University of Colorado Denver | Creative Content Producer

Copywriting

Description

Contribute your skills to the respected field of higher education. Create content that drives a major university forward. Grow your career alongside talented and knowledgeable colleagues. Work in a vibrant urban setting with views of the amazing Rocky Mountains.

CU Denver University Communications is looking for a talented creative content producer to create compelling feature stories, blog posts and web copy. We’re looking for someone who will help us drive more value through online content. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of producing pieces that increase engagement. This position requires a high level of creativity, as well as the ability to use data-driven insights to write better material. The successful candidate should also be detail-oriented and committed to meeting tight deadlines. Preference will be given to those with a strong writing portfolio, relevant bachelor’s degree and applicable work experience. This position reports to the editorial content manager and offices in downtown Denver.

CU Denver offers more than 100 degree programs, from the bachelor’s to the doctoral level, in the heart of downtown. We are CU in the City – where a diverse student body of more than 15,000 pursue academic programs ranging from global energy management to music industry studies to criminal justice. As part of the state’s largest public university system and Colorado’s only public urban research university, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with nearly 2,500 employees and annual economic impact of $800 million.

POSITION EMPHASIS:

The Creative Content Producer is responsible for providing professional-quality creative content that supports and promotes the university missions of education, scientific advancement and community service. The primary responsibilities for the content specialist include reporting, writing and publishing creative content about CU Denver’s people, programs and research, as well as trending topics in order to achieve university marketing objectives. The content producer works as a member of the University Communications team and promotes the image, impact and reputation of the university.

The person in this position writes concise, engaging, professional-quality copy for the university’s online newsroom and both internal and external e-newsletters. Creates and/or procures photos and artwork for stories. Identifies newsworthy subjects, research and happenings at CU Denver and tracks broadly trending topics to inform content. Work is performed both independently and in collaboration with University Communications team members. May be asked to edit content written by other editorial team members as well as student contributors. Adheres to deadlines.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

As assigned, performs interviews, gathers information, writes stories and produces feature content for university homepage, online newsroom and e-newsletters. Secures stakeholder approval of articles.

Takes photographs and/or manages shoots with freelance photographer.

Builds web pages for stories with all text and visual assets in content management system, editing images as needed.

Considers best channels for content distribution to meet user needs, including social platforms.

Contributes to editorial/content plans and calendars.

Sources/pitches story ideas and builds a network of key contacts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, communications, public relations or related writing-intensive field.

1-2 years of full-time, professional writing/content production experience for a marketing agency, news media organization, public relations firm or similar organization, preferably for an online publication.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience producing concise, well-reported stories and content for multiple audiences in support of marketing objectives.

Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, in particular Photoshop.

Basic photography skills and experience.

Basic graphic design skills experience.

Experience extending an organization’s brand and key messages through targeted content development.

Knowledge and experience with SEO/keyword practices.

Experience developing sources and pitching story ideas to editorial team.

Experience with interviewing, researching, gathering, and verifying facts.

Experience creating and publishing social media posts.

COMPETENCIES:

Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

Ability to interface with colleagues at all levels of the organization.

Outstanding customer service skills.

Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.

Ability to combine writing, images, infographics and other visual assets to tell engaging stories and meet user need.

Demonstrated ability to build story pages in a content management system (WordPress, Sitefinity, Drupal or similar technology).

Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex issues into simple yet meaningful content.

Strong knowledge of English language structure, grammar, AP Style.

Spanish-language proficiency a plus.

Ability to copy edit written pieces efficiently and accurately.

Self-starter who can work both independently as well as in a team environment.

Ability to meet regular deadlines.

Strong ability with Microsoft Office Suite.