Senior Copywriter

Position Overview:

The senior copywriter in the Office of Marketing and Communication writes marketing copy and content for all media.The copywriter is prolific, highly collaborative and agile, working with all Office of Marketing Communication’s teams in a fast-paced, high-performing environment. In this role, the senior copywriter leads the creation of clear, concise and creative messaging for a variety of media: websites; email communications; digital and print advertising; print marketing materials such as brochures, mailers, event programs; and other projects as assigned. Integral to this work is the senior copywriter’s deep understanding of the Marquette brand platform and key messages, particularly as representative of the university’s mission and strategic priorities. The senior copywriter relies upon this knowledge to steward the brand voice in marketing writing across platforms – both in her/his own work as well as counseling others to ensure consistency and alignment. In addition, this position defines marketing writing needs and collaborates with OMC teams to develop creative strategy for a given project or campaign. In this capacity, the senior copywriter must be able to work from concept through completion as both an individual contributor and as part of a team.

Beyond his/her own writing, the senior copywriter supervises and edits contributions from both internal and/or external marketing writers as needed, including negotiation of writing contracts, managing budget, and editing for such projects.

The senior copywriter directs the creation of copy and messaging for key, high profile university web pages and/or websites, such as the university home page, About Marquette, Academics, Admissions, the Value of a Marquette Education and others of strategic marketing importance. This includes ensuring copy is aligned with university messaging, engaging for targeted audiences, consistent with university style, up to date and accessible for all audiences. Moreover, a deep understanding of copywriting for search engine optimization is key for success in this function. The senior copywriter will report to the senior director of marketing projects for workflow and workload performance, and also will have a dotted line reporting relationship to the assistant vice president of marketing that will focus on development of brand voice and creative performance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Write with a consistent brand voice based on deep understanding of the Marquette brand platform and key messages, particularly as representative of the university’s mission and strategic priorities. Steward brand voice in marketing writing across platforms, counseling others to ensure consistency and alignment of university messaging.
2. Lead creation of clear, concise and creative messaging for digital media including websites, email and digital advertising.
3. Lead copywriting for print marketing materials such as advertising, brochures, mailers, event programs, and other materials as needed.
4. Lead content management on key university web pages and/or websites, including regular review of content performance, timeliness and alignment with university messaging and strategies for accessibility and user experience.
5. Lead creation of copy and/or content strategies to maximize search engine optimization of university website content.
6. Write scripts for video content and multimedia animation as needed.
7. Optimize copy for digital campaigns in search advertising, display advertising, and content networks.
8. Collaborate with OMC colleagues and university partners to develop creative strategy in alignment with audience needs, marketing goals and brand strategy.
9. Review copy and provide feedback regarding brand voice alignment on materials developed by both internal external writers and/or firms.
10. Manage writing projects involving both internal contributors and external contractors, including assignments, contract negotiation, budget, and editing as needed.
11. Serve as a beat liaison to a college or unit as part of the OMC beat system.
12. Assist in the creation of marketing summaries, content outlines and/or calendars for ongoing initiatives.
13. Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in journalism, advertising or related field.
• Five to seven years of experience with knowledge of copywriting best practices across a broad set of media (print, broadcast, websites, digital advertising).
• Proven ability to work in a team environment.
• Proven record writing persuasive marketing materials.
• Leveraging the use of digital communication tools.
• Must be an extremely organized self-starter, pay attention to details
• Effective verbal communicator.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite
• Knowledge of Web Content Management software (i.e., OU Campus)
• Knowledge of web video delivery systems and broadcast email systems.
• Ability to use Google Analytics or professional web traffic analysis programs

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Spanish speaking and writing skills preferred.

Marquette University offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 403(b), paid vacation and sick time, and tuition remission.