University of Utah logo

University of Utah

Communications Editor

🇺🇸 Salt Lake City, UT 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $60K - $80K 💻 Communications 🗓️ March 25th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

University of Utah is hiring a Communications Editor. This role involves producing compelling advancement communications content that inspires philanthropy and deepens engagement, working closely with subject matter experts and various stakeholders to craft and revise narratives for fundraising and marketing initiatives. The editor will lead editorial assessments, collaborate with creative teams, and manage multiple projects to ensure content aligns with strategic communication goals for University Advancement Donor Relations Marketing and Communications.

Highlights
  • Produce longform and shortform content such as white papers, proposals, impact reports, and case statements for university and health sciences advancement.
  • Write letters on behalf of leadership and develop content for various communication platforms like UtahMed magazine and the giving website.
  • Provide copyediting services and support the editorial team across assigned projects.
  • Collaborate with designers and manage multiple projects with competing timelines.
  • Communicate with fundraisers and stakeholders to review and approve content, and lead editorial assessments and scoping sessions.
  • Conduct interviews and independent research to develop engaging stories and materials.
  • Utilize Unite software for donor research and project tracking when necessary.
  • Maintain brand tone and style consistency across all content.
  • Preferred qualifications include 5+ years of experience in advancement/donor relations writing, marketing writing, project management, and experience working with creative teams.
  • Salary range is $60,000 to $80,000 annually.

Communications Editor Full Description

Communications Editor
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Portfolio of writing samples.
Announcement
 Details 
Open Date  | 03/20/2026
Requisition Number  | PRN44522B
Job Title  | Communications Editor
Working Title  | Advancement Communications Writer, Donor Relations
Career Progression Track  | F
Track Level  |
FLSA Code  | Professional
Patient Sensitive Job Code?  | No
Standard Hours per Week  | 40
Full Time or Part Time?  | Full Time
Shift  | Day
Work Schedule Summary  |
VP Area  | President
Department  | 00289 - Development
Location  | Campus
City  | Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment  | External Posting
Pay Rate Range  | 60000 to 80000
Close Date  | 06/20/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)  |
Job Summary  | Must live in Utah and have the ability to work on campus.

University Advancement Donor Relations Marketing and Communications (DR MarComm) seeks an advancement communications writer to join our expanding team. Reporting to the senior director of communications, the advancement communications writer knows how to harness the power of storytelling to inspire philanthropy and deepen engagement. This writer is comfortable crafting compelling narratives, translating complex ideas into accessible language, and collaborating across teams to bring projects to life. Portfolio pieces highlight experience in working closely with subject matter experts to produce traditional fundraising communication pieces and writing content that can be used for philanthropic marketing and advertising initiatives. They’re also no stranger to taking editorial feedback and making revisions under tight timelines. With experience in advancement work, the advancement communications writer is well-versed in donor relations communications and excels at capturing the heart and humanity behind initiatives.

The DR MarComm team provides creative services for advancement colleagues across the university and University of Utah Health. In addition to producing dynamic and engaging content, the advancement communications writer will lead editorial assessments and scoping sessions with our colleagues to get to the heart of the communications request and advise on best strategy to meet the communication needs of the audience.

University’s Equal Opportunity Statement

To inquire about this posting, email: employment@utah.edu or call 801-581-2300. Reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities. To request an accommodation or for further information about University AA/EO policies, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affi

Responsibilities 
Produce longform and shortform content for university and health sciences advancement such as white papers, proposals, impact reports, case statements, and one-sheets. Write letters on behalf of leadership for proposals, reports, etc. Write content for impact reports, proposals, one-pagers, endowment reports, the giving website, and UtahMed magazine—as well as other communication pieces as requested. Provide copyediting services. Support editorial team on all projects as assigned. Work with designers as needed to have content ready to layout. Manage multiple projects on competing timelines. Communicate with fundraisers and other stakeholders for project requests, review, and approval of content. Assist with The Post, UWAM, and other internal communications projects. Interview subject matter experts to inform stories. Conduct independent research to inform stories, one-pagers, etc. Use Unite to do donor research and track projects where necessary. Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a high-paced environment with many stakeholders involved. Participate in the development of creative briefs and strategic and tactical plans, including building out deadlines and working with the design team to establish production timelines. Ensure copy tone and style are consistent with brand and style guidelines. Interact with fundraisers and advancement colleagues to understand university initiatives and priorities. Present content in pitch meetings. Take feedback to revise and modify content for pieces to meet client needs and expectations.

Additional responsibilities may include:
Write stories for web and donor magazines. Liaise with other communications professionals within advancement and across the university and U of U Health to repurpose content and engage in a One-U approach.

Minimum Qualifications  | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); plus at least five years of experience in the field or in a related area.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences  | 5+ years experience of writing with a portfolio that demonstrates experience in advancement/donor relations writing. Marketing writing experience: short, tight copy making bold statements and getting to the point quickly. Experience leading interviews and conducting individual research to tell a dynamic story. Experience working with a creative team. Experience leading editorial discussions. Project management.
Type  | Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary  | Portfolio of writing samples.
Additional Information  | The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Writing Sample 1
  4. List of References
Optional Documents
  1. Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Description for More Information – Appropriate discharge document (such as DD-2214) – Veteran Only
  2. Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Document Description for More Information – Addendum to the University of Utah – Veteran Only
 University Human Resource Management 
 250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
 Contact us: (801) 581-2169 By Email: employment@utah.edu