Speechwriter

ABOUT THE ROLE:

• Columbus, OH
• Hybrid
• Full-Time – Benefits eligible
• Long-Term Contract (1 year; option to re-evaluate continuance at that time)

Our esteemed university client is seeking an experienced and professional Lead Speechwriter to join its staff. This role is pivotal in shaping impactful speeches, presentations, and remarks for the President and CEO. As the Lead Speechwriter, you will embed directly with the organization, working closely with senior leadership to craft messaging that resonates with diverse audiences and advances the university’s mission.

Please note: In-office attendance is crucial, especially during the initial phase, to build rapport with leadership. Work may extend beyond traditional hours, with expectations for availability during specific events and weekends.

ABOUT OUR CLIENT:

Our client provides strategic consultation, content generation, and creative solutions across a variety of channels that achieve marketing and communications objectives for the university’s alumni, donor, and grateful patient audiences.

The university is committed to reinforcing its ethical culture through reflection, evaluation, and meaningful action to advance its core work of teaching, learning, research, and service.

DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary Duties (80%)

• Speech Writing: Craft eloquent, humorous, insightful, and persuasive speeches for various university events, commencements, conferences, and public engagements, tailored to specific audiences and occasions
• Research: Conduct thorough research on relevant topics, including university history and traditions. Gather data and conduct interviews with subject matter experts to synthesize information into coherent narratives
• Content Creation: Develop original content aligned with the university's values and strategic goals, while maintaining strict confidentiality with sensitive data
• Leadership Collaboration: Work closely with university leadership, particularly the President and CEO, to understand their vision, objectives, and public persona
• Speech Refinement: Ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with the university’s brand voice in all speeches and remarks. Adapt content based on feedback
• Project Management: Manage and lead multiple, large-scale projects to completion within budget and timeline constraints

Support and Event Attendance (15%)

• Event Support: Attend university events to observe and refine the tone and delivery of speeches. Provide real-time speech support, including last-minute edits and adjustments
• Collaboration: Consult with senior leadership and other content creators, including social media teams and the Alumni Magazine, to ensure consistent tone and messaging
• Archiving: Review and refine existing speeches and develop an archive for future engagements

Administrative Duties (5%)

• Perform administrative tasks and other duties as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication, English, Journalism, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• At least six (6) years of direct and relevant professional experience as a speechwriter, preferably in a public, academic, institutional, or non-profit setting
• A strong portfolio of work and references demonstrating speechwriting skills and experience
• Industry Knowledge: Possess deep industry knowledge and advanced conceptual understanding
• Communication Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail, with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive data
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions
• Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends to meet project deadlines and attend university events

BONUS SKILLS:

• Master’s degree in Communication, English, Journalism, or a related field
• Ten-plus (10 ) years of relevant professional experience
• Understanding of higher education and the university's mission

ABOUT US

Portfolio Creative is an award-winning women-owned specialized staffing and recruiting company providing talent in the digital, marketing, and creative industries. We work with clients in several states, and employ candidates in and outside of Ohio. Please note, we do not have the ability to work with candidates outside of the U.S.

Portfolio Creative is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to have a diverse and inclusive workforce and are committed to ensuring all employees are recruited, assigned, and employed on a nondiscriminatory basis.

Job Number: 6107