The University Of Chicago is hiring: Senior Writer, Alumni Magazine in Chicago

Senior Writer, Alumni Magazine

Senior Writer, Alumni Magazine

Apply remote type Hybrid locations Chicago, IL time type Full time posted on Posted 2 Days Ago job requisition id JR29173

Department

ARD Alumni Magazine

About the Department

Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. ARD raises $600 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute.

Alumni Relations and Development Communications works with partners across ARD and the University to create fundraising and engagement materials for University of Chicago alumni, parents and friends. Within ARD Communications, the Publications team produces several print periodicals, e-newsletters, and other written communications including the flagship University of Chicago Magazine, now in its 117th volume.

Job Summary

The Senior Writer writes several stories per issue, as well as assigning and acting as lead editor on other stories and sections. This role also writes a variety of communications for the University. Works with moderate guidance to research, compose, and edit high-level communications, publications and/or reports with complex and specialized subject matter.

Responsibilities

• Writes 1–2 features per Magazine issue, shorter print stories, and online-first content to engage Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) audiences.
• Develops original ideas and pitches them to the editorial staff.
• Conducts interviews, including national or international travel, and researches extensively.
• Organizes research notes for fact-checking and edits stories through multiple input rounds.
• Writes sidebars and online extras, suggesting ways to promote and extend stories’ reach.
• Reviews all sections of the Magazine, providing structural and line edits.
• Covers faculty research, University news, profiles, and updates on honors and accomplishments.
• Selects stories with the senior associate editor, writes or assigns them, and researches visuals.
• Writes captions, headlines, and subheads, and collaborates on layout design with the graphic designer.
• Conducts interviews with students, faculty, alumni, and others within and outside the University.
• Coordinates coverage with the University's News Office and researches a range of topics.
• Contributes stories to The Core, Tableau, and various e-newsletters.
• Writes proposals, stewardship reports, annual giving letters, and marketing materials as needed.
• Stays updated on academic trends, University news, and campus activities through regular reading.
• Coordinates with campus groups and manages external printing logistics.
• Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance, including building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
• Works with minimal guidance to edit complex manuscripts and other forms of copy.
• Researches, verifies, writes and edits publications, which can include technical/scientific material for manuals or journals.
• Uses knowledge of writing with moderate levels of guidance to write in-depth pieces relating to specialized field (e.g. scientific writing).
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree.

Experience:

• Background writing and editing professionally.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, including the University's Donor Relationship Management System, Microsoft Windows computer environment, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.

Preferred Competencies

• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively.
• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Self-motivated and take initiative.
• Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.
• Communicate complex ideas to an educated general audience in clear and engaging prose.

Working Conditions

• This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence.
• Standard office environment.
• Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.
• This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter addressed to the Hiring Committee (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$61,200.00 - $73,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.