Job Details

Staff Writer, Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law

Position Number: 6320222
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Position Type: Communications - Journalism

Staff Writer, Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title
Staff Writer, Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law

Job Profile Title
Staff Writer A

Job Description Summary
The Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law (CERL) is a non-partisan interdisciplinary institute at the University of Pennsylvania dedicated to preserving and promoting ethics and the rule of law in national security, warfare, and democratic governance. CERL draws from the study of law, philosophy, and ethics to answer the difficult questions that arise in domestic and transnational crises and conflicts.
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, with a dotted line to the Faculty Director, the staff writer generates content, conducts research, and writes and edits to support the research, writing, and publication activities of the Center and its Faculty Director. The staff writer is responsible for editing CERL's reports and publications, coordinating with report authors and engaging in citation and fact-checking, editing and interfacing with authors for CERL's on-line blog, The Rule of Law Post, writing copy for CERL's website, social media posts and mailing list communications, handling routine correspondence for the Center, and interfacing with members of CERL's Executive Board, Advisory Council and Affiliated Faculty, as well as with members of the public. The staff writer will also serve as an assistant to the faculty director, conducting research related to media appearances, assisting with correspondence and scheduling and coordinating meetings and appointments. The staff writer will from time to time assist with day-to-day operations relating to conferences and event planning and execution when needed.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Assists in drafting and editing reports, writing and editing copy for web posts, blogs, promotional materials, digital campaigns, and other written material issued by the Center in coordination with the Director of Engagement.
Participates in all aspects of CERL's communications program, including conceptualizing narrative and content, building relationships and contacts, identifying stories and opportunities, and contributing to the ongoing creative efforts of CERL.
Fact and cite checks materials for CERL's publications and reports.
Assists with grant writing and funding requests, in conjunction with the Director of Engagement.
Helps with website maintenance, social media management, and other communications platforms, including Mailchimp and social media pages
Composes, proofreads, and edits routine correspondence.
Assists with the writing and production of CERL's annual report.
Assists the Faculty Director with media briefings and other public appearances and manages the Faculty Director's calendar and correspondence.
When needed, aids in the coordination of activities relating to public events and closed-door meetings. These activities include but are not limited to sending invitations, managing guest lists, coordinating conference reading material, and corresponding with conference attendees.
Take responsibility for managing writing assignments and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, demanding creative environment with many stakeholders.
Contribute to the spirit of teamwork and to the strength of the University by providing proactive, positive, and effective customer service to external supporters and partners.
Consistently exercise strategic judgement, discretion, and painstaking accuracy.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public policy, social science, or a related field is required. A master's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field is preferred.
Two to three years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and professional writing experience, including print and web publications and speeches, is required. Samples will be requested.
Superior written communication skills with prior editing and writing experience.
Experience writing leadership remarks for a range of events (e.g., large conferences and workshops, student internships, donor celebrations and cultivation, etc.).
Demonstrate excellent organizational, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills.
Have intermediate to advanced computer skills and mastery of Microsoft Office applications, as well as experience with WordPress, Canva, and email marketing platforms.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects while meeting overlapping deadlines.
Have interest or experience in CERL's mission of protecting and promoting ethics, democratic governance, and the rule of law in government and public life.
Have experience within a university or research institution setting (preferred) or other experience evidencing suitability for this position.
Strong interpersonal skills with a high degree of competency and comfort in interacting with people at all professional levels.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Penn Global

Pay Range
$23.80 - $25.75 Hourly Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Franklin-Building---2nd-Floor/Staff-Writer--Center-for-Ethics-and-the-Rule-of-Law_JR00107590