Communications Writer - U.S. Based Remote Opportunity
Common App, Arlington, VA, United States
ABOUT US
Do you have a passion for higher education? Do you want to make a positive impact on the college admissions process? Our staff help to remove barriers and encourage students to forge their path to a better future. Common App is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year we support more than 1 million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, as they apply to our more than 1100 diverse member colleges & universities using the Common App's free online application.
If you are an experienced strategic communications professional and want to be part of a mission-driven non‑profit that uses innovative technology to advance the college admission process, Common App may be a great match for you. Common App is currently searching for a Communications Writer
RESPONSIBILITIES As a member of the Communications & Marketing team, reporting to the Director of Media & External Affairs, this position will develop and deliver compelling, audience‑centered messaging to our core stakeholders: counselors, members, and students. This role will be responsible for planning, writing, and editing newsletters, announcements, and other communications that inform, engage, and inspire our audiences. The ideal candidate is a strong storyteller and skilled writer who can translate complex information into clear, accessible, and motivating messages tailored to diverse audiences.
QUALIFICATIONS This role requires:
Candidates must live in the United States.
Willing to travel to attend twice annual Common App Retreat.
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
3‑5 years of experience.
Experience producing audience‑specific communications (e.g., newsletters, campaign emails, or announcements).
Familiarity with email marketing platforms, CRM systems, or digital publishing tools.
Collaborative mindset and ability to translate complex ideas into engaging narratives.
Advanced Writing & Narrative Development: Mastery of audience‑centered storytelling with the ability to translate complex organizational priorities, higher education policy, or technical updates into clear, accessible, and motivating narratives.
Editorial Ownership & Strategy Refinement: Ability to take ownership of editorial calendars and messaging consistency across multiple platforms, ensuring all content aligns with the established brand voice and tone.
Critical Thinking & Pattern Recognition: Ability to analyze engagement metrics and audience feedback to identify communication gaps and propose innovative solutions for content optimization.
Complex Project Coordination: Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high‑stakes deadlines and navigate the needs of diverse internal and external stakeholders independently.
Technical Proficiency in Communications Tools: Advanced skill in using email marketing platforms, CRM systems, and digital publishing tools to produce and distribute audience‑specific communications.
Collaboration & Peer Guidance: Ability to work effectively in a team‑oriented environment and provide guidance or peer‑review support to ensure messaging alignment across the department.
Adaptability: Adjusts messaging and priorities in response to changing organizational needs or feedback.
The ideal candidate will possess:
Experience with project planning and management.
Prior experience in a fast‑paced working environment, including but not limited to state government, federal government experience, and communications agency experience.
Knowledge of key issues in higher education.
Experience working for non‑profits, educational institutions, or education technology.
Government affairs and/or public policy experience.
PAY RANGE
$75,000 - $76,680
Common App is a virtual first environment. We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by our competitive salary and an extensive benefits package including:
Work‑Life balance
Virtual‑first office
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Seven company‑wide holidays
Nine floating holidays*
Sick leave
Monthly mental health day
Virtual‑first support
Choice of PC or MAC laptop
May choose an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset
One‑time office set‑up stipend
Monthly remote work stipend Monthly mobile stipend
Financial security
Market‑based salaries
Performance‑based bonus
403(b) retirement plan
5% company contribution
additional 5% company match
3‑year vesting schedule
Participation may begin immediately
Health & wellness
Choice of two health insurance plans
Health Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
Medical Flexible Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Insurance coverage begins on the date of hire
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Maven virtual clinic for women’s and family health
Company provided life and additional insurance
Opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for self, spouse, and dependents
Company provided short and long‑term disability insurance
Career development
Budgeted annual funds for professional development
Growth opportunities within the company
Additional perks
Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program
Mutual of Omaha will preparation services
Mutual of Omaha travel assistance
Payroll dedication pet insurance through PinPaws
1Password family account
*floating holidays prorated depending on start date
We work to maintain the best possible environment for our staff, where people can learn and grow. We strive to provide a diverse, collaborative, team‑oriented, creative environment where each person feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.
HOW DO I APPLY To apply for this opportunity, send your resume and cover letter with salary expectations.
PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION: During the recruiting process, please note that Common App will never:
Provide a job offer without an interview
Ask for payment to process documents, purchase equipment or for any other reason
Request banking or credit card information
Direct you to third‑party services to obtain visas or other documentation
As we work alongside you through our recruitment process, please remain alert and never provide financial information or payment to anyone claiming to offer a job opportunity.
