Magazines and publications need to be refreshed regularly to stay relevant and interesting to their readers, as well as inspire action.
This is just what was needed by the Development, Alumni Relations and Events office at the University of Sheffield when I edited the University’s magazine as well as various supporter newsletters and a brand new guide for graduates.
Your University
Your University is the University of Sheffield’s 48-page flagship magazine, mailed annually to 130,000 alumni and friends across the world.
As editor, I was responsible for the production of the magazine in its print and digital formats, including the website.
I increased the number of pages, incorporating more photography, and introduced videos to go alongside the online features.
Supporter Newsletters
In addition to Your University, I edited two issues of Legacy News (an annual update on the impact that legacy donations have made at the University) and two issues of Your Gift (the University’s fundraising update for donors and friends). I also created the content for an email newsletter to supporters of the University.
Nick did an outstanding job of creating the copy and designing a specialist newsletter to be sent to 4,000 people connected to the University of Sheffield. His style of writing was adapted perfectly to the audience and his attention to detail was superb. I’d have no hesitation to commission Nick again.
David Meadows, Philanthropy Manager at the University of Sheffield
Nick did a brilliant job of producing a new e-newsletter for us. He took the project brief and came up with some really good ideas for stories, produced engaging online content, and his communication with me was clear and regular throughout the project. I really enjoyed working with Nick and look forward to working with him again in future!
Jemma Gurr, Regular Giving Manager at the University of Sheffield.
The Graduate Guide
The University’s alumni relations team was desperate for some consistency and a strategic approach to its student communications, from enrolment to graduation.
To help with this, I introduced a new student engagement plan, pulling together the various student-facing communications and increasing understanding of and engagement with the office’s work with students.
This involved reaching out with a consistent message to current students via a range of channels, including setting up new student web pages and creating a new series of posters to display around the University.
The plan culminated in the production of a brand new 28-page pocket-sized brochure called The Graduate Guide. I also worked with a video production company to create an animated video designed to introduce graduates to all the support, benefits, and opportunities available to Sheffield alumni.
Start your own project
I’ve worked with numerous universities on all kinds of projects. Writing for higher education, in particular alumni and development, is one of my specialities.
Do you need to revamp your magazine? Produce an impact report or a new publication? Get help with interviews and web content? Say hi today and let’s get started!