Junior Writer, Marketing and Brand Communications

Department: Communications

Reports to: Senior Writer, External Communications

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

The anticipated salary for this position starts at $68,200 and ranges up to $80,200. The final pay will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry, with a strong emphasis on maintaining internal equity.

Who we are and what we’re about:

KU Endowment is an independent, nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas.  We partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater KU.
 

As an employee of KU Endowment, you’ll witness firsthand the power of our donors’ generosity.  You will join a talented and fun group of people who are inspired to help KU through the support of loyal alumni and friends.  This support fuels excellence, enabling students and faculty to develop innovative programs and research that distinguish the university.  We connect the philanthropic passions of donors with the needs of students, faculty and programs – and everyone benefits.
 

People are engaged. Purpose is ignited.  Lives are changed.

What we are looking for:

Ready to turn your creative writing skills into real impact? Join a team that transforms stories into connections, inspiring donors to support the incredible things happening at the University of Kansas. We’re looking for a creative, curious and collaborative writer who can bring powerful narratives to life and make a difference through the art of storytelling. If you’re ready to use your writing to ignite change (and have fun doing it), we’d love to meet you.

Our Marketing + Brand Communications team is looking for a full-time writer who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You’ll create engaging narratives that drive philanthropic support, directly contributing to KU’s efforts to engage donors, elevate our brand and inspire impactful giving.

You’re right for this role if:

• You have a strong ability to imagine what will inspire or move your audience.
• You listen carefully, ask insightful questions, and uncover the heart of each story.
• You can quickly draft content and take feedback to refine your work.
• You thrive in a collaborative environment and work effectively with teammates to achieve shared goals.
• You approach each project with a mix of creativity, enthusiasm and precision.

If you’re ready to contribute to KU Endowment’s mission by telling powerful stories and supporting our efforts to engage donors, we’d love to have you on our team!

Hybrid Work Environment:
This position offers a hybrid work schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week. However, the role requires multiple days per week on-site at our Lawrence, KS office to ensure effective collaboration, team engagement, and alignment with organizational goals. 

The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – passion for KU, partnership with donors, perpetual support for KU, and a people-centered approach – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities.

What’s a typical day look like?

• Conduct interviews with faculty, staff, donors, and scholarship recipients to uncover inspiring stories and understand the transformative impact of their work.
• Write and edit donor-focused content for a variety of mediums, including private gift and grant proposals, marketing copy for websites, press releases, media releases, and feature stories.
• Support major gift efforts by coordinating the preparation and formatting of proposals and related materials for KU Endowment, collaborating closely with fundraising staff and volunteers.
• Perform confidential research on donors and fund histories to craft compelling narratives that connect their passions to KU’s mission.
• Track success and engagement of news releases, articles, and promotional materials, using insights to refine messaging and strategy.
• Collaborate with teammates to develop strategic communication materials—video scripts, web content, and more—to support KU Endowment’s philanthropic goals.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

What’s required to be considered:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in journalism, English, creative writing or public relations. 
• Three or more years of experience in public relations, media relations, marketing communications, or higher education administration with evidence of increasing levels of responsibility.
• Excellent typing and organizational skills along with the ability to work under deadline pressure and to juggle multiple projects.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Endowment and University personnel.

What separates the best from the rest? 

• Excellent creative writing ability as demonstrated through published work, news releases, proposals or grants. Excellent interviewing and person-to-person skills.
• Proficiency in AP Style.

Physical Requirements:

• A valid driver’s license. 
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple locations for training, donor meetings, networking, events and/or work-related activities.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to directions and safety hazards.
• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office productivity machinery such as      computers, keyboards and a mouse, laptops, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. 
• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to move files, open filing      cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• The person in this position frequently communicates with donors, colleagues, students, and general public. Must be able to      communicate with others effectively.
• Physical effort/lifting: light-up to 20 pounds
• Rare travel requirements can include the following, evenings, weekends, and out of town overnights as a regular part of the      job. 

We’ve got you covered:

KU Endowment offers a competitive salary with an excellent benefit package including: 

• 100% employer-paid pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Section 125 flexible benefits 
• Generous paid leave including holidays, personal and sick leave
• Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Legal & ID Theft protection
• Critical Illness
• Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance 
• KU education assistance 
• Free parking

Sounds good, right? What’s next?

Please include your resume, cover letter, and writing samples when applying for this position on our website at https://www.kuendowment.org/careers.

In order to evaluate writing skill, tone and style, please submit 3-4 recent writing samples (created or published within the last year) with your resume and application. Examples of acceptable samples include blog posts, news releases, articles, grants or other contributions. Samples should reflect your ability to research, report, organize content and communicate creatively and clearly to your readers. This attachment needs to be attached within the application under Upload Additional Files, next to Upload Cover Letter.

Questions regarding this vacancy may be addressed to:
 

Emily Garcia

Sr. Human Resources Associate
KU Endowment
PO Box 928
Lawrence, KS 66044-0928
Email: egarcia@kuendowment.org
 

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.  Because of the sensitive nature of KU Endowment business and the importance of our reputation with donors, KU Endowment conducts a comprehensive review of applicants.  By submitting your application, you authorize us to conduct reference checks and a review of available public information.  Employment is contingent upon background and reference checks that KU Endowment finds acceptable.