Freelance Content Writer, Contract

Summary:

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH), founded in 1920, is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Considered one of the finest institutions of its kind in North America, the Museum offers an incredible visitor experience, attracting roughly 325,000 visitors a year. There are more than 140 public education programs and over 70,000 students served annually. The Museum employs about 160 people.

Building on its strong foundation of excellence in education and research, the Museum is poised to transform itself. The Museum will invite and engage a broader audience in the exploration of science and the natural world by revolutionizing the way it presents natural history. The Museum has launched a capital campaign to support a dramatic renovation and expansion of its facilities and exhibits. This ambitious plan will position the Museum to play a leading role in regional and national efforts to improve science education and increase scientific literacy.

Description:

The Museum is seeking a Freelance Writer to produce dynamic, compelling, and engaging content for its Marketing & Communications team. Reporting to the Content Marketing Manager, the Freelance Content Writer is responsible for researching and writing blog posts, website copy, articles, press releases, and other content, as assigned, in support of the Museum’s core brand, marketing and public relations initiatives, and visitor experience. The Freelance Writer has a strong ability to inform, educate, inspire, and spark interest from the Museum’s diverse audiences. This person should feel equally comfortable writing and editing persuasive, creative marketing copy, covering more in-depth technical subjects like scientific research, and creating written copy about Museum exhibits and programs—all within the Museum’s brand guidelines. Likewise, they should feel comfortable adapting their writing style, voice, and tone for a diverse range of audiences and content formats—ranging from fun and dynamic, to academic and factual, to formal and elevated.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Freelance Writer will produce original, high-quality written content as assigned, including but not limited to:

Persuasive marketing copy (ads, collateral, press releases, and website copy supporting the Museum’s visitor experience, including special exhibits and programs).
Marketing content (journalistic reporting on research and science education within the Museum, engaging short- or long-form content for Museum blogs, publications, and the Museum website).
Copy for Museum collateral, such as reports, brochures, presentations, and promotional materials.
Other content as assigned.

The person in this position will be expected to:

Learn and understand the depth and breadth of the Museum’s work and offerings, and effectively produce written content that supports these initiatives in alignment with the Museum’s branding and marketing strategies.
Produce all content accurately, effectively, and on deadline, including simultaneously working on multiple projects.
Collaborate with the members of the Museum’s Marketing & Communications Department in the creative execution of marketing content.
Edit and rewrite existing content (as assigned) for accuracy and style, in adherence with all established Museum brand, style and editorial guidelines.
Apply exceptional editorial judgement and creativity to produce high-quality, impactful content while following all established editorial procedures, protocols, and guidelines for publishing content suitable for the Museum’s diverse audiences and that supports the Museum’s mission, goals, and vision.

The Freelance Writer’s produced content will be published across a diverse set of media, and serves to achieve the Museum’s larger brand, marketing and visitor experience goals. These media include, but are not limited to:

The Museum website and its blog
Museum print publications
Email marketing and newsletters
Print, broadcast, and digital advertisements
Museum collateral, such as brochures, presentations, and promotional cards
Museum exhibits and special programs

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, creative writing, or a related field with 3-5 years of relevant professional experience.

Other Qualifications

Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills (writing samples should be provided) and the ability to adapt writing style, voice, and tone as needed.
Expert-level knowledge of spelling, grammar, syntax, and the ability to self-edit and polish content to an error-free, professional level of finish prior to submission.
Highly professional capacity to work collaboratively, accept and implement feedback, and communicate effectively throughout the content production process.
Demonstrated ability to distill highly complex topics into content that is relevant, engaging, and appeals to readers of varying ages and backgrounds.
Ability to collaborate within an interdisciplinary professional organization and track multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize, work well under pressure with a high degree of accuracy, adapt to changing priorities and assignments, and meet stringent and overlapping deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
Proficiency or ability to be trained in a project management system.
Knowledge of digital marketing strategies, concepts, and practices.
Experience writing content for SEO and SEM preferred.
Experience working in a large, complex non-profit organization or museum a plus.
Understanding of and dedication to the mission of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and a passion for science, nature, and conservation.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, ADA EMPLOYER, and a SUBSTANCE-FREE WORKPLACE

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