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Communications Editor

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States


Please see Special Instructions for more details. Portfolio of writing samples.

Announcement Open Date: 03/20/2026

Requisition Number: PRN44522B

Job Title: Communications Editor

Working Title: Advancement Communications Writer, Donor Relations

Career Progression Track: F

FLSA Code: Professional

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week: 40

Full Time: Yes

Shift: Day

Work Schedule Summary: VP Area President Department 00289 - Development location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT

Recruitment: External Posting

Pay Rate Range: 60,000 to 80,000

Close Date: 06/20/2026

Priority Review Date: Note - Posting may close at any time.

Job Summary Must live in Utah and have the ability to work on campus.

University Advancement Donor Relations Marketing and Communications (DR MarComm) seeks an advancement communications writer to join our expanding team. Reporting to the senior director of communications, the advancement communications writer knows how to harness the power of storytelling to inspire philanthropy and deepen engagement. This writer is comfortable crafting compelling narratives, translating complex ideas into accessible language, and collaborating across teams to bring projects to life. Portfolio pieces highlight experience in working closely with subject matter experts to produce traditional fundraising communication pieces and writing content that can be used for philanthropic marketing and advertising initiatives. They’re also no stranger to taking editorial feedback and making revisions under tight timelines. With experience in advancement work, the advancement communications writer is well-versed in donor relations communications and excels at capturing the heart and humanity behind initiatives.

The DR MarComm team provides creative services for advancement colleagues across the university and University of Utah Health. In addition to producing dynamic and engaging content, the advancement communications writer will lead editorial assessments and scoping sessions with our colleagues to get to the heart of the communications request and advise on best strategy to meet the communication needs of the audience.

University’s Equal Opportunity Statement To inquire about this posting, email: employment@utah.edu or call 801-581-2300. Reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities. To request an accommodation or for further information about University AA/EO policies, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affiliation.

Responsibilities

Produce longform and shortform content for university and health sciences advancement such as white papers, proposals, impact reports, case statements, and one‑sheets.

Write letters on behalf of leadership for proposals, reports, etc.

Write content for impact reports, proposals, one‑pagers, endowment reports, the giving website, and UtahMed magazine—as well as other communication pieces as requested.

Provide copyediting services.

Support editorial team on all projects as assigned.

Work with designers as needed to have content ready to layout.

Manage multiple projects on competing timelines.

Communicate with fundraisers and other stakeholders for project requests, review, and approval of content.

Assist with The Post, UWAM, and other internal communications projects.

Interview subject matter experts to inform stories.

Conduct independent research to inform stories, one‑pagers, etc.

Use Unite to do donor research and track projects where necessary.

Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a high‑paced environment with many stakeholders involved.

Participate in the development of creative briefs and strategic and tactical plans, including building out deadlines and working with the design team to establish production timelines.

Ensure copy tone and style are consistent with brand and style guidelines.

Interact with fundraisers and advancement colleagues to understand university initiatives and priorities.

Present content in pitch meetings.

Take feedback to revise and modify content for pieces to meet client needs and expectations.

Additional responsibilities may include:

Write stories for web and donor magazines.

Liaise with other communications professionals within advancement and across the university and U of U Health to repurpose content and engage in a One‑U approach.

Minimum Qualifications Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); plus at least five years of experience in the field or in a related area.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

5+ years experience of writing with a portfolio that demonstrates experience in advancement/donor relations writing.

Marketing writing experience: short, tight copy making bold statements and getting to the point quickly.

Experience leading interviews and conducting individual research to tell a dynamic story.

Experience working with a creative team.

Experience leading editorial discussions.

Project management.

Required Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

Writing Sample 1

List of References

Optional Documents

Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Description for More Information – Appropriate discharge document (such as DD‑2214) – Veteran Only

Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Document Description for More Information – Addendum to the University of Utah – Veteran Only

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