Writer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Writer, or Author is a professional who develops content for various kinds of media including books, magazines, TV ads and websites. Their primary duties include researching topics, creating business or company messages and editing or proofreading content. 

 

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What does a Writer do?

Writers typically work in the communications or editorial department of a company or organisation together with other creatives to create content for the company. They plan and create content for the company’s press releases, social media, websites or magazines.

A Writer’s job is to bring out the company’s message in a clear and distinct manner across its different brands, products or media. Writers can work in different industries as Freelancers, in a creative agency or in-house. A Writer’s schedule depends on their work environment. 

 

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Writer Job Description Examples:

 

Example 1

St Wilfrid’s Centre is a day centre based in Sheffield and is open daily Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm to homeless, vulnerable or socially excluded adults aged 18+.

We have a skilled staff team that offer basic Welfare Services as well as Skills for Living to promote wellbeing and independence.

The Centre runs over 35 specialist sessions and activities each week. Some of these sessions are tailored to meet the individual’s needs whilst most are group activities. Each session is run by a trained specialist, supported by a team of dedicated volunteers.

We provide a two course hot meal daily, served in our dining room and prepared by our in-house cook. In addition, we run a café, where drinks and sandwiches are available throughout the day for a nominal charge. This is not open to the public.

All of our activities are based at our Centre or on our allotment and we also run trips and outings for clients in our minibus.

We are looking for a freelance fundraiser/bid-writer who has experience of fundraising and bid writing for charities and/or non-profit organisations. He/she will be expected to work for St Wilfrid's Centre for 2 to 3 days each month, though the time and days can be flexible,

The Fundraising Consultant shall use their skills, experience and knowledge to promote the interests of St Wilfrid’s Centre, specifically aiming to raise project or core funding as follows:
 Aiming to achieve trust and foundation income of between £60,000 and £80,000 each year
 Prospect research on Trusts & Foundations, including phone calls or emails with funders where necessary;
 Develop existing funding pipeline, and engage with key funders to check we are eligible, and to develop a relationship and prepare ground for a future application if appropriate;
 Lead on bid writing / proposal development for trusts and foundations identified (the number and nature of these applications will be agreed with the Director);
 Advise on future fundraising strategy;
 Work with St Wilfrid’s Centre to create a compelling Case for Support document to be used across all written fundraising materials;

Please note that a knowledge of catholic funding organisations and trusts would be beneficial but by no means is not a requirement of the role.

JOIN OUR TEAM
  • If you are passionate about providing understanding, practical assistance and a sense of belonging for homeless, vulnerable and socially excluded adults.
  • If you want to be part of an organisation that is determined to challenge social injustice and provide individuals with opportunities to improve their quality of life

    All staff are expected to:

    a. Work towards and support the Centre’s aims, ethos and the objectives outlined in the current Service and Development Plan.

    b. Contribute to the Centre’s programme of activities and events.

    c. Support and contribute to the Centre’s responsibility for safeguarding adults.

    d. Work within the Health and Safety policy to ensure a safe working environment for staff, clients, volunteers and visitors.

    e. Promote equality of opportunity for all client, staff and volunteers.

    f. Maintain confidentiality and observe data protection and associated guidelines where appropriate.

    g. Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, conduct and positive, courteous relations with clients, volunteers, colleagues and outside contacts (following the guidelines outlined in the Code of Conduct)

    h. Remain calm and employ tact and diplomacy in difficult/sensitive situations and demonstrate patience and empathy to help others feel at ease and build trust

    k. Understand and comply with all other relevant Centre policies.

    Job Types: Part-time, Freelance
    Part-time hours: 3-6 per week

    Salary: £180.00-£250.00 per day

    Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
  • Work from home

    Experience:
  • successful fundraising/bid-writing: 2 years (required)

    Application deadline: 29/06/2022
    Reference ID: start date: 01/08/2022
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    Example 2

    Ensafe Consultants was formed in 1995 and has grown into the UK’s foremost fully independent Asbestos Surveying, Project Management, Health & Safety and Training Consultancy who provide professional, high quality and cost-effective bespoke solutions. The extended range of Ensafe’s consultative services also include Ecology, Acoustics, Air Quality & Geo-Environmental investigations. As a UKAS accredited organisation, we have a wealth of experience and technical knowledge working with a large range of organisations. At Ensafe, we believe in putting our people first. With a passion for continual improvement, we thrive on training and development ensuring our clients receive an exceptional quality of service for the lifespan of the project.

