Position Summary
Michigan State University is seeking an experienced editorial leader to serve as Associate Director of Content within University Advancement Marketing and Communications (UA MarComm).
Reporting to the Director of Content, the Associate Director leads the day-to-day editorial program that brings University Advancement's content strategy to life. This position manages the story pipeline, writes and develops priority content, directs editorial assignments and resources, serves as editor for Spartan magazine, alumni eNews and other primary Advancement publications, and oversees editing, copy editing, proofreading, and editorial quality across the content function.
The Associate Director supervises writers, copy editing, proofreading staff, and student writers, providing coaching, feedback, assignments, and professional development. Working closely with the Director of Content, Project Management, and other UA MarComm functions, the Associate Director translates content pillars and storytelling priorities into coordinated, high-quality content across Advancement.
This role serves as the operational editorial leader for the content team, writing and shaping high-priority stories while guiding the work of other writers and contributors. The Associate Director ensures stories move from ideas to polished execution with strong editorial judgment, consistent voice, high standards, and effective collaboration with campus partners.
Responsibilities will include:
Editorial and Storytelling Management -
- Translate University Advancement content strategy, content pillars, and storytelling priorities into an actionable editorial program and story pipeline.
- Lead day-to-day editorial planning, including developing story angles, assigning writers and editorial resources, coordinating contributors, and maintaining visibility into upcoming content needs.
- Research, interview, and write compelling content for priority Advancement stories, publications, and communications, particularly projects requiring strong editorial judgment or complex storytelling.
- Supervise, coach, and evaluate writers, copy editing, proofreading staff, and student writers, including assigning work, setting expectations, providing feedback, and supporting professional development.
- Guide stories from concept through final editorial approval, ensuring strong storytelling, audience relevance, accuracy, consistency, and alignment with Advancement priorities.
- Collaborate with writers and partners to develop story concepts, conduct interviews, and identify compelling narratives that demonstrate the impact of philanthropy and engagement.
- Identify gaps, emerging story opportunities, and resource needs and bring recommendations to the Director of Content.
- Coordinate with campus communicators, subject-matter experts, development colleagues, and other partners to gather information, shape stories, and support collaborative content development.
- Partner with Project Management on schedules, workflows, approvals, and production coordination while retaining editorial ownership of story assignments, content quality, and publication readiness.
Flagship Publications and Editorial Programming -
- Serve as editor of Spartan magazine, alumni eNews, and other primary University Advancement publications and editorial products.
- Lead editorial planning, story selection, sequencing, assignment, and review for flagship publications.
- Ensure publication content reflects Advancement priorities, audience needs, content pillars, and a balanced mix of storytelling topics and voices.
- Coordinate with Creative Strategies, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Video and Project Management to extend stories across channels and maximize their value and reach.
- Identify opportunities to repurpose, adapt, and connect content across publications and platforms rather than treating stories as one-time assets.
Editing, Standards and Quality Assurance -
- Provide final editorial oversight for Advancement content, including editing, copy editing, proofreading, fact checking, and quality control.
- Maintain and apply University Advancement editorial voice, AP style, MSU editorial standards, accessibility practices and inclusive communications guidance.
- Establish and continuously improve editorial review processes, style resources, templates, and quality-control practices.
- Coach writers and contributors on structure, voice, clarity, accuracy, and audience-centered storytelling.
Staff Development and Editorial Collaboration -
- Develop a high-performing editorial team through clear expectations, regular feedback, coaching, and professional development.
- Facilitate editorial conversations, story planning, and collaborative brainstorming that strengthen content quality and cross-team awareness.
- Support onboarding, documentation, and editorial resources that help staff and contributors work effectively and consistently.
- Partner with the Director of Content to assess editorial capacity, staffing needs, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, or related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations; composing, editing and publication production; news, broadcasting, and print media; and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation or radio production; or computer programming/technology; and/or experience in a field related to are of employment; may require management and supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
- 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, along with significant editing, copy editing, and proofreading experience and a strong command of grammar, style, and editorial judgment.
- Strong knowledge of AP style, editorial quality-control practices, accessibility standards, and inclusive communications practices.
- Understanding of integrated marketing and communications practices across web, email, print, social media, video, and other channels.
- Ability to work effectively with subject-matter experts, campus communicators, and organizational leaders to develop clear, compelling content.
- Experience establishing editorial processes, style resources, documentation, or training that improve consistency and quality.
- Strong judgment, attention to detail, curiosity, and ability to balance strategic priorities with day-to-day editorial needs.
- Experience working in higher education, advancement, nonprofit, journalism, agency, or another complex, mission-driven organization.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.