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 Senior 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.
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.
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.
Skills Required
- Candidates must live in the United States
- Willingness to travel twice annually for Common App Retreat
- 4-6 years of relevant experience
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, or related field, or equivalent experience
- Experience producing audience-specific communications (newsletters, campaign emails, announcements)
- Familiarity with email marketing platforms, CRM systems, or digital publishing tools
- Advanced writing and narrative development skills
- Editorial ownership and ability to manage editorial calendars and messaging consistency
- Ability to analyze engagement metrics and audience feedback to identify gaps
- Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple high-stakes deadlines
- Technical proficiency using communications tools to produce and distribute content
- Collaborative mindset and ability to provide peer guidance and ensure messaging alignment
- Adaptability to adjust messaging and priorities based on feedback
- Experience with project planning and management
- Prior experience in fast-paced environments, including government or communications agencies
- Knowledge of key issues in higher education
- Experience in higher education or education technology, nonprofit communications
- Government affairs or public policy communications experience
What We Do
Common App is a not-for-profit organization of nearly 900 colleges and universities in the United States and around the world. Since 1975, Common App has been committed to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process.
