The Claremont Colleges Services is hiring: Lead Writer in Pasadena

Lead Writer

The Lead Writer serves as a lead storyteller for Pitzer College, developing compelling content that advances institutional priorities across admissions, advancement, reputation, and community engagement. Working closely with the Vice President for Communications and Marketing, this position transforms story assignments into high‑quality content for multiple audiences and channels.
Location

Claremont, CA
Responsibilities

Write feature stories, profiles, news stories, research stories, donor stories, and institutional narratives.
Conduct interviews with students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, trustees, and community partners.
Research and develop compelling content that reflects the mission, values, and priorities of Pitzer College.
Produce clear, engaging, and accurate content on deadline.
Adapt stories for publication across multiple channels, including the website, email communications, social media, admissions marketing, advancement communications, campaign materials, digital advertising, and the College magazine.
Identify opportunities to extend the life and impact of stories through multiple formats and audiences.
Collaborate with social media, photography, design, and digital teams to maximize the reach and impact of content.
Work with the Vice President and communications team to execute editorial priorities and institutional storytelling goals.
Contribute story ideas and identify emerging opportunities across campus.
Mentor student writers and contributors as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Editorial writing, journalism, and feature‑story development.
Content strategy and audience engagement principles.
Storytelling techniques across digital and print platforms.
Strong leadership and collaboration skills with a commitment to a team‑based work environment.
Natural aptitude for technology and expertise with MS Office, including expert level use of Excel.
Ability to problem‑solve and use analytical skills to develop and implement creative solutions.
Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
Ability to take initiative, work proactively, meet deadlines, organize and prioritize multiple projects, think strategically, and work with numbers and data.
Exhibit personal integrity and ability to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information.
Exhibit a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and sound professional judgment.
Experience and Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English, marketing, or a related field.
Five or more years of professional writing, journalism, communications, marketing, or editorial experience.
Exceptional interviewing, writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
Ability to translate complex topics into engaging, audience‑centered content.
Experience writing for multiple audiences and communication channels.
Strong collaboration and project management skills.
Commitment to inclusive, mission‑driven communications.
Employment Requirements

Must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must provide documents verifying U.S. citizenship or legal permission to work in the United States.
Required to undergo a background investigation and, for certain positions, a physical lift test or pulmonary function test.
Physical Requirements

This is generally a sedentary position. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time and operate a computer for prolonged periods of time. Must be able to drive locally for events and appointments.
Compensation and Benefits

Hourly wage: $32.00–$34.00 per hour. Pitzer College is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents, including health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement savings plans; generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.); tuition reimbursement; tuition exchange program participation; and more.
Work Model

Hybrid (2 days per week remote). Must have access to a reliable and secure computer and internet connection, as well as a dedicated and suitable workstation at the remote location.
COVID‑19 Vaccination

Pitzer College mandates COVID‑19 vaccination for all employees. New employees must provide proof of full vaccination, including booster, or request an approved medical or religious exemption on or before their first day of employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity

Pitzer College adheres to both the letter and the spirit of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, disability, medical condition, or veteran status. Pitzer strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

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