MarCom Copywriter (Hybrid Opportunity)

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Marketing & Communications (Marcom) group leads and coordinates strategic marketing efforts for the University of Massachusetts Amherst to raise the institution’s global visibility and reputation as one of the nation’s great public research universities. It tells the university’s stories across a wide array of platforms and builds strong relationships with important audiences through a variety of traditional and new marketing tactics. Additionally, the Marcom group provides leadership, consultation, partnership, and coordination for marketers and communicators across campus, collaborating with all colleges, schools, and units.

Reporting to the Editorial Director, the Copywriter will develop original and compelling copy for online and offline marketing campaigns. This position collaborates closely with creative team members to bring to life the UMass brand personality. UMass is a fast-paced environment that demands excellence and efficiency, while making room for autonomy, innovation, and creativity.

Essential Functions

• Manages all copy projects from concept to completion.
• Develops compelling and engaging copy for online and offline marketing assets including but not limited to brochures, long-form stories, online marketing campaigns, banner ads, print advertisements, emails, social media, web, direct mail pieces, and videos.
• Collaborates with campus partners from various schools, colleges and units to translate complex topics into compelling stories (long form).
• Applies grammarian and copyediting skills to ensure projects meet Marcom & UMass standards.
• Works closely with the Creative Director, and a team of graphic designers to create new, innovative marketing materials.
• Utilizes market research and survey results to integrate learnings into marketing copy.

Other Functions

• Demonstrates a multicultural awareness and contributes to cultivating an inclusive, diverse and respectful university community.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 3-5 years of copywriting experience.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Must be fluent in writing in the English language and adept at Chicago Manual of Style.
• Experience utilizing a strong brand identity to drive response.
• Familiar with standard concepts, best practices for online marketing.
• Works well under pressure; effectively handles tight deadlines, unexpected delays, revisions, ad hoc requests and changing priorities.
• Ability to translate complex topics into compelling stories (long form).
• Well-versed in online media: email, web, social.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong proofreading skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and loves to collaborate with team members.
• Strong creative problem-solving skills.
• Well-organized with attention to detail and ability to follow-through.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Experience working in higher education.

Work Schedule

• 37.5 hours week, Monday-Friday.
• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

PSU Level 27

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

In addition to the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.