🔹 Job Title: Content Specialist - Writing
🔹 Company: Pacific University
🔹 Location: Forest Grove, Oregon, United States
🔹 Job Type: Exempt (Full-Time)
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: May 30, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (On-site/Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
1. Content Creation & Management: Crafting, editing, and optimizing written content for various platforms, including the admissions blog, university website, news stories, and marketing collateral.
2. Brand Representation: Upholding and representing the university brand through consistent, high-quality content.
3. Collaboration: Working closely with academic, admissions, student support departments, and multimedia staff to gather information and create compelling narratives.
4. SEO Focus: Conducting keyword research and optimizing content for search engines to drive organic traffic and support student recruitment efforts.
5. Storytelling: Developing engaging and accurate news stories and briefs about students, employees, and alumni accomplishments.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of higher education marketing and branding, as well as a solid grasp of search engine optimization principles. Familiarity with Associated Press style is essential, and higher education experience is beneficial but not required.
📋 Key Responsibilities
🌟 Admissions Blog & SEO - 30%
- Research keywords and growth opportunities for search engine optimization on the university's primary website, pacificu.edu.
- Recommend blog topics and timelines to optimize blog content for a prospective student audience.
- Conduct interviews, gather information, and write/edit blog posts to drive organic search traffic and feed top-of-funnel student recruitment efforts.
🌟 University Website Content - 30%
- Work with academic, admissions, and student support departments to understand university programming.
- Craft accurate and compelling written web content that upholds the university brand and drives prospective student traffic into and through the recruitment funnel.
- Effectively use a content management system to build and format webpages (within a pre-approved framework and template) that maintain the university brand.
🌟 News & Storytelling - 20%
- Conduct interviews, gather information, and write/edit news stories and briefs about the accomplishments of students, employees, and alumni of the university.
- Collaborate with multimedia staff (videographers, photographers, social media managers) to support cross-channel storytelling. Write and edit video descriptions, captions, etc.
🌟 Marketing Collateral - 10%
- Write headlines, program descriptions, marketing text, and calls to action for print and digital collateral, such as external websites, viewbooks, or ads.
🌟 Asset Management - 10%
- Contribute to metadata, tags, and organization of marketing asset files.
- Compile assets and resources, such as data points and fast facts, for employee and brand ambassador newsletters and training.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask and meet deadlines. The content specialist must be able to work independently and collaborate effectively with colleagues across multiple departments.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in communications, media, marketing, journalism, or an equivalent level of experience.
- Strong writing and editing expertise, including familiarity with Associated Press style.
- Experience in search engine optimization keyword research and writing.
- Higher education experience is beneficial but not required.
- Excellent writing skills; the ability to write concise, compelling, articulate, accurate prose for multiple audiences and media.
- Strong knowledge of grammar and style conventions, especially Associated Press style.
- Strong knowledge of search engine optimization principles.
- Ability to conform to a brand framework and represent an organizational mission through writing.
- Ability to work in a team environment across multiple departments.
- Effective communication with colleagues, students, faculty, staff, and the public.
- Ability to work independently.
- Able to multitask and meet deadlines.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Asks questions and seeks assistance.
- Demonstrates confidentiality when appropriate and follows all university policies and procedures.
- Positively represents Pacific University as a high-quality institution of higher education devoted to inspiring students to think, care, create, and pursue justice.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $40,000 - $50,000 per year (Based on industry standards for entry-level marketing and communications roles in higher education)
Benefits:
- Generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, and sick leave).
- Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction).
- Comprehensive dental and vision plans.
- Annual 9% retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required.
- Free mental health appointments.
- Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements.
- Employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
- On-campus benefits, including free access to the sports facility and library.
- Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes).
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with some evening and weekend work on occasion.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: Small (11-50 employees)
Founded: 1849 (Forest Grove Campus)
Company Description: Pacific University is a small, private liberal arts college with a strong focus on undergraduate education and a commitment to inspiring students to think, care, create, and pursue justice. The College of Business at Pacific University offers an array of undergraduate and MBA programs, with a focus on hands-on learning and real-world applications.
Company Specialties: Business education, undergraduate and graduate programs, liberal arts, student-centered learning, and community engagement.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of Marketing & Communications.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On-site/Hybrid) - This position is primarily based on the Forest Grove (Ore.) Campus and may require some evening and weekend work on occasion. Candidates must be able to travel to campus regularly. Oregon-based candidates are strongly preferred.
Growth Opportunities: This role offers opportunities to grow within the Marketing & Communications department and the broader university, as the content specialist gains experience and demonstrates strong performance.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (On-site/Hybrid) - The Office of Marketing & Communications is based on Pacific's Forest Grove (Ore.) Campus.
Office Location(s): 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, Oregon 97116, US
Geographic Context: Forest Grove is a small city located in the Tualatin Valley, approximately 25 miles west of Portland, Oregon. The area offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with easy access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with some flexibility for evening and weekend work as needed.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong commitment to the university's mission and values, as well as a willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues across multiple departments. The content specialist should be comfortable working in a hybrid environment and be able to manage their time effectively to balance on-site and remote work responsibilities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
1. Online application submission through Paycom.
2. Phone or video screening with the Director of Marketing & Communications.
3. In-person or virtual interview with the Director of Marketing & Communications and a representative from the hiring department.
