Senior Writer, Donor Relations

Details Open Date 11/21/2024 Requisition Number PRN40392B Job Title Technical Writer, Sr. Working Title Senior Writer, Donor Relations Job Grade F FLSA Code Professional Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary VP Area President Department 00289 - Development Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range $85,000–$110,000 Close Date 02/21/2025 Priority Review Date Job Summary University Advancement Donor Relations Marketing and Communications (DR MarComm) seeks a senior writer to join our expanding team. Reporting to the senior director of communications, the senior writer shapes editorial strategy and develops content for front line fundraisers. The senior writer is an experienced researcher with a strong core in writing for health care and the health sciences—and has demonstrated experience of translating research into reader-friendly content that inspires engagement. Portfolio pieces highlight experience in working closesly with health sciences faculty and researchers to produce traditional fundraising communication pieces and writing for health sciences marketing and advertising. The DR MarComm team provides creative services for advancement colleagues across the university and University of Utah Health. In addition to producing dynamic and engaging content, the senior writer will lead editorial assessments and scoping sessions with our colleagues to get to the heart of the communications request and advise on best strategy to meet the communication needs of the audience. Please upload a portfolio of writing samples under “Applicant Document – Other” in Applicant Documents Responsibilities Produce longform and shortform content for university and health sciences advancement pieces such as white papers, proposals, impact reports, case statements, and one-sheets Participate in the development of creative briefs and strategic and tactical plans, including building out deadlines and working with the design team to establish production timeline Work with senior director of communications to develop solutions and present ideas for health sciences communication pieces Perform independent research to generate content under tight deadlines Conduct interviews with subject matter experts to gather data and insight to inform content Explain scientific and technical ideas in simple language, ensuring technical verbiage is easy to understand by the determined audience Manage multiple high-level projects on similar timelines Identify areas for editorial strategy across deliverables Ensure copy tone and style are consistent with brand and style guidelines Interact with fundraisers and advancement colleagues to understand university initiatives and priorities Present content in pitch meetings Take feedback to revise and modify content for pieces to meet client needs and expectations. Additional responsibilities may include: Copyedit for communication requests submitted to DR MarComm Generate content for web stories and donor magazines Lead scoping sessions to determine communication need and advise on next steps before launching into production Manage and guide freelance writers and student workers Liaise with other communications professionals within advancement and across the university and U of U Health to repurpose content and engage in a One-U approach Minimum Qualifications Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) and 4-6 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Preferred Qualifications: 10+ years experience of health care/health sciences writing with a portfolio that demonstrates experience in advancement/donor relations writing Marketing writing experience: short, tight copy making bold statements and getting to the point quickly Experience leading interviews and conducting individual research to tell a dynamic story Experience working with a creative team Experience leading editorial discussions Project management Preferences Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary Please upload a portfolio of writing samples under “Applicant Document – Other” in Applicant Documents Additional Information The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules. This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients. All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/ Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.