Communications Writer

About Us

Do you have a passion for higher education? Do you want to make a positive impact on the college admissions process? Our staff help to remove barriers and encourage students to forge their path to a better future. Common App is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year we support more than 1 million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, as they apply to our more than 1100 diverse member colleges & universities using the Common App's free online application.

Job Description

If you are an experienced strategic communications professional and want to be part of a mission-driven non-profit that uses innovative technology to advance the college admission process, Common App may be a great match for you. Common App is currently searching for a Communications Writer

Responsibilities

As a member of the Communications & Marketing team, reporting to the Director of Media & External Affairs, this position will develop and deliver compelling, audience-centered messaging to our core stakeholders: counselors, members, and students. This role will be responsible for planning, writing, and editing newsletters, announcements, and other communications that inform, engage, and inspire our audiences. The ideal candidate is a strong storyteller and skilled writer who can translate complex information into clear, accessible, and motivating messages tailored to diverse audiences.

Requirements

• Candidates must live in the United States.
• Willing to travel to attend twice annual Common App Retreat.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, or a related field,or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3-5 years of experience.
• Experience producing audience-specific communications (e.g., newsletters, campaign emails, or announcements).
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms, CRM systems, or digital publishing tools.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to translate complex ideas into engaging narratives.
• Advanced Writing & Narrative Development: Mastery of audience-centered storytelling with the ability to translate complex organizational priorities, higher education policy, or technical updates into clear, accessible, and motivating narratives.
• Editorial Ownership & Strategy Refinement: Ability to take ownership of editorial calendars and messaging consistency across multiple platforms, ensuring all content aligns with the established brand voice and tone.
• Critical Thinking & Pattern Recognition: Ability to analyze engagement metrics and audience feedback to identify communication gaps and propose innovative solutions for content optimization.
• Complex Project Coordination: Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-stakes deadlines and navigate the needs of diverse internal and external stakeholders independently.
• Technical Proficiency in Communications Tools: Advanced skill in using email marketing platforms, CRM systems, and digital publishing tools to produce and distribute audience-specific communications.
• Collaboration & Peer Guidance: Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and provide guidance or peer-review support to ensure messaging alignment across the department.
• Adaptability: Adjusts messaging and priorities in response to changing organizational needs or feedback.

Benefits

• Work-Life balance
• Virtual-first office
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Seven company-wide holidays
• Nine floating holidays*
• Sick leave
• Monthly mental health day
• *floating holidays prorated depending on start date
• Virtual-first support
• Choice of PC of MAC laptop
• May choose an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset
• One-time office set-up stipend
• Monthly remote work stipend
• Monthly mobile stipend
• Financial security
• Market-based salaries
• Performance-based bonus
• 403(b) retirement plan
• 5% company contribution
• additional 5% company match
• 3-year vesting schedule
• Participation may begin immediately
• Health & wellness
• Choice of two health insurance plans
• Health Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
• Medical Flexible Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Insurance coverage begins on the date of hire
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Maven virtual clinic for women’s and family health
• Company provided life and ad&d insurance
• Opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for self, spouse, and dependents
• Company provided short and long-term disability insurance
• Career development
• Budgeted annual funds for professional development
• Growth opportunities within the company
• Additional perks
• Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program
• Mutual of Omaha will preparation services
• Mutual of Omaha travel assistance
• Payroll dedication pet insurance through PinPaws
• 1Password family account