For Applicants Seeking Job Opportunities within the University
Internal: Internal applicants will be considered within the first five (5) business days of the posting period.
External: External applicants will be considered on the sixth (6) business day of the posting period.
The Senior Content Writer will report to the Sr. Director of Media Relations and collaborate with department leaders in digital communications and design. The Senior Content Writer will have a deep understanding of news and its relationship and application to social media and digital communications to attract prospective students and families, and engage employees, donors, alumni, supporters and key influencers to become advocates and champions. This position is located on the main campus in Stockton. It is not remote.
- Develops major story and feature ideas that elevate Pacific regionally and nationally; creates and edits an extensive and wide array of compelling and interesting news and feature stories, web and magazine features, profiles, bios, newsletter content, opinion pieces, blogs, social media posts, captions, letter and speeches of varying lengths. Recommends photography and videography to enhance content.
- Makes decisions and recommendations regarding content direction and selection, content placement, and timing.
- Has a keen sense of curiosity in finding story ideas and knows how to tease out content from a variety of sources. Identifies stories that are media worthy and works with Senior Director of Media Relations on pitching.
- Understands how to synthesize ideas and issues into content, creates new content and repurposes existing content.
- Highly adept at researching and gathering data and market intelligence, finding sources, conducting interviews; fact checks all content with multiple sources.
- Can easily work with senior leaders throughout the organization and cultivates strong relationships and networks with coworkers, community members and university colleagues to identify potential story ideas and other areas of content, as well as to seek out information.
- Develops and follows a comprehensive annual editorial calendar, reviewed weekly, collaborating with team members to ensure timely delivery of content.
- Ensures all content represents the university's values and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Works with graphic designers, photographer/videographer, and web/digital team to develop major and secondary features for annual magazine, digital and social campaigns and web projects. Works on in-depth long-form features with multiple sources as well as shorter pieces for newsroom and social media.
- Follows university's editorial standards and branding guidelines.
- Proofreads and edits content for accuracy, clarity, consistency, grammar and editorial style.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Bachelor's Degree in marketing, communications, journalism or related discipline.
- Seven (7) years of experience writing for digital platforms and print publications.
- Experience working in a higher education or agency setting.
- Experience shooting photography/videography.
- Experience using various analytics software.
- Experience using AP style.
- Working knowledge of HTML and CSS.
- Working knowledge of search engine optimization and best practices.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Able to work under pressure.
- Experience using social media platforms.
- Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
- Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.
Sitting, standing, ability to walk to different locations on campus.
Work Environment/Work Week/Travel:
Work performed during standard business hours. May occasionally need to work after hours, weekends and holidays.
All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening.
AA/EEO Policy StatementUniversity of the Pacific is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity. In compliance with applicable law and its own policy, Pacific is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff and does not discriminate in its hiring of faculty and staff, or in the provision of its employment benefits to its faculty and staff on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sex/gender, marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, or mental or physical disability.