Title: Editor/Senior Writer

Division: University Marketing and Communications

Department: University Strategic Communications

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $55,000/Annual Salary

EEO Job Group: 2 E2

Position Summary

The University of Southern Indiana is accepting applications for Editor/Senior Writer.

Serve as the Editor of Illume, the University of Southern Indiana’s award-winning biannual magazine, overseeing all aspects of editorial planning, content development, production and distribution. This role leads the creative direction and execution of Illume, ensuring each issue aligns with the magazine’s mission to instill a sense of pride and strengthen readers’ connections to the University through powerful storytelling.

In addition to managing Illume, the Editor/Senior Writer serves as the University’s lead content strategist and senior writer—driving editorial consistency, voice and tone across University communications. This includes writing and editing high-impact content for a variety of audiences and platforms and providing writing and editorial support for the University President and other senior-level administrators.

The position plays a key role in elevating the University’s brand and reputation by shaping compelling narratives, developing editorial standards, mentoring campus writers and ensuring alignment across strategic communication efforts.

Duties/Responsibilities

Plan each issue of Illume, the University’s magazine, developing unique themes and story ideas in collaboration with faculty, staff, Content Marketing Specialists, Athletics, Alumni Engagement and Volunteer USI, the USI Foundation, Photography and Multimedia, University Web and Digital Content and others.
Research and write engaging feature and news stories and other content for Illume, University publications, marketing materials, newsletters and online content aligned with University mission and brand.
Maintain and manage editorial calendars and production schedules and timeline using project management software such as Airtable.
Work with University Creative and Print and Photography and Multimedia to coordinate photography and design of magazine.
Ensure the magazine stays within budget for printing and postage.
Manage Illume mailing list in collaboration with USI Foundation.
Coordinate online web publication, newsletter and social media for magazine.
Coordinate a survey every two years to send to Illume's readership.
Track impact and reach of Illume content through data analytics, surveys and other tools.
Maintain the Editor's Manual for the University.
Work with Marketing and Communication to advise, plan, write and/or edit a variety of content such as articles, stories, marketing copy for ads, video scripts, letters, brochures, social media content and other copy as needed.
Serve as a mentor for other writers within the University and help to maintain voice and tone and editorial consistency across communications.
Lead workshops and training for University writers and coordinate regular writers' meetings.
Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge And Skills

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, English or a related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in writing, editing, and/or publications work; higher education or nonprofit experience a plus.
Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills, with a portfolio of high-quality storytelling.
Ability to conduct interviews with subjects in person, via video conference, phone or email.
Strong editing/proofreading skills and ability to craft/repurpose content for various audiences.
Strong project management, time management and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment.
Proficiency with content planning tools (e.g., Airtable), web platforms (e.g., Umbraco), and Microsoft Office Suite.
Familiarity with or ability to learn SEO, accessibility standards and social media strategy.
Experience with or ability to learn print and digital publishing workflows.
Working knowledge of AP Style and University branding guidelines.

Preferred Knowledge And Skills

Master's degree.
Video production or visual storytelling experience.

Regular Work Hours/Travel Requirements

Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Flexibility required for evening and weekend work depending on project deadlines or event support and coverage.
Occasional travel required.

About USI

The University of Southern Indiana is a public higher education institution located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, IN. We offer employees exceptional benefits! Benefits for this position include:

Affordable medical, dental, vision, life and short term and long-term disability insurance plans.
Retirement plan where the University makes the total contribution equivalent to 11% of annual salary.
Full tuition fee waiver for employees/75% for spouses and dependent children.
Vacation and sick time
Holiday pay
Free access to Recreation, Fitness & Wellness Center.
Access to on-campus University Health Center and Dental Hygiene Clinic.

For more information about the benefits that USI offers, please visit www.usi.edu/hr/benefits.

Application Process

Click “Apply Now!” near the top right of this page to complete an application and upload application materials to the attention of the Search Committee Chair. Application materials should include:

Cover Letter
Resume

Search Committee Chair:

If you have questions about the open position, please contact Maggie Carnahan, search committee chair, at macarnahan@usi.edu.

Best Consideration Date:

For best consideration, please submit materials by June 4, 2025.

Pre-Employment Screening

A background check will be required for employment in this position.

Authorization to Work in the United States

USI will not sponsor an employment-related visa for this position.

Interview Accommodations

Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please contact the manager of Employment at mcweinzapf@usi.edu or (812) 464-1840. Contacting the manager of Employment is intended for use in seeking disability-related accommodations only. For general applicant inquiries, contact Human Resources at HumanRes@usi.edu or (812) 464-1815.

EEO Statement

USI is an Equal Opportunity Employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities

University of Southern Indiana

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