Reporting to the University Editor, the Assistant University Editor works collaboratively with Communications colleagues and key stakeholders across campus to develop communications for the university community and to create strategies and tools to help the university nurture its relationships with its diverse constituents more broadly. This individual focuses on content production for designated university publications, websites and social media channels, as well as edits/proofs all official university publications for print and digital publication.

Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

Essential Functions:

• Assists the University Editor in the development – from conceptualization to production – of signature university publications, including W&L: The Magazine, annual reports, the law school newsletter, and other publications as needed.

• Takes a lead role in the creation and distribution of alumni-facing print tabloids, such as the Law Newsletter, and designated electronic newsletters with an Advancement focus including Generally Speaking (monthly) for alumni and Family Connection (monthly) for parents.

• Writes alumni-related news articles, feature stories and profiles for the W&L magazine, website and other university publications.

• Supports development of digital alumni magazine presence.

• Serves as a member of the Communications Office content strategy group, participating in the development of story ideas and the strategic integration of key messages and institutional storytelling in advancement materials.

• Edits stories by staff and freelance writers for alumni magazine, website, newsletters and other publications. Edits and proofreads material designed and produced by the Communications Office.

• Conducts writing/editing training for university community; serves as an editorial resource for other departments.

• Ensures brand and messaging consistency across all platforms of advancement communications.

• Covers university events.

• Additional related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, marketing, or development, preferably in higher education. Expertise in news and feature writing, and an understanding of how to inspire connections to W&L across diverse audiences, and the ability to write and adapt copy for all communications platforms. Excellent writing, editing and interpersonal communication skills. Superb attention to detail and proven experience in proofreading/copyediting. Excellent storytelling abilities and the capacity to frame W&L's current and evolving story in a clear and compelling way to W&L alumni. Experience working with writers, photographers and designers to produce quality publications within strict budgets and deadlines. Aptitude for strategic thinking and the use of metrics in developing strategy, assessing effectiveness, and achieving goals. Ability to collaborate and build relationships, to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents, and to understand the essence, culture, and values of the Washington and Lee community. Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize, and perform well on deadline as well as on long-term projects.

Application Instructions:

Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Please include a cover letter, resume, and three writing samples (either uploaded with application materials or shared through a link). Upload documents to the Resume/CV upload section of the application. You will be asked to provide names and contact information for three professional references on the application form.

External Applicants: Application instructions for external applicants are located on the jobs.wlu.edu or here.

Current W&L Employees: Apply from your existing Workday account. Instructions are located at jobs.wlu.edu or here.

Work Schedule: M-F, 8:30am - 4:30pm.

Physical Requirements:

• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling.

• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.

• Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Working Conditions: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Types of Work: Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Position Type: Position Type: Exempt, Full Time, Benefit Eligible

Minimum Pay: $55,131.00 - Pay Commensurate with Experience

The university requires employees to become fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and new employees must provide proof of at least their first shot prior to the first day of employment. Boosters are required. Individuals may seek a medical or a religious exemption to the vaccination requirement.