Senior Writer

University of Pennsylvania

. 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 prose and messaging that aligns with the University’s values and strategic priorities. Proven experience in project management and collaboration across diverse teams, with a focus on maintaining productive relationships and delivering high-quality content under tight deadlines.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Professional Writing ExperienceSpeechwritingProject ManagementInterpersonal SkillsHigher Education Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

WritingEditingOral CommunicationResearchContent CreationProse DevelopmentDatabase FamiliarityProject Management SoftwareCustomer Relationship ManagementOffice365

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsAdaptabilityCredibility PresentationFeedback HandlingStrong Work Ethic

Tools & Technologies

Project Management SoftwareCustomer Relationship Management DatabasesSharePointOffice365AI Technologies

Industry Keywords

JournalismCommunicationsHigher EducationDevelopment and Alumni RelationsStrategic 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, and event planners
Maintain productive relationships across Development and Alumni Relations and the President’s Office
Communicate clear and consistent messages to donors, alumni, parents, volunteers, University leaders, faculty, students, and staff
Exercise strategic judgment, discretion, and painstaking accuracy
Research, absorb, synthesize, and communicate complex information on diverse topics
Forge professional relationships across the University and contribute to strategic print and web 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
Capability 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 concepts 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 to learning and using 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 collaborate with cross-functional teams
Strong work ethic, commitment to integrity, and 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
Tuition assistance for dependent children at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans
Pre-tax or Roth retirement savings options
Investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial 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, 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 and non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures
Forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, for up to two adoptions in the household