Career Center

Job Summary 

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks an Associate Editor to join the RISD Alumni Magazine staff and the Institutional Advancement department. The Associate Editor will work with the RISD Alumni Magazine Editor to launch a new RISD Alumni Magazine, as well as develop, plan and publish future editions of the print and digital magazine. The Associate Editor will plan, write, edit, develop and curate strategic content for the magazine (digital and print), as well as other Institutional Advancement (IA) print and digital publications, including, but not limited to, Momentum magazine and the alumni website. The RISD Alumni Magazine will support the programming, mission, vision, and values of RISD and the IA Strategic Plan. The content produced will reflect RISD’s high standards for art and design, and our commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.

We seek a culturally competent candidate who will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

• Plan, write and edit content for the RISD Alumni Magazine (digital and print).

• Initiate and pursue story ideas for the magazine (digital and print).

• Manage writing assignments through the reporting, editing and revision phases for both print and digital publications.

• Conduct extensive research, reading, in-depth interviewing, careful fact-checking and revision to ensure accuracy, completeness and reader appeal of content.

• Coordinate with and provide direction and supervision to editorial staff colleagues and freelancers on developing ideas for stories/content, making assignments, setting deadlines, editing, reviewing, and approving articles for final publication.

• Regularly update the digital magazine site to ensure it contains dynamic content.

• Identify and develop content aligned with the IA Strategic Plan in collaboration with the IA Senior Management Group, Advancement Communications and campus partners (including RISD Marketing & Communications and the Office of the President).

• Manage vendors (printers, web developers, designers, freelance writers, photographers and videographers): coordination, selection, and scheduling of production times.

• Ensure project objectives and deadlines are met.

• Execute contracts and process payments.

• Identify, develop and propose advertising campaigns, and integrate ads into the magazine in collaboration with the Editor and other magazine stakeholders.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Work collaboratively with other members of IA to support department initiatives, plans and projects.

• Represent IA at events or other engagements with campus partners.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• At least seven years’ experience as an editor/writer, including the managing of digital and print publications.

• Experience managing and mentoring content producers, communications and/or marketing professionals.

• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a broad spectrum of divisional and institutional colleagues, within an environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Excellent editing, writing and proofreading skills.

• Experience working in a CMS, and demonstrated expertise in the use of Microsoft Office, Adobe, CRM/database, Google Apps (G Suite) and Asana, or similar project management collaboration tools.

• Knowledge of AP Style and Chicago Manual of Style is preferred.

• Interest/experience in art and design.

• Demonstrated ability to excel at developing story ideas.

• Ability to tell stories using text, images, graphics and video.

• Demonstrated ability to work under and meet frequent deadlines and keep others accountable.

• Superlative diplomatic and communication skills, including an ability to work and communicate effectively with a broad spectrum of internal and external constituents (individual donors, alumni, business leaders, foundations, journalists, senior leadership, faculty and staff).

• Superb attention to detail.

• Ability to report, write and revise stories, take initiative to seek out story ideas, set priorities, and work with a small, professional team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, marketing communications, or related degree preferred;

• Master’s degree preferred, or equivalent professional experience.