Senior Editorial Director (Higher Education / Advancement Communications)
About the role
A world-renowned public research university is hiring a Senior Editorial Director to lead advancement communications for its development and alumni relations division. The division increases support for and enhances knowledge of the university through communications, public outreach, and fundraising.
Responsibilities
Leading and developing a ten-person multidisciplinary editorial and multimedia communications team, directly supervising one subordinate manager and six editors (50% of role)
Providing strategic communications leadership for the division's fundraising priorities and comprehensive campaign, including overseeing strategy, development, and execution of all editorial team communications (25%)
Serving as the division's primary advancement spokesperson, leading media relations and advising leadership on media strategy and public messaging
Partners with senior leadership to develop communications strategies and advising on complex, sensitive communications issues
Collaborating with other communications directors and the Managing Editor to establish priorities, coordinate resources, and maintain editorial and brand standards (10%)
Representing the editorial team in campus meetings and cross-functional workgroups (5%)
Leading complex editorial and multimedia initiatives involving confidential, high-profile, and politically sensitive issues (5%)
Overseeing strategic communications plans, executive messaging, speeches, campaign collateral, major gift proposals, case statements, videos, reports, and event communications
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related area or equivalent experience
Thorough knowledge of strategic communications principles and best practices across editorial, print, digital, multimedia, executive, and media communications
Excellent ability to develop and implement strategic communications plans and advise senior leadership on complex, confidential, and sensitive issues
Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and facilitation skills with the ability to build consensus and exercise sound judgment and political acumen
Excellent leadership and personnel management skills, including hiring, coaching, developing, and evaluating professional communications staff
Excellent editorial judgment, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Working knowledge of digital, multimedia, video, social media, accessibility, and emerging communications technologies
Preferred
Knowledge of or ability to learn university advancement priorities, organizational structure, and current issues affecting higher education and philanthropy