Senior Writer & Editor Job at Colorado College in Colorado Springs

Overview

Colorado College is a place where individuals are determined to positively impact the world. The college actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment where students and employees of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives can learn and work together. Here, you are welcomed as a valued member of the community. Colorado College is a place to explore, grow, and thrive.

Job Title: Senior Writer & Editor

Department: Communications & Marketing-Admin

Campus Location: Main Campus

FLSA Status: Exempt/ Salaried

Position Type/ Work Schedule: 2080 Hours per year; 12 Months per year; 40 Hours per week (Estimated)

Job Summary

The Senior Writer & Editor plays a central role in shaping Colorado College\'s voice through high-quality, high-impact content that supports institutional priorities and elevates executive visibility. Reporting to the Director of Institutional Communications, this position is responsible for writing, editing, and editorial strategies across executive communications, internal messaging, public relations, marketing, and campus-wide content needs. This includes developing presidential and executive remarks, communications on major initiatives, and marketing content in alignment with college brand messaging. The role is both strategic and executional, requiring exceptional writing, editorial judgment, and collaboration to ensure communications are clear, compelling, and aligned with the college\'s voice and values.

Responsibilities

Writing & Editing for Institutional Messaging

• Write and edit a wide range of content, including announcements, web copy, feature stories, and internal updates.
• Adapt messages across platforms for appropriate tone, length, and format (e.g., email, web, talking points, newsletters).
• Review content produced by other writers and contributors to ensure editorial consistency.
• Serve as a primary writer and contributor of feature articles for CC Stories, alumni magazine, and other owned media outlets.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to produce content for digital, email, and print communications.
• Serve as a strategic writing partner across departments.

Executive & Presidential Communications

• Serve as lead writer for presidential remarks, speeches, and executive messaging.
• Draft talking points, op-eds, and ghostwritten communications for senior leaders.
• Support development of the college\'s executive visibility strategy and ensure consistency across platforms and audiences.

Editorial Leadership & Content Strategy

• Develop and maintain a consistent editorial voice aligned with Colorado College\'s brand and messaging framework.
• Provide editorial leadership/serve as primary editor for all OCM materials and work across internal and external communications, ensuring clarity, tone, and alignment with brand standards and institutional priorities.
• Create and manage a central "proof point" library of college facts, rankings, outcomes, and key messages for consistent use across all communications in collaboration with OCM leadership.
• Support messaging and content development during flashpoints or crisis communications when requested.

Collaboration Skills: Contact may involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues, stressful or complex interactions with the community, and requires high levels of tact and the ability to respond to escalated interpersonal interactions.

Technical Knowledge: Work requires advanced skills and knowledge in approaches and systems, which affect the design and implementation of major programs and/or processes.

Relevant Background Information

Knowledge

• Deep understanding of editorial standards, institutional voice, and brand tone.
• Familiarity with executive communications practices and speechwriting techniques.
• Awareness of higher education trends and the communication needs of a mission-driven institution.
• Knowledge of AP style and editorial guidelines.

Skills

• Exceptional writing and editing skills for a variety of formats and audiences.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into compelling narratives.
• Proficiency in using content development tools, web CMS platforms, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong project and time management skills with attention to detail and deadlines.

Abilities

• Ability to work independently while aligning content with strategic goals.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize shifting demands.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with executives, colleagues, and stakeholders across the institution.
• Ability to uphold discretion and sensitivity in handling confidential or high-profile communications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree in a related field (communications, journalism, public relations, English, or a related field). An equivalent number of years (4) of related work experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in writing, editing, or executive communications.
• Proven experience developing remarks and content for executives, preferably in an academic or nonprofit setting.
• Must be an exceptional writer and collaborative leader.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with higher education communications and campus community engagement.
• Experience supporting leadership communications or strategic messaging in a complex organization.

Application Instructions

• Continuous Recruitment - for full consideration, apply by: 9/15/2025
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Please submit three writing samples as part of your application. You may choose which samples best capture your writing skills and experience in a variety of formats. The strongest applications will have a combination of editorial storytelling, executive communications (scripted remarks or messaging in the voice of an executive), and institutional messaging (such as an annual report or campaign materials).

In alignment with our commitment to reduce potential bias in hiring, applicants may redact any information that discloses their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from educational institutions on resumes, certifications, transcripts, or other application materials. There will be no penalties for the omission of such information.

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range

• $56,116 to $67,337 per year

What We Offer

As part of the total compensation for Staff and Faculty roles, we offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid vacation and sick time - accrual of 7.34 hours of vacation per pay period (176 hours, 22 days per year) and 4 hours of sick time per pay period (96 hours, 12 days per year)
• Paid seasonal breaks and holidays (20 days per year)
• 403(b) retirement plans where employees contribute 5% of pay and CC contributes 10%
• Tuition benefits for employee and eligible dependents
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Assistance Program
• Wellness benefits include free access to the sports center, swimming pool, arts and crafts, outdoor programs, and financial consultants

Accommodation Statement

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Colorado College\'s policies, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Colorado College, or if you cannot use the online application system, please contact the Office of Human Resources. Please note that email addresses and links cannot be added here.

E-Verify Information

This organization participates in E-Verify. For more information, visit www.e-verify.gov.

Leave Information

Please refer to Colorado College leave policies.