Creative Copywriter

Proposed Start Date 11/16/2026 Classification Title Communications / Marketing Rank N
- No Rank Working Title Creative Copywriter Department 101400 - OMC Marketing & Communications Position Number D98593 Representation UU
- Unclassified Unrepresented Renewable Renewable End date, if applicable Position FTE 1.0 Tenure Status N - not applicable

Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept

Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands‑on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.

More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree‑lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state‑of‑the‑art science labs. We are proud of our world‑class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.

From our campus in the heart of Portland, University Marketing & Communications (UMC) is the university’s strategic and creative powerhouse. We tell the bold, vibrant stories that showcase PSU as a diverse, forward‑thinking, impact‑driven institution. We act as stewards of the university’s brand and animators of its narrative, driving enrollment, employee pride, community engagement and global reputation. Through compelling visual and written content and a strategic approach to social media, media relations and internal communications, we highlight Portland State’s achievements, foster engagement and reinforce the university’s contributions to our community and beyond.

The Creative Copywriter is the voice of the university, translating complex academic achievements, student experiences and institutional initiatives into compelling, emotionally resonant narratives.

This role demands a versatile writer who can pivot seamlessly from a high‑energy undergraduate enrollment campaign to web copy for academic programs to a sophisticated alumni fundraising appeal, all while strictly adhering to the university’s brand guidelines.

The position reports to the Creative Director in University Marketing and Communications. This is a fully in person full‑time (1.0 FTE) renewable 12‑month appointment.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or a related writing‑focused field.
• Experience:
  
  4-6 years of professional copywriting experience in an agency, corporate marketing department, or higher education setting.
• Portfolio: A strong portfolio of published work demonstrating versatility across digital, print, and video mediums.

• Exceptional research and writing skills for higher education, nonprofits, or the education sector.
• Superior ideation skills and understanding of SEO best practices and writing for user experience (UX).
• Excellent organizational skills and multitasking ability.
• Experience in working with diverse photographers, designers and videographers.
• Competence in using generative AI writing tools ethically as a brainstorming or efficiency partner.

• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating…