Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The multidisciplinary Digital Communications team at WashU is seeking a senior digital content strategist to help create and implement the content strategy for complex web redesign projects.

The senior digital content strategist will leverage prior experience to effectively develop and present content solutions to senior-level clients. They are responsible for the ideation and execution of content strategy for complex projects, including the creation, organization and management of content for strategic, high-visibility university websites and other digital products. The senior digital content strategist’s holistic view of the WashU ecosystem ensures that each project for the CFU and schools on the Danforth Campus reinforces the university’s strategic vision.

Job Description

Content Strategy Development

• Designs and conducts research, including brainstorming sessions, to understand end-user needs and client objectives, in collaboration with multidisciplinary team.
• Analyzes end-user needs and client objectives to address these needs and objectives through content strategy solutions.
• Collaborates closely with other disciplines of the digital team and University MarComm to craft cohesive, customized solutions for clients that serve university wide objectives.
• Identifies and recommends opportunities to optimize content across the WashU digital ecosystem.
• Advocates for brand guidelines, usability standards, business goals, and web content best practices across the university web ecosystem.
   

Information Architecture Design and Implementation

• Designs information architecture for web projects based on data gleaned from research and analysis of site goals and a thorough understanding of the university’s digital landscape.
• Leads reviews of recommended content strategy and information architecture with assigned clients and other stakeholders, often including top-level campus leaders. 
• Builds information architecture into the WordPress website for the project.
   

Client Partnership

• Works directly with clients throughout the lifecycle of a project for the design, development and maintenance of website strategy and content.
• Designs content creation and maintenance plans for clients to guide them in effectively maintaining their sites.
• Creates training and documentation material to empower clients to maintain the content strategy for the lifespan of the website.
• Champions recommended solutions beyond the website launch.
   

Writing, Editing and Proofing

• Develops themes, headlines, key messages, and top-level content for website projects.
• Implements key messaging and content in project website to reinforce content strategy and provide direction for additional content entry.
• Writes and proofs content for the university’s top-level sites and campus partner sites according to WashU brand guidelines as well as MarComm and AP style.
   

Performs other duties as assigned.
 

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

• Normal office environment
• Ability to travel to various on- and off-campus locations
   

Physical Effort

• Typically sitting at a desk or table
• Repetitive hand or wrist motion
   

Equipment

• Office equipment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Professional Writing, Editing And Optimizing Content For Digital Communications (5 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Our Digital Communications team is responsible for the digital side of marketing and communications. We design, build and maintain the primary public-facing university websites including https://washu.edu, https://source.washu.edu, https://alumni.washu.edu, https://giving.washu.edu, and https://admissions.washu.edu. Specializing in WordPress, we created and continue to maintain the university’s self-publishing website service called WashU Sites. Additionally, we apply WashU brand standards and best practices to email, online search, and the university calendar, among others.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

AP Style Guide, Audience Analysis, Audience Targeting, Content Development, Content Management Systems (CMS), Detail-Oriented, Digital Analytics, Digital Media Measurement, Interpersonal Communication, Iterative Design, Oral Communications, Presentation Techniques, Teamwork, Web Content Management, Website Architecture, Working Independently, Written Communication

Grade

G12

Salary Range

$58,400.00 - $99,700.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.