Full job description

Reporting to the Executive Director, DAR Communications and Marketing, the Marketing Writer works within the Development and Alumni Relations Communications department to provide strong writing, editing, marketing and creative concepting in support of the Annual Giving program and other divisional priorities. A central function of the writer is to provide high quality creative direction and content for print and digital collateral in partnership with the Annual Giving direct marketing team. This includes working closely with fundraising staff, graphic designers, production staff, web designers and others to accomplish robust, segmented marketing campaigns spanning print, email, web, social media, video and more.

The ideal candidate will be a creative and critical thinker, avid researcher and excellent writer with the ability to understand the needs of a particular audience and customize the messaging appropriately.

This position currently has a hybrid work arrangement, with a minimum of two days per week in the office.

Essential Functions

Researches, conceptualizes and writes compelling copy for informational, promotional and public relations projects to support the initiatives and objectives of the university or a department, program, division or school

Provides guidance to clients in the identification and development of communications plans

Produces speeches, brochures, articles, features, press releases, marketing collateral, newsletters, web pages and/or other types of materials

Edits copy for accuracy, effectiveness and Rice style

Writes and edits marketing and promotional copy and communications on behalf of university leaders

Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions/Information

Plans integrated marketing campaigns for quarterly solicitation and stewardship campaigns

Develops solicitation and stewardship materials (brochures, web content, emails, invitations)

Drafts copy for the giving website, e-newsletters and stories that profile and celebrate philanthropy at Rice

Develops collateral and invitation sets for fundraising events

Provides editorial services and quality assurance, with emphasis on fundraising writing, promotional/marketing writing, creative writing and in-depth descriptive writing and quality assurance

Advises on social media strategies

Maintains and supports the Annual Giving and Rice University brands, while collaborating with Rice’s Public Affairs Division on joint projects, publications and branding opportunities

Writes articles, magazine advertisements, stories, volunteer letters and emails

Serves as copy editor and proofreader, primarily on Annual Giving materials, but also on other communication projects as needed

Serves as point person for creative decisions on annual giving communications

Documents important information and interactions with donors in the advancement system

Works collaboratively on project scope, timelines and tasks using project management software

Spends many hours per day in front of a computer and/or in strategy or collaborative project meetings

Position is in contact with Rice staff, faculty and administrators at all levels as well as external volunteers, donors and vendors

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in English, liberal arts, journalism or a related field

In lieu of Bachelor’s Degree in English, liberal arts, or journalism, a bachelor’s degree in any field with a total of five years of professional writing experience would be accepted

In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substitute

2+ years of related professional writing experience

In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted

Skills Required

Advanced written and verbal communication skills

Intermediate knowledge of multiple media formats

Intermediate knowledge of AP style

Listening skills

Intermediate Microsoft Office skills

Preferred Qualifications

Education and Experience

Four or more years of professional writing and editing experience

Experience writing for development at an institution of higher education or in writing marketing collateral, brochures, correspondence or newsletters for various purposes

Experience working with clients and managing customer relationships (includes faculty, deans and fundraisers)

Experience working in a nonprofit fundraising campaign or initiative

Experience in a PC Windows environment

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice University,TX

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