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Job Title:

Senior Writer

Department:

Advancement | Advancement Marketing Communications

Position Overview

Under supervision of the Associate Director of Advancement Communications, Principal and Major Gifts, the Senior Writer for Wexner Medical Center (WMC) Development Communications researches, creates, writes, manages, edits and proofs a wide variety of print and digital philanthropic communications for The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Health Science Colleges Advancement organization. The position serves as a content expert and lead writer for WMC Advancement; provides guidance and editing support to other writers; and leads the strategic planning, development, and execution of short- and long-term communications projects, strategies and campaigns. As part of the Advancement Marketing and Communications (AMC) department, the Sr. Writer is a member of a proactive team that works to foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, responsiveness, and flexibility, enabling the group to address challenges and offer creative solutions.

The Sr. Writer must be a master storyteller, writer and editor who can conduct research and interviews, and then craft creative and persuasive copy that elicits emotion and inspires giving.

This Sr. Writer is expected to demonstrate superior writing, research, organizational, collaborative, and interpersonal communication skills; to be highly motivated with the ability to adapt in a fluid and changing environment; and to exhibit critical thinking, curiosity and creative problem-solving abilities. The Sr. Writer must also be able to accurately translate complex scientific research into easily understandable concepts and information for general audiences.

All members of Advancement are part of creating an inclusive culture that inspires an exceptionally diverse and talented team and are measured on their adherence to the following core competencies: Leadership, Continuous Improvement, Teamwork and Collaboration, and Communication/Interpersonal Effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities

80%
Develops strategy for and drafts persuasive, audience-centric content that resonates with the Wexner Medical Center’s donors and constituents, inspiring them to give further; this includes customized gift proposals, impact storytelling and other communications that strictly adhere to editorial style.

Works with subject-matter experts throughout the medical center and university to gather and confirm needed information for projects. Advances the institution’s education, research, and patient care missions by informing and engaging existing and potential donors through internal and external communications including but not limited to print/digital publications, proposals, cases for support and stewardship reports. Drafting speeches and scripts, campaign-related talking points and correspondence for senior leaders may also be needed.

Responsible for complex projects that are broad in nature and require significant creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Develops and maintains working knowledge of the medical center’s fundraising objectives/priorities and establishes themself as a valuable resource, subject-matter expert, and strategic partner with a variety of stakeholders. Works closely and collaboratively with senior leadership, development and stewardship officers, deans and faculty, and marketing and communication teams to gather information and align messaging. Collaborates with the Creative Team as necessary to partner together on creating high-impact materials. Implements university and medical center style, voice and tone, and brand standards across all work.

10%
Editing/proofreading copy for accuracy and timeliness of names, information, facts, and data with consideration of adherence to university and medical center style, brand guidelines, and appropriate grammar and usage standards.

10%
Other duties as assigned.

Performance Objectives

0-3 Months:

• Complete onboarding meetings with Wexner Medical Center (WMC) Advancement, Advancement Marketing and Communications (AMC), relevant development officers and stewardship colleagues, university partners and AMC’s writing cohort.

• Read and understand university and medical center brand standards and style guides.

• Start attending regular meetings, including principal gifts meetings, for work assignments and relationship development. Engage with necessary internal Teams channels.

• Review existing proposals, stewardship pieces, cases for support and other print/digital materials to understand philanthropic writing, design and aesthetic as well as the medical center’s current communications channels/vehicles.

3-6 Months:

• Begin building relationships with WMC development officers, Donor Experience team and medical center leadership.

• Deepen knowledge of medical center and university style, voice and tone, and then apply appropriately across all work.

• Work collaboratively with other writers, AMC’s creative director, graphic designers and multimedia coordinator to create compelling materials.

6-12 Months:

• Develop highly productive and collaborative relationships with WMC partners, development officers and Donor Experience as well as with the AMC team.

• Independently strategize and produce high-caliber philanthropic communications materials that meet/exceed stakeholder expectations and deadlines.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field or equivalent experience.

• Four (4) years of professional writing/strategic communications experience.

• Experience with advanced storytelling, research, and client service skills.

• Experience in persuasive writing or proposal/grant writing.

• Experience with developing executive communications.

• Knowledge of Adobe products, including InDesign and Express.

Desired Qualifications (We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly)

• Five (5) years of professional writing/strategic communications experience specific to health care, or seven (7) years of professional writing/strategic communications experience.

• A comprehensive multimedia skillset, as well as some photo and video editing, and digital content creation experience.

• Experience with project management and a strong interpersonal coordination skillset.

• Experience writing philanthropic proposals in higher education/health care settings.

• Experience writing about technical, medical or scientific topics.

The Office of Advancement is committed to providing tools and resources for you to learn our business, proprietary databases, university-specific processes and advancement practices.

Commitment to Inclusion

The Office of Advancement is committed to active allyship in addressing and dismantling the inequities created by systemic racism and implicit, long-held bias. We pledge to act with kindness, respect, and integrity at all times; trust ourselves and our colleagues and empower their whole identities; and hear and see our colleagues’ ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.

You Need to Know

Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the diverse, smart, enjoyable, and growing city of Columbus, Ohio, this opportunity will provide exceptional rewards that arise from working for an institution doing worldwide life-changing teaching and research. Learn more here: https://hr.osu.edu/careers/.

In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position.

Additional Information:

To learn more about the Office of Advancement, please visit advancement.osu.edu.

Salary range: $58,100.00 - 77,450.00

Function: Marketing and Communications

Sub-function: Writing and Copy

Career Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized

Career Level: S3

Location:

University Square North (1031)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift