University of Michigan-Flint School of Management
Law School Senior Writer / Editor
University of Michigan-Flint School of Management, Ann Arbor, Michigan, us, 48113
Job Summary
The Senior Writer/Editor plays a pivotal role in shaping and elevating the institution's voice through clear, compelling, and strategically aligned storytelling. Reporting to the Content Director, this individual develops and edits high-impact content that advances the school's reputation, supports recruitment and fundraising, and deepens engagement among students, faculty, alumni, and external audiences. The ideal candidate is a versatile communicator who can translate complex ideas into accessible narratives, guide other writers, and uphold the highest editorial standards across print and digital platforms.
Who We Are Michigan Law, one of the oldest law schools in the nation, was founded in 1859 and enjoys a reputation for academic excellence. Ranked among the top law schools, Michigan Law is internationally renowned for its academic rigor, stunning physical surroundings, faculty scholarship, and a collegial and warm academic community. Supported by remarkable facilities, preeminent faculty scholars, and an unparalleled architecture, Michigan Law has a total of 21,800 alumni, 1,001 JD candidates, and 82 full‑time faculty members, including 55 tenured and tenure‑track, 27 clinical and legal practice, and 57 part‑time faculty members. Students have access to 6 student‑edited journals and more than 50 student organizations.
Responsibilities Writing and Story Development
Research, write, and produce feature stories, news articles, profiles, and marketing copy that showcase Michigan Law's strengths and priorities.
Translate institutional initiatives, student experiences, and alumni impact into engaging, audience‑appropriate stories.
Develop content for multiple channels including the website, alumni magazine, newsletters, and brochures.
Pitch story ideas that advance strategic priorities and reinforce brand messaging.
Ensure accuracy, clarity, and tone consistent with institutional voice.
Editing and Quality Assurance
Edit content produced by staff, freelancers, and campus partners for style, tone, clarity, and factual accuracy.
Maintain and evolve editorial style guidelines to ensure consistency across all platforms.
Provide developmental and line editing for long‑form features, institutional brochures and reports, and faculty website profiles.
Serve as a final editorial check for key publications, ensuring polish and professionalism.
Strategic and Collaborative Engagement
Collaborate with the Content Director to align editorial priorities with broader communications and marketing strategies.
Partner with colleagues in design, multimedia, and digital/social media to deliver cohesive, visually and narratively integrated stories.
Work closely with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to identify strong story angles and represent their work with accuracy and nuance.
Contribute to editorial planning meetings and help manage the content calendar.
Performance and Optimization
Maintain storytelling project tracking database.
Track and assess content performance using analytics and feedback to refine future storytelling approaches.
Stay informed on trends in higher education, the legal profession, journalism, and digital media to keep institutional content current and competitive.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
7‑10 years of professional writing and editing experience, ideally in higher education, journalism, or strategic communications.
Exceptional command of language and editorial judgment.
Proven ability to write for diverse audiences and across multiple formats.
Strong interviewing, research, and fact‑checking skills.
Experience managing or mentoring other writers.
Experience collaborating with designers, photographers, videographers, and digital strategists.
Knowledge of AP and Chicago style, grammar, spelling, proofreading, and other writing conventions.
Desired Qualifications
Distills complex academic or legal topics into compelling, human‑centered narratives.
Exercises editorial judgment to shape stories and select formats that advance institutional priorities.
Ensures editorial consistency, clarity, and quality across all written outputs.
Understands how content strategically supports institutional goals and adapts tone accordingly.
Produces outstanding marketing copy that creatively sparkles and is rooted in strategy.
Demonstrates outstanding communication skills, superb attention to detail, and excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Has a confident, congenial interviewing style and crafts short, snappy, on‑message profiles of students, faculty, and alumni.
Adapts writing style to fit audience and voice of the piece.
Works independently, reliably and consistently meets deadlines.
Believes in the transformative value of higher education and creates content that engages current and prospective students.
Manages several projects simultaneously; prioritizes and plans work.
