Sr Communications Associate & Sr. Editor

Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open To The Public

Position Status: Full-Time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0058/ 4

Salary Range:  Commensurate with rank and experience

Closing Date:   Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Brief Description of Duties

As a member of the University of the District of Columbia's Office of Marketing and Communications, the Senior Communications Associate / Senior Editor develops, writes and edits high-quality written content that supports the university’s strategic priorities, campaigns and storytelling efforts. This position reports directly to the Director of Communications and functions as a senior individual contributor within the office. The incumbent collaborates with writers, designers, social media and web colleagues to produce compelling and accurate content across multiple platforms, ensuring alignment with AP Style, university brand voice, institutional values and messaging consistency. This role supports content development, editorial refinement and publication packaging, and contributes to high-quality written materials that elevate UDC’s visibility, reputation, recruitment efforts and impact.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Content Development and Editorial Production (30%)

Develops, writes, edits, and refines high-quality written content for university publications, website pages, email communications, marketing materials, speeches, profiles, features, storyboards, talking points, blog posts, and other communication deliverables, ensuring clarity, consistency, and adherence to institutional brand, editorial, and AP style standards.

• Strategic Content Collaboration and Campaign Support (20%)

Collaborates with the Director of Communications and cross-functional stakeholders to execute assigned content strategies in support of campaigns, events, announcements, and special university initiatives, incorporating feedback, aligning messaging with institutional priorities, and supporting timely delivery of approved communications.

• Editorial Review, Narrative Development, and Quality Assurance (15%)

Strengthens narrative structure, improves readability, refines tone, and ensures factual accuracy and message clarity across written deliverables, maintaining a consistent institutional voice while tailoring content for intended audiences and communication channels.

• Research, Fact-Checking, and Content Accuracy (10%)

Conducts research, gathers background information, and verifies data, quotes, and source material to ensure rigor, accuracy, and appropriate context in all written communications prior to publication.

• Editorial Planning and Content Prioritization Support (10%)

Participates in editorial calendar planning discussions and proactively recommends content topics and story ideas aligned with university priorities, while adhering to guidance from the Director of Communications regarding prioritization, timing, and final messaging approach.

• Cross-Functional Coordination and Content Packaging (10%)

Coordinates with creative services, web, multimedia, and design teams to ensure written content is properly packaged, visually supported, and optimized for publication across assigned platforms and communication channels.

• Content Management, Documentation, and External Support (5%)

Maintains organized content files, tracks revisions, documents draft changes across relevant systems, and supports vendor or external writer engagement as assigned, including providing input on project briefs or content requirements.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass communications, public relations, marketing, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university.
• Seven (7) years of professional writing, editing, and communications experience with demonstrated success producing high-quality content in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency in AP Style and a strong command of English grammar, syntax, and punctuation.
• Strong research, analytical, and interviewing skills, with a high level of attention to detail and commitment to editorial excellence.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously, shift priorities as needed, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and collegially across departments, communicating with professionalism, tact, and responsiveness while contributing to a positive and respectful team culture.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all communications and work activities.
• Energetic, action-oriented, adaptable, and committed to supporting the university’s mission and strategic goals, including availability to attend university-related activities on evenings and weekends as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and coordinate the work of team members or contributors, fostering accountability, collaboration, and high-quality outcomes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word required.

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.

Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Residency Preference: A person applying for a position who is a bona fide District resident at the time of application for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation. The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia. The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources only.

Contact Information: All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: