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Senior Writer, Donor Relations

Job Summary

University Advancement Donor Relations Marketing and Communications (DR MarComm) seeks a senior writer to join our expanding team. Reporting to the senior director of communications, the senior writer shapes editorial strategy and develops content for front line fundraisers. The senior writer is an experienced researcher with a strong core in writing for health care and the health sciences-and has demonstrated experience of translating research into reader-friendly content that inspires engagement. Portfolio pieces highlight experience in working closesly with health sciences faculty and researchers to produce traditional fundraising communication pieces and writing for health sciences marketing and advertising.

The DR MarComm team provides creative services for advancement colleagues across the university and University of Utah Health. In addition to producing dynamic and engaging content, the senior writer will lead editorial assessments and scoping sessions with our colleagues to get to the heart of the communications request and advise on best strategy to meet the communication needs of the audience.

Please upload a portfolio of writing samples under "Applicant Document - Other" in Applicant Documents

Responsibilities

• Produce longform and shortform content for university and health sciences advancement pieces such as white papers, proposals, impact reports, case statements, and one-sheets
• Participate in the development of creative briefs and strategic and tactical plans, including building out deadlines and working with the design team to establish production timeline
• Work with senior director of communications to develop solutions and present ideas for health sciences communication pieces
• Perform independent research to generate content under tight deadlines
• Conduct interviews with subject matter experts to gather data and insight to inform content
• Explain scientific and technical ideas in simple language, ensuring technical verbiage is easy to understand by the determined audience
• Manage multiple high-level projects on similar timelines
• Identify areas for editorial strategy across deliverables
• Ensure copy tone and style are consistent with brand and style guidelines
• Interact with fundraisers and advancement colleagues to understand university initiatives and priorities
• Present content in pitch meetings
• Take feedback to revise and modify content for pieces to meet client needs and expectations.

Additional responsibilities may include:

• Copyedit for communication requests submitted to DR MarComm
• Generate content for web stories and donor magazines
• Lead scoping sessions to determine communication need and advise on next steps before launching into production
• Manage and guide freelance writers and student workers
• Liaise with other communications professionals within advancement and across the university and U of U Health to repurpose content and engage in a One-U approach

Minimum Qualifications
Requires a bachelor's degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) and 4-6 years of experience in the field or in a related area.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years experience of health care/health sciences writing with a portfolio that demonstrates experience in advancement/donor relations writing
• Marketing writing experience: short, tight copy making bold statements and getting to the point quickly
• Experience leading interviews and conducting individual research to tell a dynamic story
• Experience working with a creative team
• Experience leading editorial discussions
• Project management

Preferences

Special Instructions
Please upload a portfolio of writing samples under "Applicant Document - Other" in Applicant Documents

Requisition Number: PRN40392B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 00289 - Development
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $85,000-$110,000
Close Date: 2/21/2025
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/174279

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