Editorial Writer and Content Strategist

Title: Editorial Writer and Content Strategist
Division Name: University Advancement
Department: University Marketing & Communications

Job Summary

This position is responsible for maintaining editorial standards for Illinois State University's many communications, contributing to the editorial quality and consistency of University communications through professional writing and editing skills.

As a key member of the editorial and online communications team, the editor/writer ultimately is responsible for seeing that communication projects proceed to completion on deadline and are of such quality that they convey the University's overall excellence.

Additionally this position maintains editorial consistency of the University's online communications, especially those delivered through University Marketing and Communications. Online copy editing duties related to the flagship social media and University News system are examples of these online domains. Additional Information

University Benefit Highlights:

• Insurance benefits , including health, dental, vision, and life
• Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
• Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
• Paid holiday / administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
• Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$23.60 - $26.78 per hour

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, or closely related field.
2. Two (2) years (24 months) of experience writing for a newspaper, magazine, trade publication, or news organization or writing in a public relations, research, or business communications environment.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Working knowledge of The Associated Press Stylebook, as well as other similar references.
2. Understanding of the rules of grammar.
3. Copyediting and proofing skills.
4. Attention to detail.
5. Ability to write clear and cogent copy.
6. Ability to work under deadline pressure.
7. Ability to enforce and explain style rules when working with clients for print and online projects.
8. Ability to write multi-sourced, magazine length features.
9. Working knowledge of SEO and web analytics.
10. Experience editing and compiling an e-newsletter.
11. General knowledge of the process for print publication.
12. Working knowledge of photography, videography, and Adobe Creative Cloud Suite.
13. Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word.
14. Ability to work with a committee structure and in partnership with multiple clients/offices on any given project.
15. Availability to occasionally work outside normal business hours to cover a story or an event.

Work Hours

8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods.
2. Move about in various locations across campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis. Proposed Starting Date

April 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Resume
Cover Letter
Transcripts - See Special Instructions section for additional options

Please Note : These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Optional Applicant Documents

Certification of Retirement Annuity

Please Note : These documents may be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Please fully complete the entire application including, but not limited to, the education and work history portions. Be specific on your work history, including employment dates (if part-time you must list the number of work hours) and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Please do not put "see resume" in the duties and responsibilities section of the work history. This will be considered an incomplete application and incomplete applications will not be considered.

College or university transcripts (may be unofficial) must be submitted prior to the application deadline to receive full consideration. Transcripts can either be uploaded with your application or submitted via the options listed below.

To be eligible for Veteran's Preference points on the exam, appropriate military service documentation such as a DD-214 must be submitted prior to the application deadline.

Transcripts and/or military service documentation may be faxed or mailed to Human Resources by the application deadline:

Fax: 309.438.0011, Attn: Breanna Crippen
Address: Illinois State University
Human Resources
Campus Box 1300
Normal, IL 61790-1300

The Civil Service examination for this classification is based on your application materials and responses to the supplemental questions. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from applicants that qualify to take the exam. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score calculated based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register by exam score. After the application deadline, the names within the top three scores will be referred to the department for interview.

Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois. If hired, out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days from the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois driver’s license or a valid State of Illinois ID card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.

Applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the U.S. without ISU sponsorship. Sponsorship for work authorization will not be considered for this position. Contact Information for Applicants

Breanna Crippen
Human Resources
309-438-8315
[email protected]

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383 . The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311 .