Job Type: Full time
Welcome to Furman University's Career Site!IMPORTANT:​ Load all documents in the My Experience area under Resume/CV. This may include your resume/C.V., cover letter, unofficial transcript, teaching philosophy, etc. Please wait for all documents to finish uploading before clicking Next.If the process times out you will lose your progress, so please ensure you have all necessary documents available before starting.The drop-down lists only display so many options: please type into a drop-down list to search for your option. For example: in Field of Study, you may need to enter your field name. If you have no field, type "None."If you have previously applied, make sure your information is current as you can transfer it to another application.Prior to submitting your application, verify all information for accuracy and ensure you have uploaded all appropriate documents.  Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application other than to change your contact information.If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please contact the Office of Human Resources via email at recruitment@furman.edu or by calling 864-294-3103.Job Title:Senior WriterJob Family:ProfessionalsFull-Time/Part-Time:Full timeCompensation Grade:7SPay Type:SalaryDepartment:Editorial ContentJob Summary:As a member of the University Communications team, the Senior Writer is responsible for writing and editing news content, feature stories and copy for multiple mediums including print, web/digital, social, video scripts and advertising, with the goal of illustrating the impact of Furman and its students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors. The Senior Writer will create and edit content for a wide range of print and digital communications including magazine stories, news releases, marketing and advertising materials, internal communications and presentations. The Senior Writer will adapt the tone of their writing to ensure that messages are targeted toward specific audiences. Working on the Strategic Communications team, the Senior Writer reports to the Director of Editorial Content and assists the director, Assistant Vice President for University Communications and Director of News and Media Strategy in developing story ideas and strategies. The Senior Writer collaborates with all members of the University Communications team, and Furman faculty and staff to deliver creative and compelling stories. *The Senior Writer is a proven expert in Associated Press style, feature writing and news writing.*Job Description:Responsibilities:In partnership with University Communications leadership and staff, develop story budgets for various publications and platforms, including Furman Magazine, the Furman news page (furman.edu/news), the weekly e-newsletter Dins Digest and Furman’s social media channels.Adhering to AP style, write and edit stories and other communications that raise the awareness and reputation of Furman University, attract top students, and engage and inspire alumni and friends to volunteer and give.Serve as a project manager for stories and e-newsletters, juggle multiple deadlines and competing priorities, and demonstrate strong and creative storytelling, attention to detail and accuracy; produce an average of three stories per week, in addition to other assignments and projects, and be responsible for pitching viable story ideas weekly to their supervisor and in weekly news meetings.Assist the Director of Editorial Content with planning, editing and producing Furman Magazine and other publications, and collaborate with the Director of News and Media Strategy to develop and produce news stories.In partnership with communications staff, consider and explore new forms of storytelling, encompassing the latest communications formats, tools and delivery methods.Create and edit copy as a self-starter who understands how to communicate effectively to different audiences and across various platforms.Work both independently and within teams, adhering to deadlines and standard journalism principles.Ensure all work is done in alignment with the vision and values of University Communications and Furman University.Research industry standards, trends, breakthroughs and best practices, communicating results to the team.Perform other duties as assigned, such as advertising copy, social media copy and other written material.Relationships:Collaboration with Strategic Communications team, the Director of News and Media Strategy, colleagues in University Communications and other divisions and departments to plan, coordinate, problem solve and present information.Decision-making Responsibilities:Responsible for project management including initiating, completing and assessing own work.Work involves non-routine situations and interpretation of analytics and information, and requires perspective, experience and flexibility in the establishment of procedures, deadlines and creative approach.Work is collaborative at concept stage and requires openness and communication in determining and directing the appropriate course of action.Work is performed in collaboration and independently except when the interpretation of law, policy, rule, complex procedure or request for exception is required.Reporting:The position reports to the Director of Editorial Content.Work Conditions:Work is performed under usual office conditions.Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications-related discipline required, with 3 or more years of experience in journalism, public relations or related field.Excellent writing and verbal communications skills. Demonstrated writing abilities for multiple styles and platforms and expertise in Associated Press style.Application Requirements:ResumeCover letterWriting samples: provide a minimum of three writing samples that reflect the type of work indicated in this job description.ReferencesCandidates selected for interviews will be expected to share a story idea and be prepared to discuss their impressions of Furman’s news site and Furman Magazine. Candidates will also be required to complete a writing test.Why GreenvilleAn award-winning city, Greenville and the surrounding area is the third-largest urban area in South Carolina and the fastest growing. Nationally recognized for our urban development, sustainability, beauty, food and campus, Greenville continues to top lists of destinations to visit. Our city has the highest foreign manufacturing investment per capita in America, with Fortune 500 companies like BMW, General Electric and Michelin leading the way. With several hundred restaurants, music and theater and arts venues, Greenville has gained recognition in various national publications such as CNN Money, which ranked Greenville as one of the "Top 10 Fastest Growing Cities in the U.S." Bloomberg named Greenville the 3rd Strongest Job Market, and Forbes named Greenville the 13th Best City for Young Professionals. Strategically located in the Southeast, Greenville’s bustling downtown is minutes from the Blue Ridge Mountains, beaches, other small towns and big cities.University Communications Culture and Values StatementUniversity Communications’ values are grounded in professionalism, respect and humility. We are unified, driven and purposeful in pursuing our common goal of advancing Furman University. We approach every task as problem-solvers who are curious, creative and innovative – and good listeners first. We value each other’s diverse talents, and understand that achieving excellence requires care and attention to the personal growth and well-being of each member of our team. At the end of the day, our work should be fun, engaging and inspiring – and create advocates across the Furman community and beyond. What is The Furman Advantage? The Furman Advantage guarantees every student an unparalleled education that combines classroom learning with real-world experiences and self-discovery. Our unique approach to education is highly personalized and includes engaged learning, reflection, belonging and mentoring. Each element helps to prepare students for lives of purpose and accelerated career and community impact. Furman graduates know how to do the work, in the classroom and in the world, and they are uniquely attuned to how they will make their impact after their four-year journey.Education Requirements:Certification Requirements:Job Posting End Date (if date is blank, posting is open ended):