If you believe you’re a victim of a job scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state attorney general. To learn more about job scams, read the FBI’s public service announcement or visit the FTC site.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
If you are an experienced strategic communications professional and want to be part of a mission-driven non‑profit that uses innovative technology to advance the college admission process, Common App may be a great match for you. Common App is currently searching for a Communications Writer
RESPONSIBILITIES As a member of the Communications & Marketing team, reporting to the Director of Media & External Affairs, this position will develop and deliver compelling, audience‑centered messaging to our core stakeholders: counselors, members, and students. This role will be responsible for planning, writing, and editing newsletters, announcements, and other communications that inform, engage, and inspire our audiences. The ideal candidate is a strong storyteller and skilled writer who can translate complex information into clear, accessible, and motivating messages tailored to diverse audiences.
QUALIFICATIONS This role requires:
Candidates must live in the United States.
Willing to travel to attend twice annual Common App Retreat.
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
3‑5 years of experience.
Experience producing audience‑specific communications (e.g., newsletters, campaign emails, or announcements).
Familiarity with email marketing platforms, CRM systems, or digital publishing tools.
Collaborative mindset and ability to translate complex ideas into engaging narratives.
Advanced Writing & Narrative Development: Mastery of audience‑centered storytelling with the ability to translate complex organizational priorities, higher education policy, or technical updates into clear, accessible, and motivating narratives.
Editorial Ownership & Strategy Refinement: Ability to take ownership of editorial calendars and messaging consistency across multiple platforms, ensuring all content aligns with the established brand voice and tone.
Critical Thinking & Pattern Recognition: Ability to analyze engagement metrics and audience feedback to identify communication gaps and propose innovative solutions for content optimization.
Complex Project Coordination: Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high‑stakes deadlines and navigate the needs of diverse internal and external stakeholders independently.
Technical Proficiency in Communications Tools: Advanced skill in using email marketing platforms, CRM systems, and digital publishing tools to produce and distribute audience‑specific communications.
Collaboration & Peer Guidance: Ability to work effectively in a team‑oriented environment and provide guidance or peer‑review support to ensure messaging alignment across the department.
Adaptability: Adjusts messaging and priorities in response to changing organizational needs or feedback.
The ideal candidate will possess:
Experience with project planning and management.
Prior experience in a fast‑paced working environment, including but not limited to state government, federal government experience, and communications agency experience.
Knowledge of key issues in higher education.
Experience working for non‑profits, educational institutions, or education technology.
Government affairs and/or public policy experience.
PAY RANGE
$75,000 - $76,680
Common App is a virtual first environment. We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by our competitive salary and an extensive benefits package including:
Work‑Life balance
Virtual‑first office
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Seven company‑wide holidays
Nine floating holidays*
Sick leave
Monthly mental health day
Virtual‑first support
Choice of PC or MAC laptop
May choose an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset
One‑time office set‑up stipend
Monthly remote work stipend Monthly mobile stipend
Financial security
Market‑based salaries
Performance‑based bonus
403(b) retirement plan
5% company contribution
additional 5% company match
3‑year vesting schedule
Participation may begin immediately
Health & wellness
Choice of two health insurance plans
Health Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
Medical Flexible Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Insurance coverage begins on the date of hire
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Maven virtual clinic for women’s and family health
Company provided life and additional insurance
Opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for self, spouse, and dependents
Company provided short and long‑term disability insurance
Career development
Budgeted annual funds for professional development
Growth opportunities within the company
Additional perks
Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program
Mutual of Omaha will preparation services
Mutual of Omaha travel assistance
Payroll dedication pet insurance through PinPaws
1Password family account
*floating holidays prorated depending on start date
We work to maintain the best possible environment for our staff, where people can learn and grow. We strive to provide a diverse, collaborative, team‑oriented, creative environment where each person feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.
HOW DO I APPLY To apply for this opportunity, send your resume and cover letter with salary expectations.
PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION: During the recruiting process, please note that Common App will never:
Provide a job offer without an interview
Ask for payment to process documents, purchase equipment or for any other reason
Request banking or credit card information
Direct you to third‑party services to obtain visas or other documentation
As we work alongside you through our recruitment process, please remain alert and never provide financial information or payment to anyone claiming to offer a job opportunity.
If you believe you’re a victim of a job scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state attorney general. To learn more about job scams, read the FBI’s public service announcement or visit the FTC site.
#J-18808-Ljbffr