Senior Writer

Penn Information Systems & Computing

. Conceive, research, and write a high volume of presidential speeches and related communications .

Posted 9/28/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesSenior💰 $77,330 - $87,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates exceptional writing, editing, and oral communication skills, with a strong ability to craft compelling narratives that align with strategic messaging and fundraising priorities. Proven experience in project management and collaboration with diverse teams in a fast-paced environment is essential.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Professional Writing ExperienceSpeechwritingProject ManagementInterpersonal SkillsHigher Education Knowledge

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

WritingEditingProse DevelopmentContent CreationResearchStrategic MessagingFundraising CommunicationDatabase FamiliarityProject Management

Soft Skills

Interpersonal CommunicationAdaptabilityFeedback HandlingCollaborationWork Ethic

Tools & Technologies

Project Management SoftwareCustomer Relationship Management DatabasesSharePointOffice365

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Journalism or Communications

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationDevelopment and Alumni RelationsPresidential CommunicationsStrategic FrameworkFundraising Priorities

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conceive, research, and write a high volume of presidential speeches and related communications
Produce talking points, print publications, website content, video scripts, citations and awards, and event marketing materials
Craft messaging supporting the University's values, strategic framework, and fundraising priorities
Collaborate with DARMAX colleagues, writers, graphic designers, digital staff, video producers, event planners, and other partners
Maintain productive relationships across Development and Alumni Relations and the President's Office
Communicate clear and consistent messages to diverse audiences and constituencies
Exercise strategic judgment, discretion, and painstaking accuracy
Report to the Senior Director of Strategic Communications
Steward Penn's top donors and raise awareness of fundraising priorities through executive remarks and strategic content

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field and 5 to 7 years of professional writing experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Superb writing, editing, and oral communication skills
Ability to write top-quality prose in a fast-paced environment
Experience as a speechwriter strongly preferred
Ability to learn the President's and Board Chair's voice and respond to shifting priorities and messaging
Ability to digest complex information, understand multifaceted concepts, and translate them into compelling prose
Strong interpersonal skills and comfort interacting with people at all professional levels
Ability to present ideas with credibility and handle feedback gracefully
Familiarity using a database for research
Openness and enthusiasm for learning existing and emerging technologies, including AI
Proven track record in project management and managing multiple concurrent projects with overlapping deadlines
Experience with or comfort learning project management software, customer relationship management databases, SharePoint, and Office365
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams
Strong work ethic, commitment to integrity, and strict adherence to confidentiality
Knowledge of higher education, particularly research universities
Resume, cover letter, and 2–3 writing samples required
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn and other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans
Pre-tax or Roth retirement savings options
Investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial paid time away from work
Long-term care insurance
Wellness and work-life programs and resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, museums, cultural and recreational activities
Discounts and special services for arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options, including non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures
Forgivable home ownership loan for eligible employees in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance of qualified expenses for up to two adoptions in the household