Senior Writer/Content Manager

$64,500 - $75,000/Yr

Metropolitan State University - Denver, CO

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Denver, CO

Educational Services

About the position

The Senior Writer and Content Manager at Metropolitan State University of Denver is a pivotal role that combines storytelling with strategic communication. This position is designed for a highly versatile and journalistically minded individual who will shape the voice of the University across various platforms, including the award-winning online newsroom, RED, and the employee communications platform, Early Bird. The Senior Writer/Content Manager will also contribute to the University's alumni magazine, advertising, marketing collateral, and other publications as needed. In this role, the Senior Writer/Content Manager will be responsible for producing high-quality written content that aligns with MSU Denver's mission and values. The individual will handle near-daily assignments, ensuring that all content meets journalistic standards. Additionally, the Senior Writer/Content Manager will be a skilled digital publisher, utilizing the University's content management system, WordPress, to build and publish stories, as well as to create and distribute the RED newsletter through the University's email distribution system. The position requires a strong ability to research, report, and write multiple stories each week, while also developing story pitches in collaboration with the photo team to create visually compelling narratives. The Senior Writer/Content Manager will assist in editing freelance-produced stories and rewriting submitted content, as well as managing special project writing and editing assignments. This role is integral to the University Communications and Marketing team, requiring excellent organizational skills and the ability to utilize project-management tools for effective cross-team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Researches, reports and writes 2-4 stories per week for University publications.
• Researches, writes and submits 3-4 story pitches per month, collaborating with the photo team to produce visually compelling stories.
• Builds and publishes in-house and freelancer-produced stories in WordPress for RED and Early Bird.
• Builds and distributes the RED digital newsletter.
• Assists with editing freelance-produced stories or rewriting submitted content.
• Assists with special-project writing and editing assignments, such as the University Fact Sheet, ad copy and marketing materials.
• Utilizes project-management and file-sharing tools to keep projects organized and ensure cross-team collaboration.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.
• At least three years of experience working in an editorial role in a newsroom or an integrated communications and marketing environment, or similar high-capacity editorial environment.
• Excellent, versatile writing and communication skills, as demonstrated by a portfolio of published work.
• Demonstrated ability to write for diverse audiences under tight deadlines.
• Experience building and publishing content in WordPress or similar content management system.
• Expert knowledge of AP Style as demonstrated in cover letter and writing portfolio.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment.

Nice-to-haves

• At least five years of experience working in an editorial role in a newsroom or an integrated communications and marketing environment.
• Demonstrated editing and proofreading skills.
• Experience using Salesforce Marketing Cloud or similar email platform.
• Experience using ClickUp or other project-management software.
• Experience writing for higher-education communications.
• Knowledge of and experience writing for social media platforms.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, critical thinking and project management skills.
• Basic photo editing knowledge and skills.
• Experience with analytics.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Free RTD pass
• Tuition reimbursement
• Life insurance
• Supplemental insurance plans
• Retirement plans
• Access to long-term disability (LTD) plan