SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENT

The Division of Communications and Public Relations directs and executes the association's public relations, media relations, e-mail marketing, digital, social media, publications, and branding functions. The division communicates the value of AASCU and regional public universities to key external stakeholders, including the media and federal policymakers. It strategically raises AASCU’s public profile and visibility through various communication channels.

SUMMARY OF POSITION 

The Senior Writer/Editor will be key in executing AASCU’s content strategy. This position is responsible for creating and editing content across the association’s print and digital channels. The Senior Writer/Editor will ensure that content is clear and accurate and effectively promotes the association’s programs, services, and resources to AASCU members and other key audiences. The incumbent will collaborate with subject matter experts to enhance brand awareness and effectively communicate AASCU’s mission. The ideal candidate will have a solid editorial background, sharp attention to detail, and proficiency in AP style. Experience working in higher education is preferred. 

KEY RELATIONSHIPS 

The Senior Writer/Editor will report to the Vice President of Communications and Public Relations and work across the association. The Senior Writer/Editor will be part of a five-person team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Editorial Services

• Manage the division’s editorial services. Write, edit, and curate engaging and informative content for AASCU’s digital and print channels, including the website, newsletters, press releases, rapid response messages to members, media advisories, fact sheets, infographics, signature event materials, policy and research papers, reports, issue/data briefs, podcasts, blogs, and videos.
• Oversee production of the association’s AASCU Advantage and Promising Practices newsletters.
• Serve as the primary proofreader for communications and marketing deliverables, ensuring error-free content.
• Manage the editorial calendar, ensuring timely and consistent content delivery.
• Manage production timelines for projects/publications, with responsibility for monitoring schedules and effectively communicating deadlines to colleagues.
• Maintain and update AASCU’s editorial guidelines.
• Assist in managing external copy editor.
• Assign projects to external writers and oversee their work.
• Collaborate with other divisions in developing print and electronic communications.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure all content is accurate, well-written, consistent in tone, error-free, and adheres to the Associated Press Stylebook and AASCU’s editorial standards.

Content Strategy

• Supports the Vice President in the development and execution of the content strategy.
• Helps execute content strategies that enhance AASCU’s brand and engage our audience.

Collaboration

• Work closely with subject matter experts and division colleagues to develop content that promotes AASCU’s programs and services.

Analytics

• Monitor and analyze metrics to measure content performance and inform future content strategies and SEO.

Member Engagement

• Serve as a resource for campus communications officers at member institutions.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or related field is required.
• 5 years of professional experience preferred in writing/content creation, editing, and management. (Experience in a higher education setting will be considered in lieu of five years of experience)
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Strong proficiency in AP style.
• Strong understanding of content strategy and SEO best practices.
• Experience in higher education is a plus.
• Knowledge of WordPress and web publishing.
• Strong organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Proven success in producing error-free content.
• Ability to write member communications in a fast-paced environment when events warrant.
• Critical attention to detail skills. Demonstrated strong project and time management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with a strong interest in innovation and user experience.
• Proficiency with various technological platforms and software
• Embraces diverse and inclusive perspectives and disciplines across the organization and joins with partners at all levels toward a common vision and the realization of transformational change.
• Effective people skills and ability to interact with a variety of work and communication styles to accomplish divisional and association goals while building trust and productive relationships.
• Acts in a way that demonstrates integrity and serves as a positive example to encourage others to act with a high degree of integrity.

About American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)

AASCU The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association that represents the sector of over 500 regional public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underrepresented student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development. We are committed to the organization’s mission, vision, and values by exhibiting the following behaviors: commitment to excellence, belonging and competence, collaboration, innovation, accountability, ownership, and adherence to policies and procedures.

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