Editorial Writer and Content Strategist

Editorial Writer and Content Strategist

Job no: 521483
Work type: On Campus
Location: Normal, Illinois

Title: Editorial Writer and Content Strategist
Division Name: University Advancement
Department: University Marketing & Communications

Job Summary

This position is responsible for maintaining editorial standards for Illinois State University's many communications, contributing to the editorial quality and consistency of University communications through professional writing and editing skills.

As a key member of the editorial and online communications team, the editor/writer ultimately is responsible for seeing that communication projects proceed to completion on deadline and are of such quality that they convey the University's overall excellence.

Additionally this position maintains editorial consistency of the University's online communications, especially those delivered through University Marketing and Communications. Online copy editing duties related to the flagship social media and University News system are examples of these online domains.

Additional Information

University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$23.60 - $26.78 per hour

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, or closely related field.
2. Two (2) years (24 months) of experience writing for a newspaper, magazine, trade publication, or news organization or writing in a public relations, research, or business communications environment.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Working knowledge of The Associated Press Stylebook, as well as other similar references.
2. Understanding of the rules of grammar.
3. Copyediting and proofing skills.
4. Attention to detail.
5. Ability to write clear and cogent copy.
6. Ability to work under deadline pressure.
7. Ability to enforce and explain style rules when working with clients for print and online projects.
8. Ability to write multi-sourced, magazine length features.
9. Working knowledge of SEO and web analytics.
10. Experience editing and compiling an e-newsletter.
11. General knowledge of the process for print publication.
12. Working knowledge of photography, videography, and Adobe Creative Cloud Suite.
13. Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word.
14. Ability to work with a committee structure and in partnership with multiple clients/offices on any given project.
15. Availability to occasionally work outside normal business hours to cover a story or an event.

Work Hours

8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods.
2. Move about in various locations across campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.

Proposed Starting Date

April 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Resume
Cover Letter
Transcripts - See Special Instructions section for additional options

Please Note:
These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Optional Applicant Documents

Certification of Retirement Annuity

Please Note:
These documents may be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Please fully complete the entire application including, but not limited to, the education and work history portions. Be specific on your work history, including employment dates (if part-time you must list the number of work hours) and duties for all positions…