Assistant Director, Editorial

Job Posting Location:

Claremont CA

Job Posting Title:

Job Description:

ABOUT POMONA COLLEGE: Located near Los Angeles California Pomona College is widely regarded as one of the nations premier liberal arts colleges. Established in 1887 Pomona College is known for small classes a challenging curriculum close relationships between students and faculty and a range of student research and leadership opportunities. Pomona is a member of The Claremont Colleges.

JOB PURPOSE: The Assistant Director Editorial is a member of the Communications team responsible for editing and producing the Pomona College Magazine (PCM) as well as institutional obituaries the Pomona College online historical timeline select news coverage and writing web content and other editorial services as needed.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President Communications this position is part of the team responsible for finding meaningful ways to tell the Colleges story
to various audiences.

A primary responsibility is editing and producing PCM a high-quality reader-focused publication published three times a year with a circulation of approximately 26000 alumni donors families and current and prospective students. The Assistant Director researches writes and edits content; manages assignments and contracts with freelance writers; and ensures accuracy clarity and alignment with the Colleges mission and voice.

With guidance from the Assistant Vice President Communications the Assistant Director performs a range of editorial and production tasks including writing assigning editing proofreading compiling information and coordinating with colleagues in print and web design photography and video.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Assistant Director works independently and collaboratively to perform the following essential duties and responsibilities:

• Oversee PCM editorial and production schedules ensuring timely completion of print and digital editions. Manage workflows with writers designers photographers and printers in collaboration with the Director of Creative Content to maintain quality and consistency across platforms.
• Manage PCM s operating budget including forecasting expense tracking and vendor contracts (print mail freelance). Provide updates on financial status and ensure cost-effective sustainable operations.
• Serve as editor-in-chief for PCM with responsibility for the publications overall editorial direction accuracy and alignment with the Colleges mission while engaging alumni parents students faculty and staff. Partner with the Assistant Vice President Communications on staff assignments and manage contracts with freelance writers. Research and contribute content as needed.
• Lead and contribute to editorial planning content meetings and campus partnerships to identify story opportunities gather information and maintain alignment with institutional priorities.
• Apply sound editorial judgment to ensure all content is accurate compelling and clear. Oversee the flow of copy and manage assignments for freelance writers as needed.
• Work collaboratively with Communications colleagues including social media and news staff to share stories and extend the reach of PCM content across appropriate channels.
• Work effectively with faculty staff colleagues students and the general public.
• Contribute to other programs and College projects as requested and carry out all policies according to guidelines.
• Hire process personnel paperwork for and in some cases directly supervise one or more student employees and temporary staff in the department/section/office. Must complete the bi-annual AB 1825 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training as required by the State of California.
• Coordinate special projects tasks and other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelors degree in communications public relations marketing journalism English or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience required.
• Licenses/Certificates: A valid drivers license or equivalent means of reliable transportation to off-site meetings and events is required.
• At least five years of full-time communications experience successfully serving in editorial media relations social media internal communications multimedia and web or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates competency in these areas.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND CRITICAL SKILLS: The assistant director editorial communications must possess the knowledge skills and abilities to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the job or must be able to demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed (with or without reasonable accommodation) using other knowledge skills and abilities not listed below.

• Editorial and Writing Expertise: Proven ability to write edit and proofread articles interviews and promotional content to professional editorial standards with a strong command of grammar structure and storytelling.
• Project and Production Management: Experience managing editorial production schedules for print and digital platforms working with writers designers photographers and printers to ensure timely high-quality publication.
• Operational Coordination: Experience supporting print and mailing operations (e.g. vendor coordination mailing lists subscription or request processing) to keep issues moving without delays.
• Professionalism and Initiative: Strong attention to detail and time management; ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a courteous diplomatic collaborative demeanor.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in core office and publishing tools (e.g. Microsoft Office Adobe InCopy) and able to quickly learn new tools and platforms to support editorial and operational workflows.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to build productive relationships across Communications and campus officesincluding Admissions Advancement Stewardship and Academic Affairsto surface stories and perspectives that reflect the Colleges broader mission and engage diverse audiences.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of or experience in higher education communications particularly in understanding the interests and perspectives of alumni students donors and families.
• Familiarity with Pomona Colleges customs traditions and institutional culture.
• Intellectually curious with the ability to seek out and develop compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Visual awareness and an appreciation for design photography and layout in storytelling.

REQUIRED HOURS: The regular hours for this full-time position are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday Friday except during the designated summer period when office hours end at 4:30 p.m. Holiday weekend and evening work hours may be required. Travel may be required. Regular hours may vary due to needs of the College or division.

ADDITIONAL POSITION DETAILS: The rate for this role is between $80000 to $95000 with a competitive benefits package. The specific factors that the College will consider when offering a salary to an individual will include but not be limited to: education training relevant prior experience and performance in prior roles. All staff positions are ineligible for visa or permanent resident card sponsorship. As a California employer Pomona College requires all employees to be residents of California.

ADA/OSHA: This job description defines the essential job duties of this position. The College expects that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

DISCLAIMER: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. When duties and responsibilities change and develop the College will review this job description and make changes of business necessity.

Required Experience:

Director