Academic Website Writer/Editor - Strategic Marketing and Communications

About the role

UMKC’s Division of Strategic Marketing and Communications is seeking a creative, collaborative editor to proactively review and make edits to our academic web pages. The ideal candidate will have strong writing and organizational skills, plus experience in meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage client relationships and expectations
• Plan and schedule project timelines
• Communicate expectations, turnaround times, and updates to the team and clients
• Identify content needs and create accessible web content using superb judgment, writing, editing and creative skills
• Maintain quality and accuracy of web content as it evolves over time
• Optimize content for SEO with consistent brand language, tone, and voice
• Review website analytics and recommend updates to improve the user experience
• Track, gather, proof, and edit written content from various sources
• Identify photo needs and select engaging and relevant brand photos from the photo archives
• Edit and proofread existing and new content, keeping in mind usability, accessibility, client goals and overall web strategy
• Demonstrate strong people skills and the ability to work with a wide variety of team members and customers, building positive relationships
• Prioritize among multiple projects, meet deadlines and remain adaptable in a changing environment, including moving quickly on short-term needs while making progress on longer-term goals
• Respond productively to feedback and ask clarifying questions to resolve misunderstandings
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Digital Media, Journalism, English or related area
• 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired
• Strong writing and organizational skills, with experience in meeting deadlines
• Understanding of best practices for web user experience
• Experience in optimizing web pages and content
• Understanding of Google Analytics, SEO, and website accessibility best practices
• Proficiency in AP and plain language style (a plus)
• HTML and CSS knowledge
• Experience working with web CMS (WordPress, Cascade Server)
• Proven track record of producing high-quality digital media content
• Experience in marketing and/or higher education environment (preferred)
• Experience in project management

Pay

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $53,976 - $55,900 annually. Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including the individual’s particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Retirement contributions
• Paid time off
• Short- and long-term disability
• Paid parental leave
• Paid caregiver leave
• Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses

Location

Kansas City offers a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal, featuring:

• Thriving arts districts and an energetic downtown nightlife
• Casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams
• World-famous barbecue and a diverse culinary scene
• Conveniently located campuses near the Country Club Plaza and downtown Kansas City

UMKC is proud to be “Kansas City’s university,” celebrating the characteristics of the surrounding community.