Copywriter and Editor

Department: College of Visual and Performing Arts

Classification: Public Relations & Mktg Spec 3

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Mason Arts is the collective presence of the arts embedded throughout George Mason University. Mason Arts encompasses the seven academic programs of the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), seven community arts programs, seven galleries, two performing arts centers, and our digital venue, Mason Arts Amplified. The impact of this work shows up as the largest arts presence in Northern Virginia.

At every stage of life, Mason Arts enables people to explore their creativity and passion for art and artistry in all its forms. The fusion of academic and professional work on campus and throughout the community is the hallmark of Mason Arts: nowhere else do students of all ages enjoy the close connection to professional artists and innovative opportunities that are available here.

The Copywriter and Editor is a vital member of the Mason Arts Marketing team, responsible for creating and refining written content that adheres to George Mason University’s brand standards. This position ensures Mason Arts communications demonstrate our commitment to inclusive excellence and student success by highlighting opportunities for creative engagement and academic achievement. Serving as the primary writer and editor for all publications and marketing communications, this role guarantees consistency, clarity, and audience engagement across multiple platforms.

The Copywriter and Editor collaborates closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Office of University Branding (OUB), and other CVPA stakeholders to advance the College’s strategic communication goals.

• Content Creation and Coordination:
  Develops compelling and impactful copy for a wide range of marketing materials, including news articles, email campaigns, print and digital publication designs, advertisements, and performance/program event descriptions; and Collaborates with the Director of Marketing and OUB to align messaging with institutional branding and marketing strategies.
• Editorial Leadership:
  Serves as the primary editor for the Mason Arts Marketing team, ensuring all written content adheres to brand guidelines and maintains a high standard of quality;
  Provides editing and proofreading services to enhance clarity, accuracy, and impact;
  Refines the Mason Arts-specific editorial style guide using George Mason’s editorial style guide to help the team follow best practices most often used in Mason Arts communications; and Utilizes the project management tool Wrike to create and manage a centralized location for written copy in a given academic year.
• Press and Public Relations Support:
  Drafts press releases and event calendars in consultation with and support of the Public Relations Consultant; and Assists in the preparation of talking points for events, programs, and other initiatives involving development, donors, press opportunities, the Dean's office, and programming as needed.
• Annual Report Management:
  Oversees copy writing and editing of the Mason Arts annual report, ensuring it effectively communicates the college's achievements and initiatives to stakeholders.
• Strategic Communication Advising:
  Provides guidance on the development of communications messaging for various initiatives, offering support as needed to enhance the college's visibility and engagement with diverse audiences.

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent related work experience;
• Typically, 3 to 5 years of experience in copywriting and editing, preferably within a higher education or arts-focused environment;
• English grammar, style, and editorial standards (Chicago style);
• Marketing, branding, and audience engagement principles;
• Digital content best practices and accessibility…