About SMU: 

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities – from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Department: 

Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU by securing funding for University priorities; by promoting meaningful involvement in the life and work of the University; by heightening international, national, state and local awareness of SMU; and by supporting the enrollment of a diverse and able student body.

DEA comprises the offices of Office of the Vice President, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development.

SMU continues to leverage the benefits from the largest fund-raising campaign in its history to achieve dramatic increases in academic quality and impact.

About the Position: 

The Copy Editor-Writer supports the campaign and marketing and communications plan for the University in alignment with Development and External Affairs goals and SMU’s strategic plan. The position is responsible for all aspects of copy editing and proofreading across communications platforms.

Responsibilities include fact-checking content; reviewing content for adherence to University key messages; proofreading content to assure clarity and alignment with AP style and SMU Editorial Style Guide including grammar, spelling and punctuation guidelines; ensuring required messaging appears in all content across platforms; and meeting all project deadlines. The Copy Editor-Writer also serves as editor or writer on assigned projects. Additional responsibilities include maintaining and updating data on key facts and statistics, proofreading process guidelines and the SMU Editorial Style Guide.

Essential Functions: 

• Copy Editing/Proofreading: Integrate key marketing and communications and campaign messages and creative concepts into copy across platforms; ask questions of appropriate sources to ensure accuracy; proof copy revisions from internal and external clients; coordinate deadlines and resources with Creative Marketing team to meet client needs.
• Writing: Research background information, conduct interviews with appropriate sources, check facts and write copy to meet project objectives and deadlines; ensure copy is proofread by another team member; secure client and internal editorial approvals on deadline.
• Other Tasks: Serve as a resource to members of Marketing and Communications team for writing, editing and proofreading across platforms; maintain proofreading process guidelines, SMU Editorial Style Guide and electronic spell-check dictionary; and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications – Education and Experience: 

• A Bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s degree is preferred. Degree in Journalism, Communications, English or related degree is desirable.
• A minimum of three years of professional work experience with copy editing/proofreading and writing is required.

Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Candidate must demonstrate strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills, as well as the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Strong writing skills with the ability to produce error-free communications and other materials are required. Strong knowledge of AP Style; usage, grammar and punctuation rules for proofreading; fact checking; and quality control are essential.
• Candidate must possess strong organizational, planning and time-management skills with the ability to proactively manage multiple simultaneous projects to meet deadlines and work in a team-focused, collaborative environment. Must also demonstrate a strong attention to detail.
• Candidate must possess strong problem solving skills with the ability to be resourceful, proactive and seek assistance as needed. The ability to work both independently and in a team-focused, collaborative environment are essential.
• Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of MS Word and Adobe Acrobat. Experience with and/or a working knowledge of FileMaker Pro, Excel , Asana and/or other project management platform are preferred.

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

Deadline to Apply: April 22, 2022

EEO Statement: 

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, [email protected].

Benefits: 

• SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
• SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU’s retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
• The value of learning at SMU isn’t just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.v