Marketing Copywriter (Univ. Relations Specialist)

Do you have a way with words? Does the sight of this lengthy job description scream, ‘edit me!’ If you’re a wordsmith craving an opportunity to showcase your promotional writing skills in a dynamic, fast-paced, educational environment, then let’s see what you’ve got. Put your copywriting savvy to work for UW-Milwaukee’s School of Continuing Education.

UW-Milwaukee’s School of Continuing Education supports sixteen educational departments offering 1,000 programs annually to over 13,000 participants of all ages. You will function as the lead copywriter operating within a self-directed work group to concept, write, edit and manage copy for marketing campaigns, educational communication and media. If you know the difference between ‘affect’ and ‘effect,’ are highly creative, known for being an organized juggler who is passionate about writing a wide range of targeted copy for both traditional and new media channels, then apply now!

The Marketing Department at the School of Continuing Education is looking for a proactive, outgoing, organized, collaborative and detail-oriented individual to join a team of professionals in a dynamic, fast-paced, educational environment. Marketing supports the School’s sixteen educational departments which offer 1,000 programs annually to over 13,000 participants of all ages, through short courses, workshops, seminars, and certificate programs. The Marketing Copywriter will operate within a self-directed work group and as a part of several functional teams with primary responsibilities to concept, write, edit and manage copy for marketing campaigns, educational communication and media. Creativity and time management are key to this role. We are looking for someone who can write a wide range of copy for both traditional and new media. This is an ideal position for a versatile, resourceful writer who is able to generate marketing copy for targeted personas and media channels.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: WRITING AND PROOFING

• Establish consistent writing style and tone for all written marketing communication in each of the School’s program areas—unified voice
• Write and/or edit response-driven copy, with clarity and simplicity, for all media types including: School catalogs, direct mail, emails, website, landing pages, print/online advertisements, newsletters, case studies, video transcripts, radio and related materials as required
• Responsible for the factual and grammatical accuracy of all promotional written communications
• Work closely with marketing staff – graphic designers and marketing specialists – in the conception and production of marketing materials by assisting with strategy development, target market identification, messaging goals, project scheduling and management, and results tracking and analysis
• Display original thinking and creativity; staying current with new media outlets
• Write select press releases and maintain current media lists; identify opportunities for internal/external promotion of programs, events, faculty research and student success
• Oversee daily activities of PR/Writer student as needed

BRANDING

• Co-own style guide project
• Maintain brand standards and copy style guidelines in all written communication
• Ensure online/offline promotional copy support UWM programs

MARKET RESEARCH/DATA ANALYSIS

• Research and analyze market trends to gain insight into target audience’s underlying motivations.
• Proactively review industry language, news and writing resources to produce high quality pieces
• Develop and implement processes to continuously improve messages and materials using data, analytics and A/B copy testing

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 5 years experience in business communications.
• Must have knowledge of AP style.
• Superior copywriting experience; i.e. promotional email, direct mail, and online/offline marketing (professional communications portfolio containing samples of successful promotional copywriting for online and offline marketing will be requested at time of interview.)
• Experience proofing, copy editing, and fact checking; strong attention to detail.
• Evidence of a solid understanding of DM principles and integrated communications.
• Must have exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively with internal and external constituents, as well as service mentality.
• Creative concepting experience: Work effectively with cross-functional teams to brainstorm breakthrough ideas that demonstrate understanding of a project’s goals, translate the needs of the audience into multiple communication formats while leveraging the use of interactive communication tools.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high pressure environment.
• Must be skilled in the use of MS Office Suite products.

PREFERRED

• More than 5 years relevant experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public relations.
• Degree in Journalism, English, Marketing, Advertising or related field.
• Experience in use of research and/or analytic data to develop promotional copy.
• Previous experience in team-based creative services area (i.e. marketing, ad agency, in-house creative department).
• Experience with electronic marketing and database programs. Knowledge of graphic design and a keen appreciation of the interplay between textual and visual elements.

• Salary Grade 4: 41,336 - 51,670; pay based on qualifications and experience.
• This position has excellent fringe benefits including four weeks annual vacation.
• This is a fixed term academic staff position as a University Relations Specialist on an annual basis, 100% appointment, renewable annually.
• The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers:
• Challenging assignments
• Flexible work schedules
• Extensive health insurance
• Generous leave benefits
• 9 legal holidays every year
• Sick leave
• Employee assistance program
• Emerging computer technology
• Generous retirement plan
• Supplemental medical insurance, income continuation insurance and life insurance available at low cost
• 403(b) and deferred compensation plans
• Tax-free medical and childcare reimbursement program
• Opportunities for tuition reimbursement
• Some benefits require waiting periods and/or Wisconsin Retirement System participation for eligibility.