Associate Director of Content, Marketing and Communications (Higher Education / Advancement)

East Lansing, MI | Full-TimeAbout the RoleA major public research university is seeking an experienced editorial leader to serve as Associate Director of Content within its University Advancement Marketing and Communications team. Reporting to the Director of Content, this position leads the day-to-day editorial program that brings the advancement content strategy to life.The Associate Director manages the story pipeline, writes and develops priority content, directs editorial assignments and resources, serves as editor for the university's alumni magazine, alumni e-newsletter, and other primary advancement publications, and oversees editing, copy editing, proofreading, and editorial quality across the content function. The role supervises writers, copy editing and proofreading staff, and student writers while serving as the operational editorial leader for the content team. Application deadline is October 29, 2026.What the Role CoversEditorial and Storytelling ManagementTranslating content strategy, content pillars, and storytelling priorities into an actionable editorial program and story pipelineLeading day-to-day editorial planning including developing story angles, assigning writers and editorial resources, coordinating contributors, and maintaining visibility into upcoming content needsResearching, interviewing, and writing compelling content for priority stories, publications, and communications, particularly projects requiring strong editorial judgment or complex storytellingSupervising, coaching, and evaluating writers, copy editing and proofreading staff, and student writersGuiding stories from concept through final editorial approval, ensuring strong storytelling, audience relevance, accuracy, and alignment with advancement prioritiesCoordinating with campus communicators, subject-matter experts, development colleagues, and other partners to gather information and shape storiesPartnering with project management on schedules, workflows, approvals, and production coordinationFlagship Publications and Editorial ProgrammingServing as editor of the alumni magazine, alumni e-newsletter, and other primary advancement publicationsLeading editorial planning, story selection, sequencing, assignment, and review for flagship publicationsEnsuring publication content reflects advancement priorities, audience needs, and a balanced mix of storytelling topics and voicesCoordinating with creative, digital marketing, social media, video, and project management teams to extend stories across channelsIdentifying opportunities to repurpose and connect content across publications and platformsEditing, Standards, and Quality AssuranceProviding final editorial oversight including editing, copy editing, proofreading, fact checking, and quality controlMaintaining and applying editorial voice, AP style, university editorial standards, accessibility practices, and inclusive communications guidanceEstablishing and continuously improving editorial review processes, style resources, templates, and quality-control practicesCoaching writers and contributors on structure, voice, clarity, accuracy, and audience-centered storytellingStaff Development and Editorial CollaborationDeveloping a high-performing editorial team through clear expectations, regular feedback, coaching, and professional developmentFacilitating editorial conversations, story planning, and collaborative brainstormingSupporting onboarding, documentation, and editorial resourcesQualificationsBachelor's degree in journalism, telecommunications, marketing, advertising, public relations, or a related field3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in public and media relations, composing, editing, and publication production, news or print media, marketing, advertising, or creative services, or an equivalent combination of education and experiencePreferredExperience supervising, coaching, and developing writers, editors, students, or other communications staffExperience serving as editor or senior editorial lead for a magazine, newsletter, website, newsroom, or other recurring publicationDemonstrated excellence in professional writing and storytelling with significant editing, copy editing, and proofreading experienceStrong knowledge of AP style, editorial quality-control practices, accessibility standards, and inclusive communications practicesUnderstanding of integrated marketing and communications across web, email, print, social media, video, and other channelsExperience establishing editorial processes, style resources, documentation, or trainingExperience in higher education, advancement, nonprofit, journalism, agency, or another complex, mission-driven organizationTo ApplyVisit Mediabistro for full details and application instructions.