POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Senior Writer-Editor, Creative Services
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 5009
GRADE 43
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Director, Creative Services
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Senior Writer-Editor, Creative Services serves as one of the lead writers and editors for recruitment, development and alumni materials. The Senior Writer-Editor, Creative Services uses imagination, originality and talent to develop, write and edit action-oriented marketing copy. The content created must contribute to the university’s strategic goals related to prospective students, alumni and donors, and must represent the university brand. The Senior Writer-Editor, Creative Services is the managing editor or assistant managing editor of some university magazines and recruitment pieces, as assigned by the Director of Creative Services and Assistant Director of Creative Services-Editorial. The Senior Writer-Editor proofreads copy for readability, brand standards and grammatical correctness.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A bachelor’s degree in English, communication, journalism, public relations or a related area is required. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least 3 years of experience as a professional writer and editor is required. Experience writing for a brand, experience with persuasive writing and experience writing personality profiles are required. Experience leading people and projects is preferred.
Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office, desktop publishing and editing software is required. Proficiency in Associated Press style is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Serves as managing editor or assistant managing editor of magazines, top-level recruitment pieces and other top-level pieces related to the strategic goals of the university, as guided by the Director of Creative Services and Assistant Director of Creative Services-Editorial.2. Writes and edits copy to recruit students, raise funds, build relationships and elevate the profile of the university.
3. Interviews faculty, staff, donors, alumni and students to develop content that is interesting, memorable and unique to Missouri State.
4. Writes persuasive content that directs the reader to act, whether to apply, give, attend events or support the university in other ways.
5. Works with designers and photographers to select elements based on story needs and university priorities.
6. Writes in Missouri State brand and editorial style.
7. 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 supervisor.
8. Contributes to the overall success of Creative Services and performs all duties assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Senior Writer-Editor works in partnership with the Assistant Director of Creative Services-Editorial Services and is supervised by the Director of Creative Services.
The Senior Writer-Editor directs the work of graduate assistants and other students who contribute copy to magazines and other projects led by the Senior Writer-Editor.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2025