    General JOB Description

    Reporting of survey results in accordance at all times with Ensafe Consultants quality standards and UKAS/INAB legislation. To create formal reports based on site asbestos surveys and projects to include sample analysis results using in-house systems and data transference

    KEY Responsibilities

    · Answer external and internal telephone calls, transfer callers to appropriate team members and ensure all messages are taken accurately and are passed on in a timely fashion.

    · Liaise with Consultants and Project Managers on a regular basis.

    · To create Survey /Project Management Reports using the internal databases information taken from Asbestos Surveys and site works based on the findings from the site visit and laboratory within the required SLA’s.

    · Create certificates and associated documents which may be required for the completion of the report

    · To create CAD site plans which outline layout and asbestos sampling points to accompany the survey report.

    · Check & merge and paginate reports in preparation for despatch to the client.

    · Liaise with the laboratory and surveyors to gain advice, results and technical clarification if required during the creation of the report.

    · Make note of any inconsistencies and query before producing reports

    · It is everybody’s responsibly to adhere to the company’s policies and procedures as set out in the Integrated Management Systems and to work in line with and promote the company’s vision and values.

    · Additional responsibilities in line with Quality, Health & Safety and Environmental objectives noted on the addendum.

    Education & Qualifications

    Essential

    · Minimum C or above GCSE’s in English, Maths & ICT

    Desirable

    · Business administration qualification

    Experience

    Essential

    · Excellent administrative experience including data input

    Desirable
    · Capable of dealing effectively with complex, sensitive or negative communications

    Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

    Salary: £19,800.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Company pension
  • Life insurance
  • On-site parking
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Daventry, Northamptonshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

    Experience:
  • Technical Writing: 1 year ID: WR-01
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    Example 3

    We are seeking a highly articulate and strong Grant Writer to create clear and compelling cases for support. This is a crucial role within the organisation and involves building relationships with grant-giving organisations, from trusts and foundations to police and crime commissioners, health trusts and companies. As the Grant Writer, your primary focus is to work alongside the Head of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications to write five and six figure grant applications.

    To succeed in this role, you must be passionate about supporting vulnerable people, including people experiencing addiction, homelessness and leaving prison and experienced in securing large, multiyear grants and managing such relationships. A subscription funder database will be at your disposal for research and planning purposes.

    Key Responsibilities:
  • Clarifying opportunities and needs across the Social Interest Group, working proactively with staff to identify fundable initiatives.
  • Developing concepts working with internal teams to help with technical and operational information for applications.
  • Plan, prepare and write applications and prepare their budgets for grant-giving organisations, including trusts and foundations, companies, Police and Crime Commissioners and government departments.
  • Being the first point of contact and providing a positive experience for funders interacting with the Social Interest Group and ensuring interactions are managed according to agreed processes.
  • Participating in developing strategies for the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of funders.
  • Fundraising planning for SIG’s Large Grant Programme and income tracking.

    Experience Required:

  • A demonstrable technical knowledge and experience of writing grant bids
  • Adept at translating technical conversation into clear, concise and compelling documents
  • Experience in major donor fundraising
  • Excellent knowledge of fundraising information sources
  • Sound judgement, excellent interpersonal and persuasive skills, and the confidence to operate with autonomy
  • Ability to communicate effectively via multiple platforms/mediums including email, telephone, letter and in live streams/chats
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and demonstrable experience of building relationships with influential stakeholders
  • Proficient with MS Office Word and Excel
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

    Benefits of working with us:
  • Excellent core and on-going training aligned with personal development plan
  • Access to employee assistance programme
  • 25 days holiday increasing to 26 days after 2 years and increasing 1 day per year up to 30 days annual leave
  • Medi-cash which includes the following:
  • Discount gym membership
  • Routine eye tests, glasses and contact lenses
  • Dental treatment via NHS or Private
  • Physiotherapy, Head Massage and a range of other therapies
  • Life Assurance

    If you wish to work with this challenging yet rewarding client group then this could be a perfect opportunity for you!

