Senior Communications Writer - U.S. Based Remote Opportunity

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 writing 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.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver compelling, audience-centered messaging to core stakeholders (counselors, members, and students).
• Plan, write, and edit newsletters, announcements, and other communications that inform, engage, and inspire audiences.
• Translate complex information into clear, accessible, and motivating narratives tailored to diverse audiences.
• Take ownership of editorial calendars and ensure messaging consistency across multiple platforms.
• Analyze engagement metrics and audience feedback to identify communication gaps and propose innovative solutions.
• Manage multiple high-stakes deadlines and navigate the needs of diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Produce and distribute audience-specific communications using email marketing platforms, CRM systems, and digital publishing tools.
• Collaborate in a team-oriented environment and provide guidance or peer-review support to ensure messaging alignment.
• Adjust messaging and priorities in response to changing organizational needs or feedback.

Requirements

• Must live in the United States.
• Willing to travel to attend twice-annual Common App Retreat.
• 4-6 years of experience in communications, journalism, English, marketing, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience producing audience-specific communications (e.g., newsletters, campaign emails, or announcements).
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms, CRM systems, or digital publishing tools.
• Mastery of audience-centered storytelling with the ability to translate complex organizational priorities, higher education policy, or technical updates into clear, accessible narratives.
• Ability to manage editorial calendars and ensure brand voice and tone consistency.
• Strong critical thinking and pattern recognition to analyze engagement metrics and optimize content.
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple high-stakes deadlines independently.
• Advanced technical proficiency in communications tools (e.g., email marketing platforms, CRM systems, digital publishing tools).
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to provide peer guidance and ensure messaging alignment.
• Adaptability to adjust messaging and priorities based on feedback or organizational needs.

Qualifications

• Experience with project planning and management.
• Prior experience in a fast-paced working environment (e.g., state/federal government, communications agency).
• Knowledge of key issues in higher education.
• Experience in higher education, non-profits, educational institutions, or education technology.
• Government affairs and/or public policy experience.

Pay

$85,120 - $95,760

Benefits

• Virtual-first office environment.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), seven company-wide holidays, and nine floating holidays (prorated depending on start date).
• Sick leave and a monthly mental health day.
• Choice of PC or Mac laptop, external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset.
• One-time office set-up stipend, monthly remote work stipend, and monthly mobile stipend.
• Market-based salaries and performance-based bonus.
• 403(b) retirement plan with 5% company contribution and an additional 5% company match (3-year vesting schedule).
• Choice of two health insurance plans, Health Savings Account (HSA), Medical Flexible Spending Account (FSA), vision insurance, and dental insurance (coverage begins on date of hire).
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account.
• Maven virtual clinic for women's and family health.
• Company-provided life and AD&D insurance, with the opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for self, spouse, and dependents.
• Company-provided short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Budgeted annual funds for professional development and growth opportunities within the company.
• Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program, will preparation services, and travel assistance.
• Payroll-deducted pet insurance through PinPaws.
• 1Password family account.

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.