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Communications Writer - U.S. Based Remote Opportunity

Common App United States


No Relocation

Posted: April 2, 2026

Job Description

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 strategic communications 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 Communications Writer

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.

ABOUT USDo 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-f...

QUALIFICATIONS

This role requires:

  • 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.
  • Adaptability: Adjusts messaging 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 government, federal government experience, and communications agency experience.
  • Knowledge of key issues in higher education.
  • Experience working for non-profits, educational institutions, or education technology.
  • Government affairs and/or public policy experience.

PAY RANGE

  • $75,000 - $76,680

Additional Content

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 strategic communications 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 Communications Writer

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.

ABOUT USDo 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-f...

QUALIFICATIONS

This role requires:

  • 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.
  • Adaptability: Adjusts messaging 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 government, federal government experience, and communications agency experience.
  • Knowledge of key issues in higher education.
  • Experience working for non-profits, educational institutions, or education technology.
  • Government affairs and/or public policy experience.

PAY RANGE

  • $75,000 - $76,680