    For more information, please visit our careers page in order to complete our online application form [website]

    All successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check and provide employment references covering the last 5 years period including one from your most recent employer.

    Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

    Salary: £36,836.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Company pension
  • Employee discount
  • Gym membership
  • Sick pay
  • Wellness programmes
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

    Work Kingdom (required)
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    Writer duties and responsibilities

    In between pitching article ideas and creating eye-catching headlines, their daily duties include:

    • Creating subjects at the request of an Agent or Publisher or based on personal interests if they are working as a freelancer
    • Researching relevant content by conducting interviews or visiting libraries and publications 
    • Writing creative and well-researched content for the company’s website or blog
    • Revising and updating their draft based on feedback from the Editor or Publisher
    • Uploading their content to websites, social media or other online publishing platforms
    • Taking part in book readings, signings and discussions 

     

    Writer skills and qualifications

    A successful Writer will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications to perform their duties effectively, these include:

    • Impeccable grammar skills
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
    • Ability to critique other people’s publications or drafts
    • In-depth knowledge of various citation styles (Oxford, Cambridge, style guide)  APA, MLA)
    • Exceptional copywriting skills
    • Ability to write compelling and engaging copy
    • Time management and organisation skills
    • Attention to detail

     

    Writer experience requirements

    A strong foundation in different writing styles and techniques is required for all Writer positions. Many employers require candidates to have at least three years of experience working as an in-house Copywriter or Author. Some companies prefer candidates who have experience in content management systems such as WordPress. 

    Experience creating content across different niches and industries targeting different audiences is a huge plus. Junior Writers may need one year of work experience. For a Senior Writer role, candidates must have at least five years of experience.

     

    Writer education and training requirements

    Many Writers have a bachelor’s degree in journalism or English. If you’re looking for a Novelist or Content Writer, look for candidates who majored in English. If you’re seeking a Writer for a teaching position, consider candidates that hold a Bachelor of Education degree. 

    If you’re looking for a Reporter or Public Relations Specialist, consider candidates who specialised in journalism. The coursework in this degree teaches candidates with a variety of skills in journalism, such as how to research, investigate and report. Make sure the candidate’s degree correlates with the open position you have, as the exact duties of a Writer will vary greatly depending on the needs of the specific position. 

     

    Writer salary expectations

    According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary of a Writer in the UK is £31,206 per year. Their actual salary varies depending on factors, including their work experience, education, geographical location and company. 

     

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If this Writer job description sample was not quite what you were looking for, here are other job description samples that may fit your needs:

     

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    Writer job description FAQs

     

    How can you make your Writer job description stand out?

    To make your Writer job description stand out, make sure it is concise and focuses on illustrating the role’s opportunities and benefits (e.g., for leadership positions, collaboration and growth). Also, include the role’s day-to-day responsibilities. Providing a detailed description can help applicants determine if the position is a good fit for them which means more qualified and interested candidates for your company. Indicate their primary duties, who they would report to and who they would work closely with. 

     

    Who does a Writer report to?

    Writers report to different people depending on the company. A Writer who works for a copywriting agency usually reports to a Lead Writer, Editor or Project Manager. A Writer who works for a newspaper or magazine reports to the Editor-in-Chief or Managing Editor. 

     

    What are the different types of Writers?

    There are different types of Writers. These include Authors, Journalists, Advertising Writers, Scriptwriters and Technical Writers.  Authors write fictional or non-fictional stories. Journalists specialise in writing news or commentaries about politics, sports, business, entertainment or crime. Advertising Writers produce promotional materials like direct mail print, billboards, radio commercials and TV ads. Scriptwriters produce scripts for television programmes and movies. Technical Writers create user guides and manuals for software and hardware products.

    Job Description Examples

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