Brand Copywriter

The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is the cornerstone college of The Ohio State University, with three mission areas dedicated to one essential purpose: We Sustain Life. CFAES spans three campuses with faculty and staff distributed across them. With ten academic units–including the School of Environment and Natural Resources and Ohio State ATI–and Ohio State University Extension, CFAES offers 22 bachelor’s degree majors, 26 associate degree majors, and 34 minors. Students have the unique opportunity for hands-on learning with scholars and scientists in the field.

The CFAES Marketing and Communications team serves as a strategic resource for the college, responsible for developing integrated marketing and communication strategies that support recruitment, retention, advancement, outreach, research, and issues management. The team is both proactive and responsive–identifying opportunities, removing challenges, elevating awareness, enhancing reputation, and inspiring choice for the college.

The Brand Copywriter plays a critical role in amplifying the CFAES brand across channels. Reporting to the Associate Director of Brand Marketing, this position specializes in clear, compelling, audience-centric marketing copy, with a strong emphasis on short-form content for designed print pieces, digital assets, advertising, social media, email, scripts, and web. The writer will also produce high-quality long-form content as needed, including campaign messaging frameworks, editorial pieces, and narrative-driven materials.

This role requires an exceptional copywriter who understands how different audiences engage with content and can translate complex ideas into snappy, digestible, action-driving messages. The writer will collaborate closely with the marketing strategy team and channel experts to ensure copy is aligned with the CFAES brand voice, tone, and messaging standards.

The Brand Copywriter will develop content for high-priority initiatives and campaigns–including student recruitment and retention, digital and paid advertising, website content, social media, and email marketing. They will bring a strong understanding of both traditional and digital marketing, including SEO, UX, and usability best practices.

This role requires data-informed decision-making. The writer will use insights and analytics to refine copy for clarity, resonance, and performance. Above all, this position requires creativity, agility, and exceptional attention to detail, helping position CFAES as a trusted, compelling voice across Ohio and beyond.

This role requires occasional travel across the state for meetings and events.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations or related field or equivalent experience and 2-4 years of relevant experience in higher education, agency or industry.

Desired Experience

• Demonstrated expertise in brand copywriting, with a strong focus on short-form content

• Ability to write across mediums, including recruitment materials, designed print pieces, digital ads, social media, scripts, web, email, and paid campaigns

• Ability to translate complex concepts into clear, concise, and compelling marketing copy

• Familiarity with higher education audiences and environments

• Experience with content strategy, content marketing, and channel-specific writing best practices

• Ability to elevate a brand through consistent, strategic messaging

• Exceptional editing, presentation, and communication skills

• Ability to meet strategic objectives, deadlines, and budget constraints

• Working knowledge of SEO, UX, and analytics to guide writing decisions

• Ability to collaborate and contribute to a creative, inclusive, and fast-paced work environment

Applicants: For full consideration, applicants must include updated resume, cover letter, and three samples of branded marketing copy, each representing a different channel (e.g., print, web, social, email). Samples should demonstrate the ability to create short, engaging, and audience-focused content that elevates a brand. Applicants may also include a link to a portfolio of their writing as supplemental material.

The offer for this position will fall within the range of $51,500 - $67,250 and is based on internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications.

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package. Based on position type and eligibility. https://hr.osu.edu/wp-content/uploads/benefits-eligibility.pdf.

Regular 40 First Shift