Position Purpose:

The copywriter creates, develops, plans, writes, and edits persuasive communications that embody the brand, spirit and personality of Bates College. A key member of the editorial team within Bates Communications and Marketing (BCM), the copywriter will collaborate closely with the digital marketing team and key campus partners to deliver creative, compelling, and — most important — effective messaging.

The copywriter works both independently and collaboratively with internal teams and colleagues in advancement, admission, athletics and academic affairs to imagine new concepts and copy in support of strategic initiatives that further institutional goals. 

Job Duties:

• Meet with BCM colleagues and campus partners to discuss project goals and parameters. 
• Write engaging, creative and compelling copy ensuring that it adheres to Bates’ editorial style and aligns with overarching brand strategy.
• Conduct research to determine the best approach/content/platform to achieve each project’s desired outcome.
• Review work of self and others with a critical eye to strategic communication best practices and branding objectives.
• Regularly confirm Bates statistics and facts for use in marketing copy.
• Review final versions or printer proofs of projects produced by BCM.
• Collaborate with the marketing, design and editorial teams to develop ideas for a variety of marketing and communications projects that support strategic branding goals, including innovations in internal and external communications.
• Research appropriate topics or approaches.
• Be an active participant in social media and editorial planning meetings, photo or video shoots, brainstorming sessions and other BCM activities.
• Get to know what makes Bates, well, Bates by attending campus presentations, athletics competitions, arts, and cultural events.
• Develop a sophisticated understanding of the college’s academic experience and signature programs such as Purposeful Work, Short Term and the Harward Center for Community Engagement.
• Work collegially and collaboratively with the BCM team and campus partners.
• Track tasks, documents, and deadlines in the Asana project management system.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in journalism, English, communications, or related discipline.

Experience

• Two or more years of professional writing experience, with a solid portfolio of work.
• Proofreading experience and familiarity with standard style guides preferred.
• Experience with content management systems and social media platforms preferred.
• An understanding of the interplay of copy and design preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Commitment to equity and inclusion, and serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse community.
• Exceptional writing, research, and editing skills.
• Ability to work independently or with a team to meet various deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills and multitasking ability.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with a high-volume workload often requiring short turnaround times.
• Demonstrate a keen eye for detail.
• Driven to finding exactly the right words to capture the Bates experience. They also will have a sense of humor, strong feelings about the Oxford Comma, a compulsion to meet deadlines, and a love for clever wordplay.

Benefits:  

Bates College offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits (health, dental, sick leave, 24 days of vacation, 2 personal days, 13 paid holidays, dependent care subsidy, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more), and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug and smoke-free workplace.