Copywriter

Job Summary

The Copywriter is responsible for crafting strategic messaging for Patterson Companies business units, concentrated in our animal health. Project work includes a wide array of media including print, online messaging and electronic communications.

Essential Functions

• Meets with customers to discuss their goals, gather pertinent details and turn complex ideas into easy-to-understand copy to help meet those goals

• Works closely and brainstorms with project managers, art directors, graphic designers and video editors to develop an overall plan to meet project objectives

• Pitches creative plans and copy to customers

• Maintains a professional standard and brand voice for all written components of jobs passing through the Creative Services department

• Maintains a high level of creativity for every job, presenting Patterson Companies with fresh, new ideas in a positive tone

• Learns technical terms and about the equipment and technologies specific to various Patterson businesses

• Revises copy and concepts as required

• Performs other duties as assigned

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Communication: The Copywriter is a precise, efficient communicator who writes clearly and with good grammar. They are an active listener, asking pertinent questions and/or restating what others have said to check for understanding. They stay on topic and tailor what they create to the audience who will be receiving it.

• Customer Engagement: The Copywriter is not a passive receiver of information; he or she knows more than the audience and actively monitors and researches industry trends. They partner with the business units he or she serves, developing effective, creative solutions that lead to unique value propositions.

• Collaboration: The Copywriter creates his or her work products with input from others. They work well with a variety of personalities, modifying personal style to be more effective in a team environment. They actively seek input and confirmation from project stakeholders, and champion team success over personal victories. They develop relationships across Patterson to improve upon projects going forward.

• Innovation: The Copywriter quickly takes in and assimilates information from multiple sources to create new ideas and approaches. They help support and foster an environment that is safe and welcoming for new ways of thinking and sell new ideas by making them compelling.

• Self Management: The Copywriter is thorough and timely in the completion of deliverables. They manage their time effectively and maintain a high level of personal organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, communications, English or related field

• Five years of advertising copywriting experience

• Strong mastery of writing, copy editing and proofreading skills

• A wide and deep range of experience writing feature articles; online media such as websites and blogs; proposals; press releases; video and audio script writing; and technical writing

• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a larger team

• Adherence to strict deadlines and the ability to manage multiple projects at a time

• Exhibits a professional demeanor when representing the Company to customers and business partners

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Thinks beyond words and brings to each project a consideration for the market being served

• Possesses or fosters a strong visual acuity and the ability to articulate ideas to art directors, graphic designers and video editors, as well as product managers and marketers

• Experience in an animal health/corporate setting

• Experience using Workfront or other project management software

• Maintains flexibility throughout the workday and is highly organized

• Fluent in AP and Chicago writing styles

Travel and On-Call

This position provides the opportunity for occasional travel (10%) to attend Patterson Today shoots.