POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Copywriter
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 5009
GRADE 42
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Director, Creative Services
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Vice President for Marketing and Communications
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Copywriter uses invention, imagination, originality, and talent to develop, write, and edit materials for print and electronic publications. The Copywriter interprets and presents the Missouri State University brand to all audiences and creates action-oriented marketing copy. The Copywriter proofreads original copy, as well as prepared materials, for readability and grammatical correctness. The Copywriter works closely with the Director of Creative Services in matters concerning editorial style and format in order to ensure consistency and quality of written materials to be published in print or online.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree granted prior to the start date of the position in Marketing, Advertising, Communication, English or a related area is required.
Experience: Either one-year of work experience in a professional writing position in a marketing environment or a creative setting or a minimum of three semesters of experience in a part-time position in a similar professional setting is required.
Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required, especially an ability to write for external publications. Strong proofreading and editing skills are required. Organizational and planning skills are required. The ability to effectively manage a high volume of complex projects is required. The ability to collaborate with teams consisting of writers, designers, photographers, and clients is required. Knowledge of word processing is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Other: The scope of the job requires some evening and weekend work. Occasional overnight or out of-town travel is required. Extended periods working at a computer workstation are required. The position uses computer monitors and keyboards to write and edit documents.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Helps to promote the University to prospective students by using invention, imagination, originality, and talent in preparing copy for University recruitment publications.
2. Helps to promote the University to alumni, donor, and external audiences by using invention, imagination, originality, and talent in preparing copy for University advancement publications.
3. Assists in the gathering, writing, and editing of material for University publications and ensures accuracy and completeness of the final product.
4. Researches creative trends in the marketplace and applies that knowledge to University brand messaging.
5. Assures the production of material is consistent with established guidelines by organizing materials and completing writing assignments in accordance with set standards regarding order, conciseness, style, and terminology.
6. Assures consistency with standards by editing, standardizing, or making changes to material prepared by other writers or other personnel.
7. Develops content for publication by conferring with University clients.
8. Supports the Office of Creative Services by maintaining project management files and other records, working with other staff members as part of a team to facilitate the reuse and storage of electronic document files, and assisting in the supervision of an office staff of editorial graduate assistants and student employees.
9. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
10. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the Director of Creative Services.
11. Contributes to the overall success of the Division of Marketing and Communications by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Copywriter is supervised by the Director of Creative Services and assists in supervising an office staff of editorial graduate assistants and student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
MARCH 2018
