Editor, Yale Alumni Magazine

Since its founding in 1891, The Yale Alumni Magazine serves as a primary means of communication among alumni, the Yale University community, and others interested in Yale.

The magazine explores the achievements and issues of the University—of its alumni, faculty, student body and administration—in order to convey a complete, fair, and impartial understanding of Yale today. In addition, the magazine records news of the alumni, providing them with a continued sense of belonging to the University. In all that it does, the Yale Alumni Magazine strives for high standards of excellence in editorial content and design and seeks to advance the long-term best interests of the University and the alumni. It informs and inspires its diverse and ever-evolving readership, moving its readers to remain intellectually engaged with the University.

The magazine evokes Yale as it was in the past, portrays Yale in all its complexity today, and thoughtfully probes the opportunities and challenges confronting Yale in the future.

Now, the University seeks a new Editor of Yale Alumni Magazine. The Editor will lead a highly motivated and experienced team of 7 and will take the leadership in setting the editorial vision and strategic direction of the magazine going forward. The Editor will publish the print edition on a bimonthly basis and create a new digital platform that allows for more frequent updating and revisions. Both print and digital versions of the magazine will align with Yale’s values of excellence, integrity and intellectual curiosity while engaging and informing a diverse alumni community and enhancing the Yale Alumni Association’s communications strategy.

The Editor reports to the Executive Director of the Yale Alumni Association and works closely with an Editorial Advisory Board that is comprised of professional journalists, alumni volunteer leaders, faculty, and other members of the Yale community. The position is based in New Haven, CT and requires several in-office days per week. Relocation assistance is available.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Editorial Leadership

• Develop and implement an editorial vision that reflects the mission and values of Yale University.
• Oversee the creation, planning and execution of content for each bimonthly issue, ensuring high editorial standards of accuracy, clarity and relevance.
• Stay informed about trends in higher education, alumni interests and journalism to keep the content fresh and engaging.
• Develop and execute outreach and content strategies to increase both readership and communication within the Yale community.
• As the face of the alumni magazine, serve as an active and engaged member of the Yale community, seek opportunities to interact with students, faculty, staff, and alumni and leverage these interactions to inform editorial strategies and enhancements to the publication.

Content Strategy and Development

• Identify and prioritize key themes and topics for each publication cycle.
• Commission and edit articles, interviews, and features from staff writers, freelance writers and guest contributors.
• Collaborate with university departments, alumni and other stakeholders to source and validate content.

Supervision and Collaboration

• Lead and manage the editorial team including writers, editors, designers and other contributors.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive working environment that values diverse perspectives.
• Work closely with the University’s communication and marketing teams to ensure consistency in messaging across all platforms.
• Interact with the Executive Director of the Yale Alumni Association to ensure a cohesive and synergistic approach to informing and serving the community.

Quality Control and Production

• Ensure all content adheres to the highest standards of journalistic integrity, accuracy, and excellence.
• Oversee layout, design, and the production process, ensuring timely publication.
• Manage the magazine’s budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.

Digital Integration and Innovation

• Develop strategies to enhance the digital presence of the magazine including its website, social media, and email newsletters.
• Explore innovative formats in multimedia storytelling techniques to engage a diverse alumni audience.

REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor’s degree in English or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in editorial roles, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership position.
• Proven track record of producing high-quality publications; preferably within the higher education sector.
• Strong editorial judgment and an eye for compelling narratives.
• Exceptional writing, editing and communication skills.

DESIRED SKILL & ATTRIBUTES

• Deep understanding and appreciation of the mission and values of Yale University.
• Yale graduate preferred.
• Ability to inspire and lead a creative team.
• Strong network of professional contacts within journalism and the academic community.
• Proficiency with digital publishing tools and platforms.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Experience using analytics and data-driven research to help guide strategic decision-making.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of editorial work.

Yale University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and affirmatively seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons of diverse backgrounds. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and other covered veterans.

Inquiries concerning this policy may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility: equity@yale.edu; 203-432-0849.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Yale University has exclusively retained Jack Farrell & Associates (www.jackfarrell.com) to find the winning candidate for this important position. Interested candidates should provide a resume and 2-page cover letter by email to John Hartnett (john@jackfarrell.com). The cover letter should address: 1) Why am I interested?, 2) How am I qualified?, and 3) What is my vision for Yale Alumni Magazine? Thank you. JO 202503017

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