Senior Writer, DARMAX

University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Senior Writer, DARMAX
Job Profile Title
Staff Writer D
Job Description Summary
The Senior Writer is an integral part of the Development and Alumni Relations Marketing and Communications team (also known as DARMAX) at the University of Pennsylvania. Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic Communications, this position is one of three high-level development writers and speechwriters on the team.
This role is primarily responsible for crafting a high volume of executive remarks for Penn’s President, Board Chair, and other leadership volunteers to underscore key messages of the University, steward Penn’s top donors, and raise awareness about fundraising priorities. Additionally, this person will cultivate a deep understanding of and appreciation for Penn and produce highly visible, strategic content for print and web in a complex, deadline-driven environment.
The ideal candidate will be a highly skilled and collaborative writer who will work closely with campus partners and senior leaders to align messaging around strategic priorities. They must possess the ability to research, absorb, synthesize, and communicate complex information on a wide variety of topics in a compelling manner. They will energetically and proactively forge professional relationships across the University, and they will bring a productive, positive, and curious perspective to assignments, challenges, and opportunities. This position requires a resourceful and versatile writer who is comfortable with a variety of styles, including the aptitude to work with generative AI tools, and who can communicate effectively to multiple audiences including donors, alumni, parents, volunteers, University leaders, faculty, students, and staff.
Job Description
Job Responsibilities
Conceive, research, and write a high volume of imaginative, substantive, and compelling presidential speeches and related communications.
Produce talking points, print publications, website content, video scripts, citations and awards, and event marketing materials in a demanding, deadline-driven environment.
Craft messaging that supports the University’s values, strategic framework, and evolving fundraising priorities.
Collaborate with DARMAX colleagues to maximize the impact of our entire suite of communications, working especially closely with other writers, graphic designers, digital staff, video producers, event planners, and more.
Maintain productive relationships with colleagues across Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) and in the President’s Office to facilitate effective communication and information sharing.
Communicate messages in a clear and consistent voice to a variety of audiences and constituencies in diverse settings.
Consistently exercise strategic judgement, discretion, and painstaking accuracy.
**Please provide a resume and cover letter in order to be considered for this role. Please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of the application prior to submitting.**
Qualifications:
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 is required.
Superb writing, editing, and oral communication skills are essential, particularly the ability to write top-quality prose in a fast-paced environment. Experience as a speechwriter is strongly preferred. Capability to learn the “voice” of the President and Board Chair and nimbly respond to shifting priorities and messaging.
An ability to digest complex information, understand multifaceted concepts, and translate those concepts into compelling prose.
Strong interpersonal skills with a high degree of competency and comfort in interacting with people at all professional levels.
The ability to present ideas with credibility and handle feedback gracefully.
Familiarity using a database for research.
Openness and enthusiasm for learning about and using existing and emerging technologies (including AI) to enhance our communications work.
A proven track record in project management (including the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with overlapping deadlines).
Facility with a range of technologies required, including experience with or comfort learning project management software, customer relationship management databases, and cloud-based software suites such as Sharepoint and Office365.
Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
A strong work ethic, an unwavering commitment to integrity, and a strict adherence to maintaining confidentiality.
Knowledge of higher education, particularly research universities.
Applicants must submit resume, cover letter, and 2-3 writing samples in order to be considered.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School