Writer

Job Summary:

Under occasional supervision and in collaboration with creative teams, the writer uses knowledge and skills gained through education and experience to create marketing communications and product information across all mediums and employing a full range of copy tones, styles and voices. Develops concepts and content for key projects of moderate scope and complexity in the context of the creative brief, job specifications and the corporate style guide in collaboration with a variety of creative and account staff. Resolves routine questions and problems and refers unusual issues to a higher level. Routine collaboration with internal team members is required to obtain, clarify or provide facts and information. With occasional instruction/involvement from account executives, creative directors, managers and other team members, makes independent decisions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with supervisor, writing staff and other stakeholders, assists in defining content requirements for clients and the firm.

• In collaboration with a creative team and with minimal additional oversight, develops and creates original concepts, writes, proofreads and edits product information materials.

• Applies corporate style guide standards consistently.

• Interprets and incorporates marketing objectives into written materials.

• Researches subject matter using the intranet, Internet, interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs), financial publications and other sources.

• Collaborates with product managers, graphic designers, interactive designers and audio/visual professionals to create, revise and format content for various media.

• Presents copy, layout, web design and audio/visual material for client approval.

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles of English language usage and grammar, sufficient to write and edit high quality accurate copy.

• Broad marketing communication principles.

• Writing for both print and online mediums.

• MS Office suite as well as computer and web literacy across devices at an intermediate level.

• The capabilities of digital platforms and software.

• Design principles at an introductory level

• Familiarity with a variety of print techniques and format options.

• The financial services industry and understanding of compliance and regulations.

• The broad capabilities of the Adobe Creative Suite tools and ability to discern the appropriateness of different design tools available to designers/art directors.

Skill in:

• Composing copy quickly, accurately and creatively that enhances end user comprehension of products and marketing strategies.

• Expressing ideas clearly and logically.

• Writing in both concise, economical style and longer, more content-heavy formats.

• Writing for both print and web mediums.

• Identifying strengths and opportunities in a creative brief, helping the team evolve the work beyond its initial idea.

• Conducting topical research using the Internet and other resources, and incorporating results in writing assignments.

• Thinking analytically, effectively interpreting and incorporating feedback (from creative directors, account managers and clients) and aligning creative decisions with a client's communication objectives.

• Using a variety of ideation methods and brainstorming techniques.

Ability to:

• Apply exceptional storytelling to a full range of copy elements (headlines, ad and collateral copy, direct marketing, online [from banners to full websites],etc.) in a wide range of styles

• Listen well and ask good questions.

• Anticipate client needs and to align creative decisions with firm wide objectives.

• Identify potential initiatives and co-lead.

• Take lead on higher profile projects and campaigns.

• Determine priorities in a self-directed work environment so both creative and administrative responsibilities are met.

• Think visually and creatively to successfully collaborate with graphic artists, web designers, and audio/visual professionals.

• Collaborate with art directors, creative directors and account managers to help craft strong visual communications and infographics.

• Discern the appropriateness of different design tools available to designers/art directors

• Work independently as well as within a team environment.

• Offer input on the development of the creative brief and project scope.

• Take the lead on developing and presenting conceptual ideas to a creative director and/or team.

• Provide informal leadership on conceptual projects.

• Present ideas, concepts and copy to account manager partners and clients.

• Communicate comfortably in small- to medium-sized groups.

• Build relationships and collaborate with senior leaders

• Build strong collaborative relationships with peers.

• Mentor others, either formally or informally

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, preferably in advertising, communications, creative writing, English/literature, marketing or journalism with a minimum of three (3) years of professional writing experience.

~or~

• Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training.

Licenses/Certifications:

• None required.

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No