• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director of Communications, the Writer/Editor will be part of the strategic communications team for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The Writer/Editor will be responsible for researching, reporting, and writing stories around school priorities, encompassing publications, the school's website and social media presences, and advertising. The Writer/Editor will work with the Associate Director of Communications to develop and execute a communications plan that promotes wider recognition and awareness of GSAS audiences, including current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the general public. This position will assist in administering, planning, and producing a wide range of content. Ideal candidates will be able to understand our unique audiences and deliver exceptional and informative content to serve them.

The Writer/Editor will also be a member of the GSAS advancement team and will meet with GSAS development staff on a regular basis.

Responsibilities

a) WRITING/EDITING/CONTENT DEVELOPMENT (70%)

Oversee writing, editing, and production of all GSAS publications. Write and edit content and oversee design and production of public-facing materials, including website pages and features, print materials, newsletters, social media content, and other communications and marketing collateral. Ensure organizational communication and brand consistency across all GSAS materials and communications. Must be a self-confident, superlative writer and planner, able to balance requests for communications from multiple constituencies against the communications needs of GSAS’s diverse audiences— prospective and current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the general public —to determine and provide advice on the most effective ways to deliver timely, relevant information.

• Identify, write, and promote dynamic print, web, and newsletter content (student spotlights, blog features);
• Research, write, edit, and evaluate communications;
• Create content for a weekly newsletter, and manage its distribution and lists;
• Review, edit, and update student messaging, including admissions letters, policy updates, fellowship announcements, and ad-hoc communications;
• Draft and edit talking points and other content for a range of internal and external audiences.

b) WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA (20%)

Work with the Associate Director of Communications to develop GSAS’s brand and voice online and on social media. Serve as key writer for the organization's social media accounts.

• Produce copy for GSAS’s digital and social media channels, paid online campaigns, website, and promotional materials, including those used for fundraising;
• Work with the Associate Director to curate and manage the website, demonstrating SEO expertise and strong editorial judgment and bringing a strategic vision to maximize our impact on various digital platforms.

c) MISC (10%)

• Employ project management skills to track deadlines;
• Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Creative Writing, Communications, or a related field and at least three years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have the absolute highest command of the written word: only superlative and meticulous writers should consider applying; must be a flawless proofreader and a confident and exacting editor of other people’s prose, and be able to produce copy issuing from various offices in the school; extensive writing and publication samples must be submitted with application;
• The successful candidate must be adept at working both independently and in collaboration and be able to think strategically; must have demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, strong digital and social-media skills, and an ability to detect emerging communications trends and make recommendations for innovative change; must be well organized, a quick learner, and calm under pressure;
• Requires developed organizational, analytical, and interpretive skills. Must have excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work under changing priorities and manage multiple tasks and deadlines. 
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, web technologies, and desktop publishing software preferred. Experience with content management systems such as Drupal and knowledge of HTML and CSS preferred.
• Extensive experience employing a style guide to edit written content (Chicago, MLA, etc.);
• Experience planning, writing, editing, and producing newsletters, press releases, reports, briefing memos, marketing collateral, and other print materials.
• Experience managing digital elements of campaigns and initiatives, including website content, social media, and email management.
• Ability to perform off-hour work on occasion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience at an institution of higher education or related a definite plus.  

Other Requirements

• To be considered for this position, applicants must provide a résumé, cover letter, and samples of your work.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.