Senior Writer, DARMAX

University of Pennsylvania

8d•$77,330 - $87,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Writer is an integral part of the Development and Alumni Relations Marketing and Communications team (also known as DARMAX) at the University of Pennsylvania. Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic Communications, this position is one of three high-level development writers and speechwriters on the team. This role is primarily responsible for crafting a high volume of executive remarks for Penn’s President, Board Chair, and other leadership volunteers to underscore key messages of the University, steward Penn’s top donors, and raise awareness about fundraising priorities. Additionally, this person will cultivate a deep understanding of and appreciation for Penn and produce highly visible, strategic content for print and web in a complex, deadline-driven environment. The ideal candidate will be a highly skilled and collaborative writer who will work closely with campus partners and senior leaders to align messaging around strategic priorities. They must possess the ability to research, absorb, synthesize, and communicate complex information on a wide variety of topics in a compelling manner. They will energetically and proactively forge professional relationships across the University, and they will bring a productive, positive, and curious perspective to assignments, challenges, and opportunities. This position requires a resourceful and versatile writer who is comfortable with a variety of styles, including the aptitude to work with generative AI tools, and who can communicate effectively to multiple audiences including donors, alumni, parents, volunteers, University leaders, faculty, students, and staff.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field and 5 to 7 years of professional writing experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Superb writing, editing, and oral communication skills are essential, particularly the ability to write top-quality prose in a fast-paced environment.
Experience as a speechwriter is strongly preferred.
Capability to learn the “voice” of the President and Board Chair and nimbly respond to shifting priorities and messaging.
An ability to digest complex information, understand multifaceted concepts, and translate those concepts into compelling prose.
Strong interpersonal skills with a high degree of competency and comfort in interacting with people at all professional levels.
The ability to present ideas with credibility and handle feedback gracefully.
Familiarity using a database for research.
Openness and enthusiasm for learning about and using existing and emerging technologies (including AI) to enhance our communications work.
A proven track record in project management (including the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with overlapping deadlines).
Facility with a range of technologies required, including experience with or comfort learning project management software, customer relationship management databases, and cloud-based software suites such as Sharepoint and Office365.
Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
A strong work ethic, an unwavering commitment to integrity, and a strict adherence to maintaining confidentiality.
Knowledge of higher education, particularly research universities.
Applicants must submit resume, cover letter, and 2-3 writing samples in order to be considered.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a speechwriter is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Conceive, research, and write a high volume of imaginative, substantive, and compelling presidential speeches and related communications.
Produce talking points, print publications, website content, video scripts, citations and awards, and event marketing materials in a demanding, deadline-driven environment.
Craft messaging that supports the University’s values, strategic framework, and evolving fundraising priorities.
Collaborate with DARMAX colleagues to maximize the impact of our entire suite of communications, working especially closely with other writers, graphic designers, digital staff, video producers, event planners, and more.
Maintain productive relationships with colleagues across Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) and in the President’s Office to facilitate effective communication and information sharing.
Communicate messages in a clear and consistent voice to a variety of audiences and constituencies in diverse settings.
Consistently exercise strategic judgement, discretion, and painstaking accuracy.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars
Exceptional tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependent children (including at other institutions for dependent children)
Generous retirement plans (Basic, Matching, and Supplemental) with pre-tax or Roth options and a variety of investment options
Substantial amount of time away from work (vacation, personal affairs, illness, injury, family time)
Long-Term Care Insurance (optional, with underwriting requirements for family members)
Wellness and Work-life Resources
Professional and Personal Development resources
Access to a wide range of University resources, cultural, and recreational activities (libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, museums, theaters)
Discounts and special services (arts and entertainment, transportation, mortgages, new cars, cellular phone service, movie tickets, theme parks)
Flexible Work Hours
Penn Home Ownership Services (forgivable loan for eligible employees in West Philadelphia)
Adoption Assistance (reimbursement for qualified expenses up to two adoptions)