Senior Writer

Grand Canyon University•Phoenix, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Grand Canyon University! One of Arizona’s leading institutions of higher learning. Located in the Valley of Sun in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, GCU is a regionally accredited, private, nondenominational Christian University. The Office of Communications and Public Relations at Grand Canyon University is responsible for two general-interest publications created for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the public. Our mission is to tell the stories of the University in an informative and timely manner across multiple platforms, guided by principles of accuracy and fairness. Do you like to work with creative minds and develop unique projects? Grand Canyon University's Public Relations/Communications department is seeking a Senior Writer. This person is responsible for identifying, researching and writing copy for a variety of internal GCU printed and electronic communications as part of the News Bureau team. This role is located at our Main Campus on 33rd Ave and Camelback. What you will do: Works collaboratively with the communications team to produce and coordinate a variety of electronic and printed communication vehicles targeted to internal (current students, faculty, staff and alumni) and external audiences. Reports on campus news, which ranges from music/public events to academic issues and highlights to student campus life. Contributes to all GCU communication as needed for GCU News and GCU Magazine. Serves as a resource to internal university clients by assisting them in planning, editing and writing marketing- and nonmarketing-related, internally focused communications messages. Assists with internal communications and public relations efforts with outside media. Ensures that internal communications reflect the voice, tone and culture of GCU and helps apply related internal communications standards and policies. Develops a production schedule and meets with internal clients on a regular basis to ensure that all project deadlines are on schedule. Assists with maintenance of the GCU News website, which involves publishing stories, slideshows and videos and may involve taking and posting photos. Participates in meetings regularly with internal clients to understand their challenges and requirements. Responsible for proposing and supporting effective communications strategies for targeting specific audiences using the appropriate tone, vehicle and frequency. Researches internal communications projects and events being conducted at competitive institutions and offers ideas and suggestions to assist the team in remaining current and responsive to the changing communications landscape. May assist with project scheduling and coordination for the department. May assist with budget tracking and reconciliation.

Requirements

Exceptional writing skills for both internal messaging and content publishing.
Strong writing, editing and copywriting skills to AP Style.
Ability to convey complex subject matter in an understandable and interesting style.
Ability to distill information to key message points.
Ability to develop strong working relationships with all internal stakeholders to craft meaningful, understandable communications based on audience needs.
Ability to confidently converse with associates at all levels of the organization through a variety of channels.
Ability to think and communicate clearly — formulate a clear point of view on complicated issues and create a concise and well-written narrative to express it.
Ability to deal with ambiguity; have a bias for action and form a cohesive and effective outcome from potentially incongruous facts (or lack thereof) and individual perspectives.
Strong project management skills, including establishing performance metrics and milestones; planning, organizing and facilitating meetings; and working within established deadlines.
Must be highly detailed-oriented and a self-starter, with the ability to check facts and figures for accuracy as well as manage the timeliness of approvals.
Computer proficiency utilizing routine office software such as MS Office Suite, email, internet, Photoshop, blog software, etc., and a familiarity with social media platforms.
Willingness to work evenings, weekends or holidays when necessary.
Must pass a pre-employment background investigation.
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, preferably in journalism, communications, marketing or English.
Minimum of 5 years’ related work experience in public relations or public/external affairs.
Proven record (portfolio) of writing for a variety of audiences and taking complex concepts and key messages and simplifying them into easy-to-read stories.
Ability to work evenings, weekends or holidays when necessary
If supporting Athletics, may require ability to travel overnight during weeknights and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Photoshop.
Experience working with WordPress Block Editor and Salesforce Marketing.
Experience in working with still cameras and with video teams.
Experience in formatting and distributing electronic publications and/or developing web content.
Strong editing experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Works collaboratively with the communications team to produce and coordinate a variety of electronic and printed communication vehicles targeted to internal (current students, faculty, staff and alumni) and external audiences.
Reports on campus news, which ranges from music/public events to academic issues and highlights to student campus life.
Contributes to all GCU communication as needed for GCU News and GCU Magazine.
Serves as a resource to internal university clients by assisting them in planning, editing and writing marketing- and nonmarketing-related, internally focused communications messages.
Assists with internal communications and public relations efforts with outside media.
Ensures that internal communications reflect the voice, tone and culture of GCU and helps apply related internal communications standards and policies.
Develops a production schedule and meets with internal clients on a regular basis to ensure that all project deadlines are on schedule.
Assists with maintenance of the GCU News website, which involves publishing stories, slideshows and videos and may involve taking and posting photos.
Participates in meetings regularly with internal clients to understand their challenges and requirements.
Responsible for proposing and supporting effective communications strategies for targeting specific audiences using the appropriate tone, vehicle and frequency.
Researches internal communications projects and events being conducted at competitive institutions and offers ideas and suggestions to assist the team in remaining current and responsive to the changing communications landscape.
May assist with project scheduling and coordination for the department.
May assist with budget tracking and reconciliation.