4. Final interview with the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Key Assessment Areas:
1. Writing and editing skills, with a focus on Associated Press style.
2. Knowledge of search engine optimization principles and best practices.
3. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues across multiple departments.
4. Understanding of higher education marketing and branding strategies.
5. Alignment with Pacific University's mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Application Tips:
1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences specific to this role, with a focus on writing, editing, SEO, and higher education marketing.
2. Provide examples of your writing and editing work, including blog posts, news articles, or marketing collateral.
3. Demonstrate your understanding of Pacific University's mission, values, and commitment to student-centered learning and community engagement.
ASSUMPTION: This role may require applicants to complete a writing assessment or provide writing samples as part of the interview process. Be prepared to discuss your writing process, editing techniques, and approach to search engine optimization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Content Management System (CMS) experience, preferably with WordPress or similar platforms.
- Familiarity with SEO tools, such as Google Search Console, SEMrush, or Ahrefs.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides).
- Experience with project management tools, such as Asana, Trello, or Jira, is beneficial.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
1. Integrity: Uphold the highest ethical standards in all actions and decisions.
2. Community: Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
3. Excellence: Pursue continuous learning and improvement in all aspects of the university's mission.
4. Innovation: Embrace creative problem-solving and adaptability in the face of change.
5. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Actively promote and celebrate diversity, foster an inclusive environment, and strive for equity in all aspects of the university's operations.
Work Style:
1. Collaborative: Work closely with colleagues across multiple departments to gather information and create compelling narratives.
2. Detail-oriented: Maintain a strong attention to detail in all aspects of the content creation and editing process.
3. Adaptable: Embrace a flexible and adaptable approach to balancing on-site and remote work responsibilities.
4. Student-centered: Demonstrate a deep commitment to supporting the academic and personal growth of Pacific University students.
Self-Assessment Questions:
1. How do your personal values align with Pacific University's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
2. Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment. How did you approach this challenge, and what was the outcome?
3. How do you ensure that your writing maintains a consistent brand voice and tone, even when working on multiple projects with different stakeholders?
ASSUMPTION: Pacific University values candidates who are passionate about the university's mission, committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment, and dedicated to supporting the academic and personal growth of its students.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
1. Workload fluctuations: The content specialist may experience fluctuations in workload, depending on the university's marketing and recruitment needs. Strong time management and organizational skills are essential to balance competing priorities.
2. Stakeholder management: Balancing the expectations and requirements of multiple departments and stakeholders can be challenging. Effective communication and collaboration skills are crucial for navigating these dynamics.
3. Deadline pressure: Content creation and editing projects may have tight deadlines, requiring the content specialist to manage their time effectively and prioritize tasks accordingly.
4. Remote work challenges: As a hybrid role, the content specialist must be comfortable working independently and managing their time effectively to balance on-site and remote work responsibilities.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
1. Content Specialist vs. Marketing Coordinator: While both roles focus on content creation and marketing, the content specialist role places a stronger emphasis on writing, editing, and SEO, while the marketing coordinator role may involve more event planning, social media management, and campaign coordination.
2. Higher Education vs. Corporate Marketing: Higher education marketing often requires a deeper understanding of academic programming, student recruitment strategies, and brand management within the context of a specific institution. Corporate marketing may involve more product-focused content and broader market analysis.
3. Career Path Comparison: Content specialists in higher education may have opportunities to transition into roles such as Marketing Manager, Director of Marketing & Communications, or even Dean of Students, depending on their institutional knowledge, leadership skills, and career aspirations.
📝 Sample Projects
1. Admissions Blog Series: Develop a series of blog posts targeted at prospective students, highlighting unique aspects of Pacific University's undergraduate and graduate programs, campus life, and student success stories.
2. University Website Redesign: Collaborate with web developers and designers to rewrite and optimize content for a newly redesigned university website, ensuring that all content is accurate, engaging, and SEO-optimized.
3. Marketing Campaign: Work with the marketing team to create a comprehensive marketing campaign for a new graduate program, including website content, email marketing materials, and social media posts.
💡 Key Questions to Ask During Interview
1. How does this role fit into the broader marketing and communications strategy for Pacific University?
2. What are the most significant challenges facing the university's marketing and recruitment efforts, and how can this role address them?
3. How does the Marketing & Communications department collaborate with other university departments, such as Admissions, Academic Affairs, and Student Services?
4. What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the Marketing & Communications department and the broader university?
5. How does Pacific University support work-life balance for its employees, particularly those in hybrid or remote roles?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the university's mission, values, and culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
1. Submit your application through the provided Paycom link.
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences specific to this role, with a focus on writing, editing, SEO, and higher education marketing.
3. Prepare a portfolio or writing samples that showcase your writing and editing skills, as well as your understanding of search engine optimization principles and higher education marketing strategies.
4. Follow up with the Director of Marketing & Communications one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application.
5. If invited to interview, research Pacific University's mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview process.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
