For nearly 40 years, nonprofit AccessLex Institute® has been partnering with our member institutions – the nearly 200 state-affiliated and nonprofit ABA-approved law schools – to meet the ever-changing needs and challenges of law students and the legal education community we serve. From providing free resources for every step of the law school journey to maximizing the value and affordability of a law degree through research and policy advocacy, we exist to increase access and further the success of aspiring lawyers from admission to law school to admission to the bar. Helix Bar Review is our latest service in pursuit of our nonprofit mission – empowering the next generation of lawyers.
AccessLex combines mission-driven work with long-term financial strength. Backed by nearly $1 billion in net assets that funds a $40+ million annual operating budget, we’re built to advance our mission for the long haul, and we accomplish this by investing in the resources, programs, and personnel that ensure sustained growth and furtherance of our organizational goals. Learn more at AccessLex.org and HelixBarReview.org.
This position will report to our Corporate office in West Chester, PA on Thursdays. Compensation is $90,000-$95,000 annually.
Job Summary: The Senior Copywriter and Editor is a member of the Marketing and Communications team, reporting to the Managing Director, Communications and Operations. The position will manage all writing and editing efforts within the Marketing and Communications team, serving as the lead writing resource at the Company and playing a key role in driving the Company’s voice. The incumbent will develop and hone messaging and an overarching communications and content strategy based on priorities and initiatives for AccessLex Institute and Helix Bar Review by AccessLex. The Senior Copywriter and Editor will lead public relations initiatives in support of building awareness and expanding the reach of Company initiatives, products, and areas of focus.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Lead the development and consistent refresh of key messaging through regular meetings with field teams, product teams, senior and executive leadership, etc.;
- Create, implement, and maintain communication and messaging/content strategy plans with a proactive approach for AccessLex and Helix Bar Review;
- Manage the work and activities of the Marketing Copywriter and other freelance copywriters as needed;
- Collaborate regularly with AccessLex Institute and Helix Bar Review by AccessLex subject matter experts to ensure accurate and effective representation of Company resources, tools, products, voice, and overall brand;
- Write, proofread, and edit marketing and related materials, publications, reports, emails, press releases, blog posts, social content, ad copy, position papers, newsletters, CEO communications, web copy, event-related copy, etc.;
- Produce engaging email copy, using email marketing best practices and in collaboration with the Senior Email Marketing Strategist, to be sent to schools, students, and other invested stakeholders;
- Develop messaging concepts for campaign and offer-related initiatives and programs;
- Lead public relations efforts in conjunction with PR agency, including strategy/coordination, deliverables, monitoring KPIs, and ensuring appropriate responses;
- Take ownership of the Marketing content calendar, including planning and execution of emails, blog posts, press releases, and other related content;
- Make recommendations for improvements, edits, changes, and updates to design and copy where appropriate and oversee implementation of approved recommendations;
- Ensure consistency and brand protection in all marketing and communications material, both online and in print;
- Assist in developing marketing goals, promotional activities, and branding in consultation with the Marketing and Communications team;
- Work closely with the Director, Strategy and Advertising to coordinate advertising, promotion, and sponsorship copy needs;
- Campaign and project management as necessary; and
- Other duties as assigned.
Candidate Requirements:
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). To succeed in the Senior Copywriter and Editor position, candidates should possess the following KSAs:
- REQUIRED
- Ability to lead or work according to a project plan set by a marketing campaign;
- Superior attention to detail and superior organizational and time-management skills;
- Ability to balance competing priorities and adapt to the changing needs of the business while meeting deadlines;
- Exemplary written and verbal communication skills;
- Extroverted approach to role, responsibilities, and interactions with internal and external stakeholders;
- Self-starter with a proactive approach to communications and content strategy;
- Strong marketing and communications instincts with an eye for detail;
- Superior writing and editing skills;
- Ability to quickly adopt Company voice and brand standards;
- Ability to understand and express complex concepts and issues in terms understandable to wide audiences;
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment;
- Project management experience and ability to successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously;
- Vendor management experience;
- Detail oriented, professional, self-starter with desire to contribute and make a positive team impact; and
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills.
- PREFERRED
- Experience with legal writing;
- Experience ghostwriting;
- Experience with Mail Chimp and Salesforce Account Engagement; and
- Interest in legal/higher education theory, policy, and research.
- Background Experiences – The following are required unless otherwise noted:
- Bachelor’s degree, communications or marketing preferred (J.D. or other law degree is a plus but not required);
- Minimum 5 years of related experience in a similar role;
- Experience in financial services, legal/higher education, or the legal profession preferred but not required.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time hybrid position located in the Company’s West Chester, PA office; the incumbent is expected to be present and accessible for at least 40 hours per week, subject to approved leave time, travel, and other absences as described in the Employee Handbook or as otherwise agreed by the Company. The Company’s standard hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:15 am to 5:00 pm.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: AccessLex Institute provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.
