Senior Writer, Alumni Magazine

Department

ARD Alumni Magazine 2

About the Department

Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. ARD raises $600 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute.

Alumni Relations and Development Communications works with partners across ARD and the University to create fundraising and engagement materials for University of Chicago alumni, parents and friends. Within ARD Communications, the Publications team produces several print periodicals, e-newsletters, and other written communications including the flagship University of Chicago Magazine, now in its 117th volume.

Job Summary

The Senior Writer writes several stories per issue, as well as assigning and acting as lead editor on other stories and sections. This role also writes a variety of communications for the University. Works with moderate guidance to research, compose, and edit high-level communications, publications and/or reports with complex and specialized subject matter.

Responsibilities

• Writes 1–2 features per Magazine issue, shorter print stories, and online-first content to engage Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) audiences.
• Develops original ideas and pitches them to the editorial staff.
• Conducts interviews, including national or international travel, and researches extensively.
• Organizes research notes for fact-checking and edits stories through multiple input rounds.
• Writes sidebars and online extras, suggesting ways to promote and extend stories’ reach.
• Reviews all sections of the Magazine, providing structural and line edits.
• Covers faculty research, University news, profiles, and updates on honors and accomplishments.
• Selects stories with the senior associate editor, writes or assigns them, and researches visuals.
• Writes captions, headlines, and subheads, and collaborates on layout design with the graphic designer.
• Conducts interviews with students, faculty, alumni, and others within and outside the University.
• Coordinates coverage with the University's News Office and researches a range of topics.
• Contributes stories to The Core, Tableau, and various e-newsletters.
• Writes proposals, stewardship reports, annual giving letters, and marketing materials as needed.
• Stays updated on academic trends, University news, and campus activities through regular reading.
• Coordinates with campus groups and manages external printing logistics.
• Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance, including building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
• Works with minimal guidance to edit complex manuscripts and other forms of copy for
• Researches, verifies, writes and edits publications, which can include technical/scientific material for manuals or journals.
• Uses knowledge of writing with moderate levels of guidance to write in-depth pieces relating to specialized field (e.g. scientific writing).
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree.

Experience:

• Background writing and editing professionally.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, including the University's Donor Relationship Management System, Microsoft Windows computer environment, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.

Preferred Competencies

• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively.
• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Self-motivated and take initiative.
• Prioritize multiple projects and ind