Job Details

Staff Writer

Position Number: 6317050
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Position Type: Communications - Journalism

Staff Writer

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title
Staff Writer

Job Profile Title
Staff Writer B

Job Description Summary
Independently write and create web content, social media, student stories, multimedia features and event coverage. Manage the organization and presentation of existing web content for a new web presence. Work with Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics (LAIC) team on assigned content creation as needed.

Develop and manage communications-related content for LAIC, Annenberg Classroom, and the Civics Renewal Network (CRN)'s web presence. Help develop social media accounts and ensure that content is consistent with branding standards and style guidelines.
Develop and manage communications-related content for Penn's main website, news and events. Throughout social media accounts, ensure that content is consistent with branding standards and style guide.

Job Description

A premier communication policy center, The Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania (APPC) was founded in 1993. By conducting and disseminating research, staging conferences and hosting policy discussions, its scholars have addressed the role of communication in politics, science, adolescent behavior, child development, health care, suicide prevention, civics, and mental health, among other important areas. The center's researchers have drafted materials that have helped policy makers, journalists, scholars, constituent groups and the general public better understand the role that media play in their lives and the life of the nation.

APPC's Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics (LAIC) focuses on educating students throughout the country in the processes of government and the responsibilities of citizenship, on training teachers to engage students in active learning for this purpose, and on sustaining these efforts with new resources and strategic partnerships. Through Annenberg Classroom and the Civics Renewal Network, which it organized and manages, LAIC has developed award-winning materials to help educators and schools do a better job of teaching youth about citizen rights, civic responsibility, democracy and the Constitution.

Job Responsibilities

Work with multiple stakeholders to manage and organize existing web content for the development of a new web presence
Write content across a variety of communication channels and vehicles that reflect, support, and amplify the LAIC and CRN's shared missions
Participate in discussions to identify and execute most effective ways to articulate strategic messaging
Revise, edit, and proofread print and electronic content
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science and 2 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Superb writing and proofreading skills with a strong attention to detail are required
Must have an excellent command of language, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
A demonstrated ability to write effectively on a variety of topics
Strong research and organizational skills required
Experience writing in a higher education or non-profit setting a plus
Experience using a CMS, such as WordPress or Drupal, and a variety of social media platforms is required
Must be able to work collaboratively as well as independently.
Must be fully proficient in the MS Suite.

This is a one-year term limit position with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding.

A resume AND cover letter must be submitted to be considered for candidacy.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Annenberg School for Communication

Pay Range
$55,000.00 - $60,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Annenberg-Public-Policy-Center---1st-Floor/Staff-Writer_JR00107488