Director, Content and Editor-in-Chief Job at American Academy of Actuaries in Wa

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title: Director, Content and Editor-in-Chief, Contingencies

Department: Communications

Reports to: Senior Director, Communications

Direct Report(s): Manager, Member Content & Publications; Manager, Digital Content & Channel Development

OVERVIEW

The Director is the senior editorial leader responsible for overseeing the entire content creation process, setting the vision and editorial direction of our bimonthly magazine, Contingencies, managing a team of external writers and editors, and ensuring all content aligns with the association's mission and interests, while maintaining a high standard of quality and journalistic integrity across print and digital platforms. In this role, the Director will be a member of the Academy’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and supervise staff and lead development and production of all Academy publications and outbound content, including coordination of voice and quality across all content channels. As senior editor, lead development and production of bimonthly actuarial magazine, Contingencies, for internal and external audiences as well digital-only content and special supplements in between print issues. Supervise all elements of the magazine, including writing and editing of articles, design and illustration, advertising, circulation, website, and production of the online digital edition.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Editor-in-Chief, Contingencies

• Develop content for feature articles and departments; identify authors and obtain contributions from outside authors; review submitted manuscripts for quality, completeness.
• Develop content for two advertising supplements published with the magazine—JobSeeker and Software Now.
• Edit articles in the magazine and the supplements for substance, style, factual accuracy, syntax, and grammar. Obtain authors’ approval of edited articles.
• Oversee long-range strategic planning and develop content for future issues.
• Supervise production and review of online digital edition of the magazine.
• Oversee production of annual editorial calendar.
• Develop strategies with external vendors and agencies to expand advertising base and circulation base.
• Supervise and collaborate with outside vendors—designer, advertising sales reps, printer etc.
• Prepare and oversee annual budgets, including approving invoices.

Director for Content

• Lead creation and execution of annual editorial calendar, collaborating with department leads on various priority themes and optimum approach to feature themes in the magazine as well as various digital content channels.
• Supervise online publication of weekly This Week, monthly Actuarial Update, quarterly practice-area-specific public policy newsletters, annual Record and other publications.
• Oversee production process of all Academy content—public policy issue briefs, monographs, FAQ documents, etc.; professionalism discussion papers; and Academy collateral for special events, membership, etc.
• Develop and maintain budgets for all publications. Review contracts with vendors, prepare annual budgets, and ensure after publication that budget objectives are being met.
• Select and supervise outside designers, as needed, to produce publications, exhibits, signs, stationery, and promotional materials.
• Supervise handling, mailing, and other distribution of Academy publications.
• Prepare annual budgets and approve invoices.
• Manage a cross-departmental team to schedule promotion of Academy content to ensure maximum coverage and attention.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong, proven leadership experience with an ability to lead, motivate and manage staff to work cooperatively and productively.
• In-depth knowledge of publications and color publishing process; broad-based knowledge of major national issues; some background in business/finance.
• Excellent writing, strong editing and oral communication skills, including a focus on establishing and maintaining quality standards and expertise with English grammar, syntax, and usage.
• Strong sense and understanding of the principles of graphic design and solid production skills with a strong ability to keep publications on schedule.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with co-workers, volunteer leadership, and all levels of staff and volunteers.
• Creative, innovative and self-motivated mindset in deploying responsibilities and in developing actuarially related topics for the magazine or other publications and identifying and developing long-term relationships with authors to write on these topics.
• Polished interpersonal skills, for working closely with in-house colleagues, vendors, illustrators, and authors.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

B.A. in journalism or English, with some course work or professional experience in economics/finance and mathematics preferred. At least 8-10 years’ experience as editor and/or in publications production, including prior leadership experience managing a team within a magazine or publishing environment. Association management experience or with outside association vendors. Experience in developing and expanding advertising and circulation base and increasing readership in member publications.

FLSA Classification: Exempt.

Salary Range: $145,000 - $160,000