hire 
• Employer-paid STD, LTD and life insurance 
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees