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Technical Writer

Universities of Wisconsin · La Crosse, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 11, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time an SME disagreed with your edits. How did you resolve it?

What they are checking: Whether they can defend clarity while respecting the expert's ownership of the content.

Tell me about a time you managed several writing projects with different deadlines and stakeholders.

What they are checking: Whether they can track many documents and reviewers without losing control of versions or timelines.

What would you do

This is a one-year project role. How would you plan the work so it is finished and maintainable when you leave?

What they are checking: Whether they can scope a fixed-term project and set up a sustainable maintenance process.

Two offices give you conflicting versions of the same procedure. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they escalate to find the correct authority instead of picking a version on their own.

How would you show the Chief Communications Officer that the documentation project is working?

What they are checking: Whether they think about measurable outcomes, like fewer questions or faster approvals, not just pages written.

About the work

Walk me through how you would audit a large set of existing university policies and procedures.

What they are checking: Whether they can inventory, assess and prioritize content systematically rather than rewriting at random.

A subject matter expert gives you a dense, jargon-heavy procedure. How do you turn it into something staff can follow?

What they are checking: Whether they can simplify without losing accuracy, which is the core of policy writing.

How do you make sure a UWL policy stays consistent with Universities of Wisconsin system policies and regulations?

What they are checking: Whether they check alignment with higher-level rules so local documents stay compliant.

What style guides or plain-language standards do you follow, and why?

What they are checking: Whether they use consistent standards that make documents predictable for readers.

How do you make documents accessible for people using screen readers?

What they are checking: Whether they know accessibility practices like headings, alt text and plain structure that public institutions must meet.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Technical Writer Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Temporary (Fixed Term) Job Profile: Writer Job Duties: Under the general supervision of the Chief Communications Officer , the Technical Writer is responsible for developing, revising and maintaining policy and procedure documentation. This role ensures all written materials are clear, accurate, compliant, and aligned with UWL and Universities of Wisconsin standards. The Technical Writer collaborates with subject matter experts (SMEs), leadership, and cross‑functional stakeholders to audit existing content, assess needs, and deliver high‑quality, user‑friendly documentation that supports operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. This is a one-year, project-based temporary position. This position is eligible for select Wisconsin State employee benefits. • Normal working hours are 7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. • Ability to sit for extended periods of time. The review of applications starts on October 1, 2026 . Applications received on or before October 1st are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus. UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013. Key Job Responsibilities: Additional duties and responsibilities: • Other duties as assigned by supervisor. Content management: • Organize and maintain documentation within the company’s document management system or intranet. • Recommend and implement improvements to documentation processes, tools, and storage methods. • Track and report on document updates, approvals, and upcoming review deadlines. Content review, quality assurance: • Conduct comprehensive reviews of existing documents to verify accuracy, clarity, relevance, and compliance with laws, regulations, and internal governance standards. • Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and outdated information; propose improvements and implement approved changes. Documentation development and standardization: • Create, update, and standardize templates, policies, procedures and supporting documents. • Ensure all documents meet internal style guides, brand standards and formatting requirements. • Translate complex procedural or compliance information into clear, concise and accessible content. • Establish version control and ensure consistent document naming conventions and organization. Collaboration and stakeholder engagement: • Partner closely with Chief Communications Officer on collaboration with SMEs, compliance teams, and department leaders to review and validate content. • Document review cycles and approval workflows for maintenance of materials. Department: University Marketing and Communications Compensation: $47,000 / year Required Qualifications: • Associate degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, Business, or related field, or year for year equivalent experience. • Web editing or content management system experience • Experience writing or editing policies, procedures, templates, technical documentation, demonstrating these skills: • Strong command of grammar, writing clarity, and document design. • Experience working with SMEs and translating complex content. • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, SharePoint, Teams) or similar tools. • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills. Preferred Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience) • Familiarity with governance frameworks, compliance standards, or organizational bylaws. • Knowledge of plain‑language writing methodologies. How to Apply: Required application documents Cover letter (that addresses the required and preferred qualifications) CV / Resume Contact Information: Maren Walz mwalz@uwlax.edu Special Notes: Application deadlines TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university. Highlights include: • Paid vacation for 12-month positions. • Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage. • Paid holidays and paid sick days. • After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career. • Benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation. Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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