Writer Jobs in Arlington, VA

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.

If you are an experienced writing 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 Marketing Writer.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of the Marketing & Brand team, reporting to the Director of Product Marketing, this position will develop compelling, audience-centered marketing messages that drive action in support of our services and products. The position will support the marketing aspects of new program and product launches, including support of sales and service enablement efforts. In addition, the position will be responsible for identifying and developing collateral materials with compelling narratives that engage and educate our audiences. The ideal candidate is a skilled writer who can craft clear and motivating messages tailored to diverse audiences, which include colleges, students, and their supporters.

QUALIFICATIONS

This role requires:

• Candidates must live in the United States.
• Willing to travel to attend twice annual Common App Retreat.
• 3-5 years of experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience creating personal-targeted materials and resources (e.g., email campaigns, sales enablement resources, lead generation collateral).
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms, digital publishing tools, and Google suite.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to translate complex ideas into compelling content.
• Writing that drives action: Mastery of audience-targeted content creation with the ability to transform product releases, services, and product engagement into clear and motivating written material.
• Critical thinking and pattern recognition: Ability to analyze engagement metrics, audience research, and feedback to develop a deep understanding of targeted audience pain points, priorities, and needs.
• Complex project coordination: Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and navigate the needs of diverse stakeholders independently.
• Technical proficiency in marketing and communications tools: Demonstrated skill in using email marketing platforms and digital publishing tools to produce and distribute audience-targeted outreach.
• Collaboration & peer guidance: Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and provide guidance or peer-review support to ensure alignment across the department.
• Adaptability: Adjusts resources and priorities in response to changing organizational needs or feedback.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience with project planning and management.
• Prior experience in a fast-paced working environment, including but not limited to state or federal government or agency experience.
• Knowledge of key issues in higher education.
• Experience in higher education.
• Experience working for non-profits, educational institutions, or education technology.

PAY RANGE

Common App is a virtual first environment. We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by our competitive salary and an extensive benefits package including:

• 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

We work to maintain the best possible environment for our staff, where people can learn and grow. We strive to provide a diverse, collaborative, team-oriented, creative environment where each person feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.

HOW DO I APPLY

To apply for this opportunity, send your resume and cover letter with salary expectations.

PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:

During the recruiting process, please note that Common App will never:

• Provide a job offer without an interview
• Ask for payment to process documents, purchase equipment or for any other reason
• Request banking or credit card information
• Direct you to third-party services to obtain visas or other documentation

As we work alongside you through our recruitment process, please remain alert and never provide financial information or payment to anyone claiming to offer a job opportunity.

If you believe you’re a victim of a job scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state attorney general. To learn more about job scams, read the FBI’s public service announcement or visit the FTC site.