Assistant Director/Senior Writer, Publications

About Drexel

Drexel is one of Philadelphia's top 10 private employers, a comprehensive global research university and a major engine for economic development in the region. With over 24,000 students, Drexel is one of America's 15 largest private universities. Drexel has committed to being the nation’s most civically engaged university, with community partnerships integrated into every aspect of service and academics.

Job Summary

Drexel University is seeking an omni-talented writer to join the publications team in the University’s central communications office. The ideal writer can craft content to appeal to a range of audiences using a variety of publication/delivery modes. The ideal candidate has experience writing everything from spot news to long-form narratives to engaging personality profiles, and needs little revision or supervision. The successful candidate also enjoy occasionally crafting deft marketing copy, as well as elegant official statements and public remarks on behalf of the University president and other senior administrators. The individual is also a capable editor who can improve upon work produced by staff or freelancers while ensuring it aligns with the University’s strategic communication goals. This is a position that requires an eagle eye for proofreading and, sometimes, a rapid turnaround.

The Assistant Director/Senior Writer will primarily provide editorial support for publications produced by the publications team. This includes serving as a senior writer and back-up editor on Drexel Magazine and EXEL magazine, Drexel Quarterly and DrexelNow. Primary responsibility will also include aggregating a monthly Mailchimp newsletter called Drexel Innovates, occasional ad copy, and a limited quantity of presidential/administrative messages (in collaboration with the Executive Director of Executive & Strategic Communications). This person will also assist with producing and proofing seasonal publications such as the President’s Report in late fall and the Commencement books in the spring.

The Assistant Director/Senior Writer reports directly to the Executive Director of Publications and is a member of the publications team consisting of the Drexel Now editor and a staff writer. Collectively, the Office of University Communications employs a collaborative group of 20+ who handle media relations, graphic and web design, and marketing.

Essential Functions

• Participate, with the publications team, in planning and producing content for Drexel Magazine, EXEL magazine, and DrexelNow/Drexel Quarterly. This involves editing, writing, arranging photography and/or video services, hiring freelancers, and proofreading.
  
  
• Aggregate content and manage delivery for Drexel Innovates, a monthly e-newsletter about innovation in Philadelphia and higher ed.
  
  
• In collaboration with the Executive Director of Executive & Strategic Communications, produce a limited number of presidential and
  administrative messages, talking points and speeches, including presidential greetings for Drexel Magazine and Exel magazine.
  
  
• Assist in producing the annual President’s Report each fall under the direction of the Executive Director of Executive & Strategic Communications.
  
  
• Curate and monitor the President’s LinkedIn page and blog and the @DrexelMag Twitter feed.
  
  
• Contribute writing and editing support for any reports, brochures, exhibition materials, videos, strategic messaging or other materials produced by the Office of University Communications.
  
  
• Draft on-brand copy for occasional small ads that Drexel runs in external publications.
  
  
• Error-free proofreading of all publications, with time-sensitive priority given to graduation books for Commencement each spring (April-May).
  
  
• Other incidental duties as assigned (e.g. assembling a quarterly content report).
  
  

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in English, journalism or communications is required.
• A minimum of ten (10) years professional writing and editing experience with clips demonstrating versatility is required.
• Must have experience working in a professional editorial environment or a demonstrated record of producing high-quality editorial content.
• Must have excellent writing and editing skills and an understanding of journalistic reporting standards, including Associated Press style.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates with experience producing internal communications for an organization are preferred.
• Experience producing both print and online publications is preferred.

Location

• University City.

Additional Information

• This position is classified as exempt with a salary grade of L. For more information regarding Drexel’s Professional Staff salary structure, https://drexel.edu/hr/career/ducomp/salstructure/

Special Instructions to the Applicant

• Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

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Advertised:Aug 24 2021 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:Sep 24 2021 Eastern Daylight Time