Senior Writer and Editor

Founded in 1854, Hamline was the first university in Minnesota and among the first coeducational institutions in the nation. Hamline University provides a world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. Our faculty, staff, and students cultivate an ethic of civic responsibility, social justice, and inclusive leadership and service.

Hamline University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Hamline University does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; creed; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender expression; national origin; marital status; familial status; status with regard to public assistance; membership or activity in a local human rights commission; disability; age; protected veteran status; or any other status protected by applicable law in its education or employment programs or activities. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Senior Writer and Editor
Founded in 1854, Hamline University was the first university in Minnesota and among the first coeducational institutions in the nation. Hamline University provides a world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. Our faculty, staff and students cultivate an ethic of civic responsibility, social justice and inclusive leadership and service.

JOB SUMMARY
The Senior Writer and Editor for Marketing and Communications will craft, edit, and oversee a range of written materials that support the university's mission to advance brand reputation, enhance enrollment, and promote donor and alumni engagement. This role includes developing long-form news articles, short form press releases, recruitment copy, and dynamic social media content. Additionally, the position serves as the editor of the university magazine, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and brand standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Content Creation and Editing:
● Write compelling long-form feature stories and short-form press releases for internal and external audiences.
● Craft and edit persuasive copy for recruitment materials, ensuring resonance with prospective students and families.
● Develop engaging social media content tailored to diverse platforms.
● Serve as the managing editor for the university magazine, overseeing content planning, writing, and publication.
 

Collaboration:
● Work with marketing, admissions, alumni relations, and advancement teams to align messaging with institutional priorities.
● Coordinate with designers, photographers, and other creative professionals to produce high-quality publications.
 

Research and Strategy:
● Conduct interviews with students, alumni, faculty, and donors to gather insights and create compelling narratives.
● Stay informed about higher education trends and best practices to ensure content is timely and relevant.
 

Quality Assurance:
● Ensure all materials adhere to university brand guidelines, maintaining consistency in tone, style, and messaging.
● Conduct rigorous proofreading and fact-checking to uphold editorial excellence.
 

Project Management:
● Manage content calendars for publications and campaigns.
● Meet deadlines and coordinate with stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of materials.

Other Duties:
• Perform additional work-related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
This position reports to the: Senior Director of Marketing and Communications

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND KEY COMPETENCIES
● Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across various mediums.
● Strong proficiency in grammar, style, and adherence to editorial guidelines.
● Ability to write persuasively and adapt tone for different audiences and platforms.
● Advanced organizational skills and attention to detail.
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and content management systems.
● Knowledge of SEO and digital content optimization strategies.
● Demonstrated ability to collaborate across teams in a fast-paced environment.
● Strategic thinking and creativity in content development.
● Effective interpersonal communication and collaboration skills.
● Strong project management capabilities with the ability to meet deadlines.
● A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in storytelling.

MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
● Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications, marketing, or a related field OR equivalent experience.
● At least seven years of professional experience in writing, editing, or content creation, preferably in a higher education, nonprofit, or agency setting.

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
● Master’s degree in a related field.
● Experience managing publication projects such as alumni magazines or annual reports.
● Knowledge of emerging digital and social media trends.
● Familiarity with higher education environments and their unique communication needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS / EQUIPMENT
Must perform the following essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation:
● Must be able to work on a computer for extended periods of time.
● Ability to work an on-call schedule.
● Ability to work evenings and weekends as required and to travel occasionally for university-related events.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
● This is a full time, 1.0 FTE, exempt position, 12 months a year

Compensation and Benefits:

Pay Range: $65,000 - $75,000 annually

Full-Time Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Paid Time off, including vacation time, paid holidays and safe and sick leave time off
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Tuition waiver

All questions marked ‘Required’ need to be answered in order to submit the application. It is important that your application show all of the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. If rejected, you must reapply for the position in order to be considered. A resume or curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your qualifications for and interest in the position, contact information for 3 current, professional references, as well as copies of transcripts (if required) must be uploaded with each application.