Exhibits exceptional attention to detail for high accuracy.
Exhibits a positive attitude and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Engages with high‑level administrators, donors, alumni, faculty, and students in a professional yet personable manner.
Demonstrates intellectual engagement and passion for learning about diverse disciplines and ideas.
Modes of Work Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time.
Application Deadline Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U‑M EEO Statement The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
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Who We Are Michigan Law, one of the oldest law schools in the nation, was founded in 1859 and enjoys a reputation for academic excellence. Ranked among the top law schools, Michigan Law is internationally renowned for its academic rigor, stunning physical surroundings, faculty scholarship, and a collegial and warm academic community. Supported by remarkable facilities, preeminent faculty scholars, and an unparalleled architecture, Michigan Law has a total of 21,800 alumni, 1,001 JD candidates, and 82 full‑time faculty members, including 55 tenured and tenure‑track, 27 clinical and legal practice, and 57 part‑time faculty members. Students have access to 6 student‑edited journals and more than 50 student organizations.
Responsibilities Writing and Story Development
Research, write, and produce feature stories, news articles, profiles, and marketing copy that showcase Michigan Law's strengths and priorities.
Translate institutional initiatives, student experiences, and alumni impact into engaging, audience‑appropriate stories.
Develop content for multiple channels including the website, alumni magazine, newsletters, and brochures.
Pitch story ideas that advance strategic priorities and reinforce brand messaging.
Ensure accuracy, clarity, and tone consistent with institutional voice.
Editing and Quality Assurance
Edit content produced by staff, freelancers, and campus partners for style, tone, clarity, and factual accuracy.
Maintain and evolve editorial style guidelines to ensure consistency across all platforms.
Provide developmental and line editing for long‑form features, institutional brochures and reports, and faculty website profiles.
Serve as a final editorial check for key publications, ensuring polish and professionalism.
Strategic and Collaborative Engagement
Collaborate with the Content Director to align editorial priorities with broader communications and marketing strategies.
Partner with colleagues in design, multimedia, and digital/social media to deliver cohesive, visually and narratively integrated stories.
Work closely with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to identify strong story angles and represent their work with accuracy and nuance.
Contribute to editorial planning meetings and help manage the content calendar.
Performance and Optimization
Maintain storytelling project tracking database.
Track and assess content performance using analytics and feedback to refine future storytelling approaches.
Stay informed on trends in higher education, the legal profession, journalism, and digital media to keep institutional content current and competitive.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
7‑10 years of professional writing and editing experience, ideally in higher education, journalism, or strategic communications.
Exceptional command of language and editorial judgment.
Proven ability to write for diverse audiences and across multiple formats.
Strong interviewing, research, and fact‑checking skills.
Experience managing or mentoring other writers.
Experience collaborating with designers, photographers, videographers, and digital strategists.
Knowledge of AP and Chicago style, grammar, spelling, proofreading, and other writing conventions.
Desired Qualifications
Distills complex academic or legal topics into compelling, human‑centered narratives.
Exercises editorial judgment to shape stories and select formats that advance institutional priorities.
Ensures editorial consistency, clarity, and quality across all written outputs.
Understands how content strategically supports institutional goals and adapts tone accordingly.
Produces outstanding marketing copy that creatively sparkles and is rooted in strategy.
Demonstrates outstanding communication skills, superb attention to detail, and excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Has a confident, congenial interviewing style and crafts short, snappy, on‑message profiles of students, faculty, and alumni.
Adapts writing style to fit audience and voice of the piece.
Works independently, reliably and consistently meets deadlines.
Believes in the transformative value of higher education and creates content that engages current and prospective students.
Manages several projects simultaneously; prioritizes and plans work.
Exhibits exceptional attention to detail for high accuracy.
Exhibits a positive attitude and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Engages with high‑level administrators, donors, alumni, faculty, and students in a professional yet personable manner.
Demonstrates intellectual engagement and passion for learning about diverse disciplines and ideas.
Modes of Work Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time.
Application Deadline Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U‑M EEO Statement The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
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