The Marketing Copywriter will operate within a self-directed work group and as a part of several functional teams with primary responsibilities to concept, write, edit and manage copy for marketing campaigns, educational communication and media. Creativity and time management are key to this role. We are looking for someone who can write a wide range of copy for both traditional and new media. This is an ideal position for a versatile, resourceful writer who is able to generate marketing copy for targeted personas and media channels.

Writing & Proofing

• Establish consistent writing style and tone for all written marketing communication in each of the School's program areas-unified voice
• Write and/or edit response-driven copy, with clarity and simplicity, for all media types including: School catalog, direct mail, emails, website, landing pages, print/online advertisements, newsletters, case studies, radio and related materials as required
• Responsible for the factual and grammatical accuracy of all promotional written communications
• Work closely with marketing staff - graphic designers and marketing specialists - in the conception and production of marketing materials by assisting with strategy development, target market identification, messaging goals, project scheduling and management, and results tracking and analysis
• Display original thinking and creativity; staying current with new media outlets
• Write select press releases and maintain current media lists; identify opportunities for internal/external promotion of programs, events, faculty research and student success
• Oversee daily activities of PR/Writer student and limited term employees

Branding

• Co-own style guide project
• Maintain brand standards and copy style guidelines in all written communication
• Ensure online/offline promotional copy support UWM programs

Research

• Conduct individual research to gain greater insight into the audience and what motivates them
• Review industry language, news and writing resources to produce higher quality pieces
• Develop and implement processes to continuously improve messages and materials through A/B copy testing

This is a fixed term academic staff position as a University Relations Specialist (no prefix) on an annual basis, 100% appointment, renewable annually.

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Journalism, English, Marketing, Advertising or related field
• 5+ years experience in business communications required; experience in team-based creative services area desired (i.e. marketing, ad agency, in-house creative department)
• Must have knowledge of AP style; Superior writer and editor with available communications portfolio (including successful promotional copywriting for online and direct marketing); Writing samples will be requested at time of interview
• Experience proofing, copy editing, fact checking; strong attention to detail expected of any seasoned copywriter
• A solid understanding of DM principles and integrated communications
• Must have exceptional organizational and time management skills
• Good interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively with internal and external constituents, as well as service mentality
• Creative concepting experience: Work effectively with cross-functional teams to brainstorm breakthrough ideas that demonstrate understanding of a project's goals, translate the needs of the audience into multiple communication formats while leveraging the use of interactive communication tools
• Must perform and react well under pressure in a quick-turnaround environment
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks under minimal supervision, with demonstrable experience in consistently delivering high-quality results
• Ability to solve problems, come up with alternative solutions, make suggestions
• Knowledge of graphic design and a keen appreciation of the interplay between textual and visual elements
• Knowledge of public relations a plus
• Must be skilled in the use of MS Office Suite products and eager to learn and use specialized electronic marketing and database programs

Completed applications will require a cover letter addressing your qualifications for the position with current resume/vita plus names and contact information of a minimum of three references.

Do not send writing samples at this time. Qualified candidates will be required to submit a portfolio at time of interview. Be prepared to show a variety of copy examples that demonstrate communication strategy and branding across all kinds of media.

This position requires that a criminal history background check consistent with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act be conducted.