Copyeditor/Advancement Writer

Position Number: 01372W
Position Title: Copyeditor/Advancement Writer
Employment Category: Full Time Operational
Location: William & Mary
Department: 610000 University Advancement
Unit Mission Statement: At William & Mary, we convene great hearts and minds to meet the most pressing needs of our time. As such, the university aspires to attract and retain exceptional students, faculty and staff who keep W&M at the forefront of teaching, learning and research. University Marketing emphasizes three core areas — enrollment, advancement and reputation — to enhance William & Mary's standing as a top institution of higher learning in the U.S. and around the globe. Through its work to strengthen brand perception, student recruitment, alumni engagement and fundraising, University Marketing advances William & Mary's distinctive excellence, raises its profile worldwide and secures its financial foundation — creating meaningful connections and wide-ranging impact for all times coming.

Position Summary: The Copyeditor/Advancement Writer is a key member of the Strategic Communications team in University Marketing at William & Mary. In keeping with William & Mary's values of excellence and integrity, all of our communications must be accurate, consistent, error-free, adhere to our style guides (internal and Associated Press) and convey their message clearly and concisely. The Copyeditor/Advancement Writer reports to the Director of Advancement Communications and partners with and advises colleagues across University Marketing to help the university, William & Mary Foundation or other university foundations advance their goals by ensuring their materials meet these high standards.
The majority of the Copyeditor/Advancement Writer's work is copyediting print and digital materials to ensure they align with William & Mary's editorial style guide and brand guidelines, Associated Press (AP) style and accepted rules of spelling and grammar. They will also verify names and constituent information in our customer relationship management database and fact check other information included in our materials as necessary. The Copyeditor/Advancement Writer may also recommend edits to increase clarity, readability and accuracy, while keeping within the voice and tone of the piece. They will communicate needed changes and the reasoning for them with the Director of Advancement Communications, colleagues within University Marketing and university partners as necessary.
In addition, the Copyeditor/Advancement Writer will create written materials in support of our advancement efforts. These may include letters and emails thanking our donors, including on behalf of the vice president for university advancement and the university's president; reports on the impact of key funds; articles for the W&M Alumni Magazine and our websites about our alumni and initiatives, based on interviews with alumni, staff and others; print and web copy for prospective students and their families; and other writing that advances our culture of philanthropy and engagement. These writing assignments will require research skills, creativity and the ability to write in different voices and tones for different audiences.
The successful candidate will be an innovator who will foster a culture of belonging that embraces all people and perspectives. This is a hybrid position based in Williamsburg, Virginia, that offers a flexible work environment.
Please review the full position description with all job duties under the "Featured Job Opportunities" on the University Advancement recruitment website: Conditions of Employment: This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor. This position is eligible for a flexible work schedule. This position is subject to evening and weekend work. This position requires the ability to travel as required. Essential Designation: No
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Restricted?: No, this is a continuing E&G funded position
Position Term: 12 month - Continuing
Position Months: Faculty or Staff: 12 month
Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a field that required significant writing and research or several (typically three or more) years' experience directly related to the position. Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusiveness, including, but not limited to, collaboration, staffing and programming. The desire and ability to work and succeed in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated initiative, independent judgment, and a positive, responsive, service-oriented attitude. Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, including use of style guides, with the demonstrated command of correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. Experience and comfort using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams, as well as Adobe Acrobat (typically three years). Experience writing and editing articles in journalism or public relations styles. Experience writing in a variety of voices and tones. Commitment to diplomacy, tact and confidentiality when working with individuals on and off campus and responding to Advancement audiences. Great degree of flexibility and outstanding organizational skills with the demonstrated ability to manage multiple and competing projects concurrently while adhering to strict deadlines. Strong interpersonal communications skills, including the ability to explain editorial changes and discuss alternative wording options clearly and respectfully. The ability to build consensus among colleagues and work with diverse audiences. Preferred Qualifications: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Detail-oriented research skills, including using internet-based databases. Experience writing in the voice of a specific person (ghostwriting), preferably an institutional leader. Experience using a customer relationship management database (CRM) such as Blackbaud or Salesforce. Comfortable using Adobe InCopy. Extensive portfolio that includes a variety of digital and print communications pieces. An understanding of best practices in university or nonprofit marketing and communications. Is the position remote work eligible?: Hybrid (works remotely at least 1 day per week but not full-time)
Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.
Advertised Pay Range: Up to $55,000, commensurate with experience
Advertised Pay Range Statement: All hiring rates are commensurate with relevant experience up to the advertised amount considering internal alignment.
University Salary Range: U08
Benefits Summary Statement: William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: Job Open Date: 03/20/2024
Review Begin Date: 04/10/2024
Open Until Filled: Yes
Special Application Instructions: Please submit a document that shows your copyediting markup (can be digital markup or written). If you are submitting a document that uses tracked changes or comment bubbles, we recommend making it into a PDF before uploading here, or emailing the original document file to .
Background Check Statement: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement: William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.