Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open To The Public

Position Status: Full-Time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0058/ 4

Salary Range: $78,369- $96,391

Closing Date:  Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Brief Description of Duties

As a member of the University of the District of Columbia's Office of Marketing and Communications, the Senior Editor oversees the content development process for the Office's written and digital content and leads communication and editorial quality control that amplifies the reach of the University's messaging and strategic priorities. The incumbent proactively researches, plans and develops high-quality content, including managing the workflows of external communication and design vendors and communication staff. The Senior Editor also serves as an editor and proofreader for University-wide communications and ensures consistency while adhering to editorial and brand guidelines. The incumbent is accountable for learning, understanding and consistently collaborating with internal and external clients to ensure all written communication products represent the University with excellence and accuracy. This role also supports recruitment and marketing efforts, including developing content for marketing campaigns.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides editorial direction for University communications, including the University's newsletter, publications, emails and website content, working closely with members of the Office of Marketing and Communications, including Writers.  
• Leads the content development process from conception through publication, including writing assignments, managing content direction, and advising on visual/art elements for all deliverables.
• Assigns and oversees writing assignments, providing direction and support to University Writers, including writing content when needed.
• Serves as a liaison to members of the University community for communication support; manages and coordinates communication traffic flow and promptly responds to communication requests.
• Edits and writes content, including collateral, editorials, features, emails, bios, profiles, bylines, speeches, storyboards, talking points, blog posts, website content and other written deliverables.
• Ensures all published work is accurate, consistent with editorial and branding/AP style guidelines, and legally compliant.
• Works with communications and graphics staff and vendors on securing artwork and graphics.
• Proactively remains informed and knowledgeable of news, announcements, events and business plans across the University to ensure planned communications are relevant and timely.
• Proactively seeks and researches communication ideas and topics; fact-checks any data collected during the research process.
• Develops well-researched story pitches and submit concepts to department leadership for review.
• Develops, updates and reviews the University's editorial guidelines.
• Oversees and manages the Office of Marketing and Communications editorial project calendar and content library.
• Identifies, commissions and cultivates new writers/vendors by keeping up with trends and ideas in higher education.
• Network and build relationships with the University and community constituents for content idea cultivation; gather information to ensure accuracy and quality standards.
• Assists with establishing best practices and quality standards for written communication products and monitors quality control to ensure writing excellence and accuracy.
• Consults with internal and external customers to understand the need and strategic purpose of projects and advises others on the most effective solutions.
• Collaborates with marketing and communication team professionals to ensure maximum use of the content on multiple platforms.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to confidential information as required.
• Adheres to communication deadlines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, mass communications, public relations, marketing or related disciplines from an accredited college or University; Master's degree preferred.
• Eight years of professional writing, editing, and communication experience with proven results in developing and editing effective content.
• Proficient in AP style.
• Excellent command of the English language, especially the rules of syntax, punctuation and grammar.
• Excellent research and analytical skills with the ability to break down complex concepts.
• Experience developing style guides.
• Excellent time management and proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and creative skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
• Familiarity with project management software is preferred.
• Direct experience working in higher education is preferred.

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.  

Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business,  or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act.  In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act.  Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.  Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Residency Preference: A person applying for a position who is a bona fide District resident at the time of application for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.  The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia.  The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources only.

Contact Information:  All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at (202) 274-5380.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: https://www.udc.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity/ .