Copywriter & Content Strategist - University Communications University of Illinois - Chicago

Copywriter & Content Strategist - University Communications

Copywriter & Content Strategist - University Communications

Hiring Department : University Communications

Location : Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID : 1033564

FTE : 1

Work Schedule : Monday - Friday, 9AM - 5PM

Shift : Days

# of Positions : 1

Workplace Type : Hybrid

Posting Close Date : 5/14/2025

Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $63,000.00 - 70,000.00 / Annual Salary

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent 'Best Colleges' rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .

The Copywriter and Content Strategist is responsible for crafting, refining, and optimizing marketing content to elevate the brand and reputation of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). This role ensures consistency in messaging and brand voice across digital, social media, email, advertising, and other marketing channels, driving audience engagement and brand awareness.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Implement the brand identity and content priorities in support of university initiatives through strategic copywriting efforts.
• Serve as the university's expert on shaping clear, compelling, and consistent marketing content. Create and manage a content calendar for the UIC.edu homepage to ensure timely delivery of high-quality content.
• Identify content trends, audience preferences, and competitive insights to optimize copy accordingly. Identify social, editorial, and internal communications opportunities that support priority marketing campaigns and initiatives, assisting with copy development as needed.
• Write and refine clear, compelling copy for various marketing channels, including print, digital, email, social media, newsletters, advertising campaigns, and video scripts.
• Edit and proofread copy for accuracy, clarity, grammar, punctuation, and adherence to brand voice, style guidelines, and SEO best practices. Collaborate with design, marketing, and digital teams to develop visually appealing and effective content.
• Develop copy for diverse content types, including articles, case studies, websites, infographics, multimedia content, and promotional materials showcasing UIC's academic programs, research initiatives, student achievements, and campus life.
• Manage and mentor copywriters, providing guidance on content creation, editing techniques, and project management to ensure quality and consistency.
• Maintain and evolve content style guides, editorial calendars, and workflow processes to streamline content production.
• Strategize and collaborate to enhance content discoverability on UIC websites through organic and paid methods.
• Structure content effectively with headings, bullet points, and formatting techniques to improve readability and SEO.
• Optimize content to increase organic search visibility and drive traffic. Conduct keyword research using industry tools to improve content ranking and performance.
• Support website evaluation for technical SEO in collaboration with the digital team. Monitor and analyze SEO metrics to measure the effectiveness of content strategies and copywriting efforts.
• Use data-driven insights to refine content strategies and improve engagement. Conduct regular audits of existing content to identify opportunities for improvement and optimization. Contribute to monthly reporting on content performance and audience engagement.
• Work closely with the Strategic Marketing and Communications team and other stakeholders, including academic departments, administrative units, and external partners, to develop integrated marketing campaigns.
• Develop and execute strategic marketing initiatives that align with UIC's institutional goals and enhance audience engagement.
• Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in copywriting, SEO, and digital marketing.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on editorial policies, content standards, and writing best practices, providing guidance and training to internal teams and external contributors.
• Coordinate with freelance contractors as needed for content production, ensuring quality standards and project timelines are met.
• Demonstrate understanding of university's mission, values, goals, and priorities and an ability to ensure that all are considered in developing marketing and communications strategies. Commitment to the mission and values of UIC, including a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Other duties as assigned and as they emerge in an ever-evolving marketing and communications landscape built on advancing the mission, vision, and purpose of UIC.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

1. Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field.
2. One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, newspaper reporting, radio/television broadcasting with emphasis on production, or web/digital media.
3. Expertise in AP Style, SEO best practices, and content management systems (CMS).
4. In addition to the experience listed, we require at least 5 years of experience in copywriting, content creation, and editing within a marketing, higher education, or digital agency environment.

Note: Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education marketing or institutional branding.
• 3-5 years of experience in a marketing or advertising agency setting, preferably with a focus on higher education.
• Digital marketing certification, such as Google Analytics, SEO/SEM certification, or related credentials.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards and experience delivering compliant digital content.
• Ability to adapt quickly to evolving priorities and market trends in a dynamic organization.

To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

To apply, visit

Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.

Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency
jeid-415a61d84a1867419fb3c03188583a45