East Lansing, MI | Full-Time
About the Role
A 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 Covers
Editorial and Storytelling Management
- Translating content strategy, content pillars, and storytelling priorities into an actionable editorial program and story pipeline
- Leading day-to-day editorial planning including developing story angles, assigning writers and editorial resources, coordinating contributors, and maintaining visibility into upcoming content needs
- Researching, interviewing, and writing compelling content for priority stories, publications, and communications, particularly projects requiring strong editorial judgment or complex storytelling
- Supervising, coaching, and evaluating writers, copy editing and proofreading staff, and student writers
- Guiding stories from concept through final editorial approval, ensuring strong storytelling, audience relevance, accuracy, and alignment with advancement priorities
- Coordinating with campus communicators, subject-matter experts, development colleagues, and other partners to gather information and shape stories
- Partnering with project management on schedules, workflows, approvals, and production coordination
Flagship Publications and Editorial Programming
- Serving as editor of the alumni magazine, alumni e-newsletter, and other primary advancement publications
- Leading editorial planning, story selection, sequencing, assignment, and review for flagship publications
- Ensuring publication content reflects advancement priorities, audience needs, and a balanced mix of storytelling topics and voices
- Coordinating with creative, digital marketing, social media, video, and project management teams to extend stories across channels
- Identifying opportunities to repurpose and connect content across publications and platforms
Editing, Standards, and Quality Assurance
- Providing final editorial oversight including editing, copy editing, proofreading, fact checking, and quality control
- Maintaining and applying editorial voice, AP style, university editorial standards, accessibility practices, and inclusive communications guidance
- Establishing and continuously improving editorial review processes, style resources, templates, and quality-control practices
- Coaching writers and contributors on structure, voice, clarity, accuracy, and audience-centered storytelling
Staff Development and Editorial Collaboration
- Developing a high-performing editorial team through clear expectations, regular feedback, coaching, and professional development
- Facilitating editorial conversations, story planning, and collaborative brainstorming
- Supporting onboarding, documentation, and editorial resources
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in journalism, telecommunications, marketing, advertising, public relations, or a related field
- 3-5 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 experience
Preferred
- Experience supervising, coaching, and developing writers, editors, students, or other communications staff
- Experience serving as editor or senior editorial lead for a magazine, newsletter, website, newsroom, or other recurring publication
- Demonstrated excellence in professional writing and storytelling with significant editing, copy editing, and proofreading experience
- Strong knowledge of AP style, editorial quality-control practices, accessibility standards, and inclusive communications practices
- Understanding of integrated marketing and communications across web, email, print, social media, video, and other channels
- Experience establishing editorial processes, style resources, documentation, or training
- Experience in higher education, advancement, nonprofit, journalism, agency, or another complex, mission-driven organization
To Apply
Visit Mediabistro for full details and application instructions.
