Howard University is hiring: Associate Editor in Washington

Content Summary: Associate Editor at Washington, for Howard University The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Associate Editor is a vital member of the Editorial Services team within the Division of Strategic Communications, Media and Editorial Services, in the Office of University Communications. Reporting to the Director of Editorial Services, the Associate Editor plans, develops, and distributes content projects that enhance the institution's visibility and reputation, and convey its mission, key messages, and initiatives to external and internal audiences. At the same time, the specialist works to advance university's motto of "truth and service" by developing content projects which distribute knowledge and information to a wide range of audiences based on Howard University in-house expertise and programs. The ideal candidate is an extremely strong writer and aggressive storyteller with experience in all stages of content development project management, from story ideation to publishing. The incumbent will work closely with colleagues who have functional expertise in multimedia (photography, video, digital distribution, etc.) and various campus stakeholders and media outlets to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of news and information about the University.

This position will also collaborate with other divisions within the Office of University Communications. The incumbent will also manage a "beat" of content specialization areas and serve as a liaison to a designated portfolio of academic units and or administration offices to support communications.

DIMENSIONS:

Reports to the Director of Editorial Services. May supervises interns or student workers upon need.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Develops relationships with campus subject matter experts and program leaders to identify and develop stories which support Howard's key messages, with emphasis on framing to achieve relevance, resonance, and engagement with key audiences. Primary content development will relate to digital platforms, though print publication development is included in areas of responsibility.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Written Content, Editing, and Posting (60%):

• Writes articles which serve as proof points in support of Howard's key messages, particularly those related to research, impact, excellence, and influence.
• Performs extensive research to find areas where Howard has unique expertise, stories, and historical perspectives.
• Fact checks story details to ensure accuracy, transparency, and authority.
• Interviews subject matter experts, sources, students, faculty, stakeholders, and administrators as well as external sources with relevance to a story.
• Posts stories to websites using content management systems, with specific attention to search engine optimization tactics including linking, metadata, and headers.
• Integrates stories into messaging platforms which promote related university programs and initiatives.
• Prepares stories for publication in Howard Magazine and other printed pieces.
• Edits stories to ensure readability, correct grammar and punctuation, typographical error elimination, and adherence to designated style guidelines.
• Develops story headlines for digital platforms which garner interest and engagement with targeted audiences.
• Maintains a database of subject matter experts and cultivates relationships with key faculty members, student organizations, and campus leadership.
• Monitors trending news, blog, and social media topics to determine ways to maximize visibility and engagement through storytelling.

Project Orchestration and Management (20%):

• Develops story ideas and pitches them to team leadership, including, in some cases, full storyboarding.
• Outlines components for comprehensive storytelling, including multimedia elements which accompany written copy.
• Communicates specific multimedia direction, including photography, infographics, and video guidance.
• Works with members of divisional teams with responsibility for multimedia content production to ensure initiation, execution, completion, and delivery.
• Develops, communicates, and manages an audience targeting strategy for each article, including distribution methodology, promotion tactics, and schedules.

Multimedia Execution (10%):

• In the absence of divisional or contracted photographer or videographer availability, captures images and video needed to convey story sentiment.
• When necessary, edits photos or videos for suitable placement in alignment with stories.
• Crops photos for usage in digital stories in accordance with content management system standards.
• Uploads photos and videos for usage in digital stories.

Analysis and Reporting (10%):

• Monitor audience engagement using metrics and data analysis tools.
• Prepare evaluations of content performance including identification of points of failures and areas for improvement.
• Deliver written and oral reports to senior leadership.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop strategies for division-wide performance improvement.
• Benchmarks story performance in relation to peer institutions and competitor digital platforms.

Performs other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Extremely strong writing skills, with proficiency in AP Style.
• Ability to gain a thorough understanding of University's visions, mission, goals and objectives.
• Strong research and interview skills.
• Comfort in using content management systems.
• Ability to translate complex technical and scientific subject matter for easy comprehension by readers with as little as a seventh-grade education.
• Proficiency in search engine optimization.
• Working knowledge of social media promotion and engagement optimization strategies.
• Familiarity with website navigation and webpage design.
• Knowledge of personal computer including desktop publishing layout and design, word processing, database, display software, web design, and other user-friendly software. Ability to follow standardized guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Comfort in conducting extensive photo and document research, using physical and digital resources.
• Comfort in accepting and incorporating feedback as well as adhering to deadlines. Must be able to manage shifting priorities.
• Adaptability in working both within long-term, systematic plans and in time-sensitive environment with tight turnaround based on emerging circumstances.
• Ability to work as a team member and establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with students, faculty, staff, University officials and the general public. Ability to meet with people of diverse backgrounds to secure information in order to develop high-quality content.
• Ability to use sound judgment and make decisions that demonstrate strong problem-solving ability, adaptability and responsiveness to change. Ability to exercise critical and analytical thinking while working with independence within a defined scope that elevates and protects the University's reputation.
• Ability to assist in the management of complex projects and to construct professional level material on short deadlines. Ability to follow established priorities, meet deadlines and deliver quality customer service.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field and three years of profession experience in editorial environment or equivalent combination of five (5) years combined relevant training and experience. Experience in education, higher education, media organizations, public relations or strategic communications firms preferred. Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field, preferred, but not required.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $59,090 - $65,000