Sr Communications Associate & Sr. Editor

Number of Vacancies : 1

Area of Consideration:
Open To The Public

Position Status:
Full-Time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0058/ 4

Salary Range:
Commensurate with rank and experience

Closing Date:
Open Until Filled

Location:

4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Brief Description of Duties

As a member of the University of the District of Columbia's Office of Marketing and Communications, the Senior Communications Associate / Senior Editor develops, writes and edits high-quality written content that supports the university's strategic priorities, campaigns and storytelling efforts. This position reports directly to the Director of Communications and functions as a senior individual contributor within the office. The incumbent collaborates with writers, designers, social media and web colleagues to produce compelling and accurate content across multiple platforms, ensuring alignment with AP Style, university brand voice, institutional values and messaging consistency.

This role supports content development, editorial refinement and publication packaging, and contributes to high-quality written materials that elevate UDC's visibility, reputation, recruitment efforts and impact.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

* Content Development and Editorial Production (30%)

Develops, writes, edits, and refines high-quality written content for university publications, website pages, email communications, marketing materials, speeches, profiles, features, storyboards, talking points, blog posts, and other communication deliverables, ensuring clarity, consistency, and adherence to institutional brand, editorial, and AP style standards.

* Strategic Content Collaboration and Campaign Support (20%)

Collaborates with the Director of Communications and cross-functional stakeholders to execute assigned content strategies in support of campaigns, events, announcements, and special university initiatives, incorporating feedback, aligning messaging with institutional priorities, and supporting timely delivery of approved communications.

* Editorial Review, Narrative Development, and Quality Assurance (15%)

Strengthens narrative structure, improves readability, refines tone, and ensures factual accuracy and message clarity across written deliverables, maintaining a consistent institutional voice while tailoring content for intended audiences and communication channels.

* Research, Fact-Checking, and Content Accuracy (10%)

Conducts research, gathers background information, and verifies data, quotes, and source material to ensure rigor, accuracy, and appropriate context in all written communications prior to publication.

* Editorial Planning and Content Prioritization Support (10%)

Participates in editorial calendar planning discussions and proactively recommends content topics and story ideas aligned with university priorities, while adhering to guidance from the Director of Communications regarding prioritization, timing, and final messaging approach.

* Cross-Functional Coordination and Content Packaging (10%)

Coordinates with creative services, web, multimedia, and design teams to ensure written content is properly packaged, visually supported, and optimized for publication across assigned platforms and communication channels.

* Content Management, Documentation, and External Support (5%)

Maintains organized content files, tracks revisions, documents draft changes across relevant systems, and supports vendor or external writer engagement as assigned, including providing input on project briefs or content requirements.

Minimum

Job Requirements

* Bachelor's degree in journalism, mass communications, public relations, marketing, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university.

* Seven (7) years of professional writing, editing, and communications experience with demonstrated success producing high-quality content in a fast-paced environment.

* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency in AP Style and a strong command of English grammar, syntax, and punctuation.

* Strong research, analytical, and interviewing skills, with a high level of attention to detail and commitment to editorial excellence.

* Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously, shift priorities as needed, and consistently meet deadlines.

* Proven ability to work collaboratively and collegially across departments, communicating with professionalism, tact, and responsiveness while contributing to a positive and respectful team culture.

* Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all communications and work activities.

* Energetic, action-oriented, adaptable, and committed to supporting the university's mission and strategic goals, including availability to attend university-related activities on evenings and weekends as needed.

* Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and coordinate the work of team members or contributors, fostering accountability, collaboration, and high-quality outcomes.

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