Senior Copywriter

As a Senior Copywriter, my objective is:
To lead marketing teams and copywriters/associate copywriters by helping identify and set the creative direction from a writing standpoint, to write key account deliverables, set the messaging direction and oversee the copywriting/messaging across the content experience.
This is a Hybrid or full-time Remote position. It’s a Hybrid role if you live in the Central Illinois area, which requires you to be in the Peoria, IL office Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday with the option to work from home Monday and Friday.
The outcomes I need to produce for clients are:

• Championing messaging and copy across the account that reaches client objectives in a creative, professional and effective way — while aligning with the brand tone and voice
• As lead writer for dedicated accounts, delegating activation tasks, while owning highly visible copy tasks such as:
  • Messaging strategy
  • Concept pitch copy
  • Flagship scripts/videos
  • Key webpage and media assets
• Effective delegation so all copy needs are achieved on time and within budget

The outcomes I need to produce for the agency are:

• Delegation if my own schedule or team’s copywriters are over bandwidth
• Alignment with the Account Planner, Strategist and Senior Art Director on message and copy
• Assist in concepting/pitching/selling creative and content that helps achieve client goals
• Close alignment with Associate Creative Directors and Creative Directors
• Quality control over the copy/messaging that is being worked on in the deliverables
• Mentorship of less experienced writers on broader team

To produce these outcomes, I need to:

• Communicate with core team members about the account, opportunities and how to drive work
• Possess expertise in concepting, writing (especially creative writing), presenting, scoping work and executing on flagship initiatives — particularly in video work
• Be fluent in copy and messaging strategy as it relates to target audiences, the client subject matter (differentiators, value propositions), the marketing/sales funnel and Simantel’s offerings
• Interface with clients to present ideas, justify a creative approach with rationale, as well as support in difficult conversations to drive work around creative decisions, timelines and budget
• Maintain close working relationship with Senior Art Director and Creative Director on the account

The skills and abilities I require are:
• Writing skills: general content writing, “social” writing and some creative writing
• Communication skills to champion concepting, lead client presentations, navigate creative discussions with clients, onboard support writers, and give or receive writing revisions
• Organization and time management skills, particularly in delegating and managing own schedule as expectation is to handle more accounts and not get overloaded within day-to-day tasks
To produce these outcomes, I have decision-making authority over the following:

• The best words for the deliverables (pending Creative Director alignment)
• Amount of projects I can serve as Senior Copywriter on
• Amount of copy deliverables I can effectively write vs. delegate
• Instrumental in choosing which writers can take on a project as a supporting writer
• Which creative copy/concepts we will bring forward to Creative Director
• Building-out/proposing an idea for content/copy for the internal team to take to clients

Leading indicators of my success are:

• Client satisfaction with the creative and copy across the account’s content
• Creative team’s input on collaboration from a creative quality/attitude standpoint
• Client services/strategy input on effectiveness regarding client goals/timing/budget on projects
• Volume of work being proposed/produced for involved accounts
• Creative leadership’s input on deliverables, idea generation for clients/teams and proactive attitude in solving creative/messaging problems on accounts.

Long-term indicators of my success are a sustained, proven track record of:

• Collaborating with adjacent departments like media, analytics, and strategy to help sell, craft and optimize creative copy/content in account
• Selling creative and driving revenue for Simantel
• Building authentic and lasting relationships with clients through creative projects
• Mentoring, delegating and empowering next wave of writers in order to lead initiatives without actually writing most deliverables
• Going above and beyond with creative ideas/assets and resulting performance — pushing boundaries beyond what we’ve done before and what’s conventional in the industry

By applying to Simantel and uploading your resume, you are opting-in to receive communications from Simantel regarding your application.
Simantel offers an attractive compensation package, which includes competitive salary, 401(k) plan, PTO, flexible work arrangements, holiday pay and a comprehensive benefits program.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage anyone interested to apply and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Simantel is not currently hiring individuals for this position who require sponsorship under U.S. immigration laws to be lawfully employed.