Proofreader & Copywriter

Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Type: Full-time

Rivers Agency is a dynamic and innovative marketing and communications firm dedicated to delivering high-quality content and exceptional results for our clients. We pride ourselves on our creative approach, collaborative environment and commitment to excellence. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a talented and meticulous Proofreader & Copywriter to join our team. In this role, you will report directly to Katy Patton, Rivers Agency Copy Director.

Job Overview

We are seeking a meticulous and detail-obsessed proofreader who is also skilled in copywriting and editing. If you have an eagle eye for typos, grammar, and consistency, love improving clarity and tone, and know AP Style like the back of your hand, this role is the ideal place to grow and thrive.

The Proofreader & Copywriter will be responsible for reviewing and polishing a wide range of content, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand voice and style. Secondary responsibilities include crafting clear, engaging web copy, social posts, ads, press releases, and blogs, as well as light editing where needed.

The ideal candidate will have a sharp eye for detail, strong writing skills, a solid grasp of content structure, and the ability to quickly learn client voices and apply style guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Proofread with precision: Review all content across channels (web, social, print, email, ads, video scripts, PR, etc.) to ensure accuracy, correct spelling/grammar, consistency, brand voice alignment, and error-free delivery. This role is the final quality checkpoint before anything leaves the agency.
• Protect the brand: Ensure every message reflects brand standards and tone of voice—both Rivers Agency and our clients. Maintain consistency in style, formatting, readability, and compliance with AP Style and internal guidelines.
• Quality Control: Serve as a final set of eyes to ensure all written materials are accurate, consistent, on-brand, and free of errors. Uphold a high standard of quality across every deliverable, following AP Style, client style guides, and internal brand standards.
• Write: Develop clear, compelling long- and short-form content for a variety of industries and audiences. Must be able to get up to speed quickly on different topics and write with clarity, confidence, and creativity.
• Edit: Strengthen structure, flow and tone of drafts when needed, elevating clarity and cohesion while preserving brand voice.
• Social Media: Craft and refine social copy that is on-brand, platform-appropriate, and error-free.
• Research: Conduct research to ensure content accuracy and credibility; distill complex topics into key messages, facts and proof points.
• Press Releases: Write clean, concise, media-ready releases with sharp messaging and news value.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the creative team, senior writers, project managers, and clients to understand requirements, ask the right questions, and ensure the final product reflects accurate messaging, tone, and brand voice — while meeting deadlines.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 4 years of professional experience in proofreading, copyediting, and writing for web, digital, print, and social platforms. Agency or fast-paced, deadline-driven experience is a plus.
• Attention to Detail: Exceptional command of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and AP Style. Must have a microscopic eye for errors and inconsistencies.
• Brand Voice & Consistency: Ability to learn and protect brand guidelines, tone, and messaging—ensuring every deliverable is polished, accurate, and on-brand.
• Research Skills: Ability to conduct thorough research and fact-check content, distilling complex topics into clear key points.
• SEO Knowledge: Familiarity with SEO-friendly writing, formatting, and metadata best practices.
• Time Management: Strong organizational skills and comfort managing multiple projects and deadlines without sacrificing accuracy or quality.
• Communication & Collaboration: Clear communicator who works well with writers, designers, account managers, and clients. Open to feedback and able to apply it effectively.
• Agency Experience: Experience in an agency environment is a plus. Four or more years of professional writing, proofreading, or editorial experience preferred.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related writing-focused discipline.
• Portfolio: A portfolio or samples demonstrating strong proofreading accuracy, clean writing, and ability to adapt voice and tone across brands.
• Tech-Savvy: Comfortable working in content management systems (e.g., WordPress), proofreading tools (e.g., Grammarly, PDF markup, Google Docs suggestions), collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint), and basic SEO tools (e.g., SEMrush).

What We Offer

A collaborative, creative environment where strategists, designers, writers, and developers work together to produce exceptional work for brands that make an impact.

• Opportunities for professional growth, learning, and development — whether through new industries, new platforms, or new creative challenges.
• A culture built on respect, curiosity, craftsmanship, and doing right by our clients.
• The chance to contribute to meaningful, high-visibility projects for local, regional, and national brands.
• A team that values ideas, celebrates good thinking, and supports each other every step of the way.

Our Benefits & Perks

• Stay healthy.

  To do well, you need to feel well. That's why we offer a holistic heath and wellness plan with medical, dental and vision insurance to keep you and your family healthy.

• Take care of your family.

  We offer financial benefits including life insurance and a competitive retirement plan to give you and your family security and peace of mind.

• Take time off.

  Life is more than work. At Rivers, you get generous paid time off each year and it only gets better with tenure. Use it to recharge or do whatever makes you happy.

• Keep learning.

  Stagnation isn’t good for anyone or creative flow. We offer opportunities each year for you to keep on developing and growing.