Job Description

Copy Editor - College of ACES, Extension Marketing and Communications

University of Illinois Extension, Marketing and Communications

WE
TRANSFORM LIVES.

Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of
life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the
world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address
societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way
that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of
understanding and influence.

Be a part
of our story. Through
learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University of
Illinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better,
healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities.
Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting
the citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providing
educational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension is
based in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Supports statewide marketing and communications efforts for Illinois Extension by reviewing and editing a variety of print and digital communications materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency, accessibility, and adherence to organizational style standards. Serves as a subject matter expert in Associated Press (AP) style and works collaboratively with communications professionals to give constructive feedback to writers with varying styles and subject matter.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Copy edit, proofread, and review assigned communications materials, including news releases, feature stories, reports, marketing materials, website content, email communications, social media content, presentations, and publications.
• Write and edit occasional original communications materials, including news releases, feature stories, reports, and web content, to support team and organizational priorities, ensuring alignment with institutional voice, style, and strategic messaging.
• Ensure consistency in tone, brand representation, grammar, spelling, punctuation, usage, formatting, and style across communications materials.
• Review content for clarity, readability, accuracy, accessibility, and audience appropriateness.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of editorial guidelines, style resources, and quality assurance processes.
• Manage multiple assignments simultaneously and meet established deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Apply advanced knowledge of the current edition of the Associated Press Stylebook and organizational style standards.
• Monitor updates to AP style and emerging editorial best practices and communicate relevant changes to team stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field. Two (2) years (24 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area. Demonstrated experience managing publication files with desktop publishing software such as Adobe InDesign. Copyediting and proofreading experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience editing content across print, digital, and social media platforms for all audiences with a wide range of backgrounds, professions, and lived experiences.

Five years of professional experience in editing, proofreading, journalism, communications, publishing, marketing, public relations, or a related field, with demonstrated ability to produce, edit, and refine clear, accurate, audience-focused content.

Familiarity with higher education, University of Illinois Extension, nonprofit, government, scientific, or public-sector communications.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expertise in understanding and applying Associated Press style.
• Ability to work effectively within established project management and digital workflow systems and adapt to new tools, processes, and technologies as organizational needs evolve.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple deadlines, and deliver high-quality work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to apply and communicate specialized copyediting knowledge, skills, and judgment effectively across all content types.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Ability to collaborate with a large, cross-functional team in a fast-paced environment.
• High degree of reliability, professionalism, and accountability.

Appointment Information

This is a 48% part-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Salary is competitive and commensurate with
qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary for the position is $19,534.32.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 28, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact carissa7@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is not eligible for benefits.

The
University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job
candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinois
must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations
and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening
procedures for applicants.

Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois
residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position.
Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver’s License or state
of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180
calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.

Sponsorship
for work authorization is not available for this position.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu

Requisition ID 1037136 Job Category Professional and Administrative Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu