The Common Application, Inc

Senior Communications Writer - U.S. Based Remote Opportunity

The Common Application, Inc$85K — $95K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • U.S. residency required.
  • Willingness to travel for twice annual retreats.
  • 4-6 years of relevant experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, or a related field.
  • Experience in producing audience-specific communications like newsletters and campaign emails.
  • Familiarity with CRM systems and digital publishing tools.
  • Strong collaboration skills and ability to distill complex ideas into clear narratives.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and deliver engaging messaging for stakeholders.
  • Plan, write, and edit newsletters and communications.
  • Translate complex information into accessible messages.
  • Manage editorial calendars and ensure consistent messaging.
  • Analyze engagement metrics to improve content effectiveness.
  • Coordinate complex projects with multiple deadlines.
  • Work collaboratively with team members to align messaging.

Benefits

  • Virtual-first work environment
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and seven company-wide holidays
  • Monthly mental health day
  • Choice of PC or MAC laptop and office setup stipend
  • Market-based salaries with performance bonuses
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions and matching
  • Options for health, dental, and vision insurance from day one
  • Budgeted annual funds for professional development
  • Employee Assistance Program and additional perks.
Full 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

QUALIFICATIONS

This role requires:
  • Candidates must live in the United States.
  • Willing to travel to attend twice annual Common App Retreat.
  • 4-6 years of experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, or a related field,or an equivalent combination of education and 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 in Higher Education.
  • Experience working for non-profits, educational institutions, or education technology.
  • Government affairs and/or public policy experience.


PAY RANGE
  • $85,120 - $95,760

Benefits

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.

About The Common Application, Inc

The Common Application, Inc. is a non-profit membership organization that provides a college application platform for students applying to undergraduate programs. The Common Application was founded in 1975 by 15 private colleges and universities to provide a common, standardized application form for use at any member institution. Today, the Common Application is used by over 900 colleges and universities in the United States and around the world. The Common Application provides a single application form that students can use to apply to multiple colleges, as well as a range of tools and resources to help students and counselors navigate the college application process.
Learn more about The Common Application, Inc
Size
200 employees
Industry

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