Deputy Editor

College Relations Job Description

Job Summary

Function as part of a team of experienced writers and editors who produce multi-channel content that tells the story of Smith College, its students, faculty and alumnae. Working in collaboration with the senior director for editorial communications, write, edit and create an array of high-quality communications, including content for a quarterly magazine and collateral materials in support of college priorities. Serve as a trusted back-up to the senior director.

Essential Functions

Editorial (80%):

Function as a productive and active member of the College Relations editorial team, with a special focus on the Smith Alumnae Quarterly. With oversight from the senior director:
· Develop and execute an editorial plan for each issue of the magazine; collaborate with senior director and other content creators to assign stories well in advance of each issue
· Write, edit feature stories
· Assign stories to freelancers; work with freelance writers throughout the editing process
· Report, write, edit campus-related stories for use across multiple channels as assigned
· Participate in headline-writing sessions
· Copy edit and proofread all pages through to issue close
· Whenever appropriate, take a digital-first approach to content production and development

Produce collateral materials for a range of campus clients, as assigned:
· Conceive, write and edit communications materials, from fundraising appeals to brochures and talking points, in support of key college priorities
· Oversee the production of assigned materials from start to finish
· Partner with colleagues across campus to ensure proper messaging, tone, delivery, etc.

Actively contribute to department-wide content discussions:
· Propose story ideas
· Keep abreast of college priorities and develop content in support of key initiatives

Administrative (20%):

Manage the day-to-day administrative functions of the Smith Alumnae Quarterly:

· Authorize and submit payment of invoices to writers, printer, freelancers, art director, illustrators, and photographers in a timely manner
· Work closely with magazine’s printer and designer on production matters; ensure timely delivery of final print files and digital mailing lists; ensure that on-campus delivery of the magazine occurs in a timely manner
· Keep accurate files of department’s business transactions
· Monitor magazine spending and alert senior director to any potential budget shortfalls or needs; provide senior director with periodic updates on magazine finances

Supervise the associate editor:

· Oversee the performance of a full-time associate editor
· Make work assignments as necessary
· Regularly assess work
· Conduct annual performance evaluation

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications or related field plus a minimum of 7 years of high-level writing and editing experience or an equivalent combination of education/experience. Exceptional written and oral communications.

Skills

· Direct experience with magazine and publications editing and production preferred
· Ability to manage multiple projects efficiently and effectively
· Ability to work collaboratively

Please attach/upload a current resume and cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position.

Review of applications will begin

November 16, 2020

Compensation Grade:

Grade I

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Smith College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.