Creative Copywriter

About the role

Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners. More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree‑lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state‑of‑the‑art science labs. We are proud of our world‑class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.

University Marketing & Communications (UMC) is the university’s strategic and creative powerhouse. We tell the bold, vibrant stories that showcase PSU as a diverse, forward‑thinking, impact‑driven institution. We act as stewards of the university’s brand and animators of its narrative, driving enrollment, employee pride, community engagement and global reputation. Through compelling visual and written content and a strategic approach to social media, media relations and internal communications, we highlight Portland State’s achievements, foster engagement and reinforce the university’s contributions to our community and beyond.

The Creative Copywriter is the voice of the university, translating complex academic achievements, student experiences and institutional initiatives into compelling, emotionally resonant narratives. This role demands a versatile writer who can pivot seamlessly from a high‑energy undergraduate enrollment campaign to web copy for academic programs to a sophisticated alumni fundraising appeal, all while strictly adhering to the university’s brand guidelines. The position reports to the Creative Director in University Marketing and Communications. This is a fully in‑person full‑time (1.0 FTE) renewable 12‑month appointment.

Responsibilities

• Translate complex academic achievements, student experiences, and institutional initiatives into compelling, emotionally resonant copy.
• Produce copy for a variety of formats including undergraduate enrollment campaigns, academic program web content, alumni fundraising appeals, digital, print, and video mediums.
• Adhere strictly to university brand guidelines across all communications.
• Collaborate with designers, photographers, videographers, and other creative partners.
• Utilize generative AI writing tools ethically as a brainstorming or efficiency partner.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or a related writing‑focused field.
• 4‑6 years of professional copywriting experience in an agency, corporate marketing department, or higher education setting.
• A strong portfolio of published work demonstrating versatility across digital, print, and video mediums.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional research and writing skills for higher education, nonprofits, or the education sector.
• Superior ideation skills and understanding of SEO best practices and writing for user experience (UX).
• Excellent organizational skills and multitasking ability.
• Experience working with diverse photographers, designers, and videographers.
• Competence in using generative AI writing tools ethically as a brainstorming or efficiency partner.

Key Cultural Competencies

• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adhere to all of PSU