Description

Position Overview

As KU Marketing, we tell the world how the University of Kansas is a community that harnesses the talent, ingenuity, and determination of Jayhawks to create and discover, working to better Kansas - and the world. Our strategic, creative team focuses its expertise on meeting branding and big-picture objectives for the university. We find stories that show how KU stands tall among higher education and research institutions with a focus on economic development, health care, fostering creative discovery, and delivering world-changing innovations.

The copywriter creates, develops, plans, writes, and edits various marketing communications that may be instructional, informational, narrative, or promotional in nature. Responsibilities include working with editors to deliver creative copy with effective messaging; ensuring that communications are on brand, strategically focused, and factually accurate; and contributing to creative ideation for all KU Marketing endeavors.

The copywriter works both independently and collaboratively with internal teams and partners (clients) to imagine new concepts and copy in support of branding initiatives and partner or university goals. Projects include print, digital, broadcast, and social media tactics, and assignments include original, creative work for a variety of media: advertising copy; headlines; features, cutlines, and blurbs for multipage booklets; concise and targeted email messages and subject lines; Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X, and TikTok content; longform reported articles or blogs; scripts for video and for radio and TV ads; and informative, interactive text for websites.

The copywriter participates in and relies on marketing research, focus groups, and surveys to inform their work. However, much of the copywriter's work comes from independent research and expertise in marketing copywriting best practices for multiple platforms. The copywriter interviews sources, consults experts across the university enterprise, and relies on their own experience and/or partner/colleague knowledge to devise original concepts and copy.

The copywriter gives presentations in small and large group settings and receives feedback constructively. Deadlines vary from long-term and annual projects to short-term and immediate projects.

The ideal person for this role enjoys finding the exact right words to communicate on-brand messages clearly, creatively, efficiently, and stylishly. This person likely has strong opinions about adverbs and a deep appreciation for clever wordplay.

Job Description

50% Content creation
Meet with appropriate creative teams and partners (clients) to review project briefs. Write, review, refine, and finalize copy for a variety of projects that conforms to KU's key messaging platform and branding objectives. Conduct independent research to determine the best approach/content to achieve each project's desired outcome. Work both independently and in collaboration with editors and other creative team members. Review work of self and others with a critical eye to strategic communication best practices and branding objectives. Strive to create work that is original and inventive while meeting KU brand standards and stated marketing goals. Work closely with project teams to ensure the timely flow of copy.

30% Concept and content ideation and development
Bring copywriting expertise to bear on the development of strategic concepts and content for a variety of partners and objectives. Collaborate with the marketing strategy and creative teams to develop ideas for a variety of marketing tactics that support strategic branding goals. Research appropriate topics or approaches. When needed, participate in photo or video shoots, design brainstorming sessions, partner presentations, or other related activities. Write and refine a variety of copy to support concept-stage presentations or other spec work.

10% Editing and fact-checking
Regularly confirm university statistics and facts for use in marketing copy. Review final versions or printer proofs of projects produced by the department.

10% Other duties as assigned
Attend staff and partner meetings. Work collegially with staff and partners in a team environment. Track tasks, documents, and deadlines in a project management system. Maintain project and payroll hours and record them accurately and consistently. As needed, prepare and present research, work, or recommendations to internal and/or partner teams.

Required Qualifications

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college, university, or school in advertising, public relations, strategic communications, journalism, English, communications, or a closely related field
2. Three (3) years' professional copywriting experience in an advertising, public relations, or marketing agency or similar in-house unit; magazine; publishing house; newspaper or related entity
3. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar as evidenced by application materials

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application includes:

1. Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
2. Résumé/CV
3. Contact information for three professional references
4. Completion of the online application
5. Samples of your professional copywriting that demonstrate a range of audiences and styles

Only complete applications will be considered.

Review of applications will begin Monday, April 27th and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.