About the position
The Freelance Writer at VSA Partners will create programmatic content for one of the company's key clients. They will be responsible for editing and developing content, collaborating with designers, and translating client needs into compelling copy. The role also involves managing multiple content work-streams and writing projects within a client program, contributing to the development of a client's voice and brand positioning, and participating in creative presentations to clients. The ideal candidate should have knowledge of complex technical/technology information and be able to work both independently and collaboratively.
Responsibilities
- Take a production role in editing and developing content to meet clients’ needs.
- Think visually as well as verbally, contributing from the outset to the structure, look and feel of a client project.
- Translate client needs and interact closely with designers to create and refine content for a chosen design direction, identifying alternative message strategies for achieving clients’ objectives.
- Absorb, understand and write compelling copy to clearly explain complex technical concepts. Responsible for technical and grammatical accuracy in all materials.
- Think beyond individual projects and collaborate directly with clients and develop programmatic solutions to content needs.
- Manage multiple content work-streams and writing projects within a client program.
- Perform effectively at concepting, group brainstorming, writing placeholder copy, and working both independently and collaboratively.
- Collaborate in the development and definition of the “voice” for a client, a program or an individual project.
- Establish and/or interpret brand positioning, tone, and attributes.
- Demonstrate use of logic in structuring content, and offer the creative team strategic thinking and knowledge of business and marketing principles.
- Interact effectively with clients and their client staff members to obtain background information.
- Contribute and edit creative or strategic briefs presented to clients.
- Contribute to solutions for sensitive or difficult client issues in conjunction with the Engagement Lead and Project Manager.
- Participate in creative presentations to clients, and lead content strategy and development conversations.
- Use design knowledge to improve design direction and project management of internal resources.
- Observe and manage deadlines.
- Additional responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements
- Take a production role in editing and developing content to meet clients’ needs.
- Think visually as well as verbally, contributing from the outset to the structure, look and feel of a client project.
- Translate client needs and interact closely with designers to create and refine content for a chosen design direction, identifying alternative message strategies for achieving clients’ objectives.
- Absorb, understand and write compelling copy to clearly explain complex technical concepts. Responsible for technical and grammatical accuracy in all materials.
- Think beyond individual projects and collaborate directly with clients and develop programmatic solutions to content needs.
- Manage multiple content work-streams and writing projects within a client program.
- Perform effectively at concepting, group brainstorming, writing placeholder copy, and working both independently and collaboratively.
- Collaborate in the development and definition of the “voice” for a client, a program or an individual project.
- Establish and/or interpret brand positioning, tone, and attributes.
- Demonstrate use of logic in structuring content, and offer the creative team strategic thinking and knowledge of business and marketing principles.
- Interact effectively with clients and their client staff members to obtain background information.
- Contribute and edit creative or strategic briefs presented to clients.
- Contribute to solutions for sensitive or difficult client issues in conjunction with the Engagement Lead and Project Manager.
- Participate in creative presentations to clients, and lead content strategy and development conversations.
- Use design knowledge to improve design direction and project management of internal resources.
- Observe and manage deadlines.
- Know the subject - Absorb complex technical/technology information (research reports, input docs, background material) and distill it into appealing, clear language.
- Be proactive - Dive in and root around to find stuff. Initiate and sustain communication with strategists, marketers and subject matter experts to discover, collaborate and forge content.
- Be agile - Agile team experience helpful.
- Be on brand - Become familiar with new Client brand guidance for copy tone/language/restrictions, registration marks, etc.
- Know workflows - Know working methods for digital and protocols for editing and production. Work with developers to ensure clear processes for versioning and corrections.
- Stay cool - Work well under pressure/deadlines.
- 7+ years of experience in Writing for enterprise-level brands.
- An undergraduate degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Advertising or Integrated/Strategic Communications. Master’s degree preferred.
- Experience in a client-facing role.
- Ability to demonstrate a strong vocabulary, expertise in English usage, and comfort with mult.