Job Description

Senior Writer

time type - Full time
job requisition id R-202400203

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Job Summary  

The senior writer serves as a valued member of a team of writers and editors charged with telling the story of Smith today. A skilled and creative writer, the senior writer serves as a generalist, creating content about a range of topics, from on-campus events and initiatives to how alums are changing the world. The senior writer is creative, deadline-oriented, productive, and entrepreneurial in their approach to discovering compelling stories that bring the college to life for a diverse readership of students, faculty, staff, and alums.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

EDITORIAL-85%

Function as an integral part of a highly collaborative editorial team charged with telling the story of Smith, its people, priorities, and place in the world

Report and write news and feature stories, in the range of four to six per month, that can be used across communications platforms, including the college's website, the Smith magazine, and social media. Stories should speak to the college's themes of knowledge creation, community, and generosity

Be nimble and responsive and able to produce copy quickly and with accuracy, as necessary

Serve as a back-up for producing and editing Notes From Paradise weekly electronic newsletter

Assist with writing award citations, web copy, and other collateral

Other editorial duties as assigned

ADMINISTRATIVE-15%

Independently manage a range of editorial projects, using good judgment to make decisions and offer solutions to issues and concerns as they arise

Actively participate in content-development meetings; provide thoughtful and creative ideas, input, and insight to editorial efforts

Develop productive working relationships with colleagues and leaders across campus

Stay informed about college priorities and initiatives

Adhere to established production schedules and quality standards, and alert supervisor to any unexpected delays or concerns as they arise  

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or communication, or a related field, and at least five to seven years of professional writing experience.          

Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Skills

Must have comprehensive knowledge of communication concepts and high-level skills in writing (from journalism to marketing copy), editing, and interviewing sources for stories. Must also possess networking and interpersonal skills as well as skills distinguishable by creativity, initiative, adaptability, diplomacy, ability to handle sensitive and confidential material, and a flair for multitasking with minimal supervision and staying organized. Must be deadline-oriented and have the ability to produce numerous and varied pieces of content quickly and accurately. Should be adept at using Microsoft Word and Google docs.

Additional Information

Eligible for hybrid work after an initial onboarding period which would require completely on-campus work.

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

How To Apply

For a complete job description and how to apply visit https://smithcollege.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/smithcollege/details. Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.