Communications Writer - U.S. Based Remote Opportunity

Arlington, VA (Remote)

$75K/yr – $77K/yrMid Level3+ years expFull time

Posted 3 months ago

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Job Summary

Drive audience-centered communications for counselors, members, and students by planning and delivering newsletters and announcements with strong storytelling.

  • Must-have: 3-5 years of audience-specific communications experience and narrative development.
  • Standout: Editorial ownership across multiple platforms with strong collaboration and metrics-driven optimization.

Job Description

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.

    Benefits

    • Work-Life balance
    • Virtual-first office
    • Paid Time Off (PTO)
    • Seven company-wide holidays
    • Nine floating holidays
    • Sick leave
    • Monthly mental health day
    • Virtual-first support
    • Choice of PC or MAC laptop
    • May choose an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset
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    Common App

    3.6 Glassdoor

    Common App is a not-for-profit organization of more than 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States and around the world. Since 1975, Common App has been committed to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process.

    Founded in 1975
    Arlington, Virginia, USA
    190 employees (24 in marketing)
    65% recommend to a friend
    100% CEO approval

    Traffic Signals

    Monthly Visitors
    13.1M
    Traffic Source Mix
    Search
    35.6%
    Direct
    58.5%
    Referral
    5.2%
    Social
    0.6%
    Paid
    0.1%

    Headcount Trend

    Current headcount: ~191

    Marketing Team

    Marketing Team Size
    18 (9% of company)
    Marketing Roles Posted (Last 30 Days)
    2

    Funding

    Total Funding
    $175K
    Last Raise
    $175K
    Grant, 4 years ago

    Funding History

    • Feb 2022
      Grant • $175K

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