Copywriter & Content Strategist

Copywriter & Content Strategist

As the Copywriter & Content Strategist, you'll help develop the content strategy for Furman University and write high-performing, on-brand content that resonates with prospective students and families, peers and friends of the university. As a member of the university's Marketing & Communications office and member of the Creative Strategy team you'll collaborate with MARCOM staff to ensure a consistent brand voice across audiences and channels, delivering conversion-focused, multi-channel content that drives action at every phase of the enrollment cycle and throughout brand awareness efforts. Reporting to the Director of Creative Strategy, you'll help shape Furman University's voice, executing a content strategy that builds confidence in our brand as the premier private liberal arts education institution in the nation. This role is perfect for collaborative, creative and detailed communicators who can leverage strategic thinking to inspire audiences and drive results.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a content strategy designed to optimize marketing goals and maximize action across all channels: web, video, email, digital ads, social media, and print materials.
• Create compelling, high-converting messaging that significantly impacts ad campaign performance (paid and organic), landing page effectiveness, email, and brand positioning, addressing the distinct needs of each customer journey segment
• Write conversion-optimized content backed by performance data and behavioral insights, effectively compelling users to open, click, enroll, and engage, leading to enhanced user engagement and conversions.
• Formulate high-impact messaging for campaigns, highlighting Furman's differentiators and value proposition, ensuring strong resonance with all audiences and thereby fostering loyalty and engagement.
• Orchestrate and maintain a cohesive content calendar, facilitating cross-team and cross-channel campaign synchronization, and sustaining content consistency and strategic momentum.
• Create and maintain a style guide and content repository
• Work closely with designers, digital strategists, photo and video content creators, and campus partners to produce high-impact content.
• Conduct interviews and coordinate with departments to gather information and insights to develop a deep understanding of information, and to accurately and credibly craft messages and content.
• Take a strategic, data-informed approach to content creation, leveraging AI tools for efficiency and optimization while maintaining the integrity of Furman University's distinctive brand voice.

Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, English, journalism, public relations or directly related field.
• 3+ years of professional writing experience in content strategy, copywriting, or editorial roles
• Proven ability to write clear, accurate, persuasive, and high-performing content across platforms
• A high standard for accuracy, clarity and consistency.
• Strong proofreading and editing skills.
• Deep understanding of how to adapt tone, voice and messaging for different audiences
• Experience managing a content calendar and coordinating across teams and channels
• Experience with SEO best practices and proficiency with AI content tools
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and ability to collaborate with key internal stakeholders
• Ability to produce results by leveraging resources, building relationships, and by being adaptable, flexible to change and seamlessly pivot to other projects.

Reporting

The position reports to the Director of Creative Strategy.

Work Conditions

Work is performed under usual office conditions. In-person.

University Marketing & Communications Culture and Values Statement

University Marketing & Communications' values are grounded in professionalism, respect and humility. We are unified, driven and purposeful in pursuing our common goal of advancing Furman University. We approach every task as problem-solvers who are curious, creative and innovative – and good listeners first. We value each other's diverse talents, and understand that achieving excellence requires care and attention to the personal growth and well-being of each member of our team. At the end of the day, our work should be fun, engaging and inspiring – and create advocates across the Furman community and beyond.

Application Requirements

Resume

Cover letter

Writing samples – at least two with explanation of strategy and results

Candidates selected for interviews will be expected to discuss their impressions of Furman's social media and web content. Candidates will also be required to complete a writing test.

Why Greenville?

An award-winning city, Greenville and the surrounding area is the third-largest urban area in South Carolina and the fastest growing. Nationally recognized for our urban development, sustainability, beauty, food and campus, Greenville continues to top lists of destinations to visit. Our city has the highest foreign manufacturing investment per capita in America, with Fortune 500 companies like BMW, General Electric and Michelin leading the way. With several hundred restaurants, music and theater and arts venues, Greenville has gained recognition in various national publications such as CNN Money, which ranked Greenville as one of the "Top 10 Fastest Growing Cities in the U.S." Bloomberg named Greenville the 3rd Strongest Job Market, and Forbes named Greenville the 13th Best City for Young Professionals. Strategically located in the Southeast, Greenville's bustling downtown is minutes from the Blue Ridge Mountains, beaches, other small towns and big cities.

Education Requirements:

Bachelors (Required)

Certification Requirements:

Job Posting End Date (if date is blank, posting is open ended):