Full Job Description
Salary Grade: T27
A variety of important factors are reviewed by HR when considering salary, including job duties, the applicant's education and experience, all relevant internal equity considerations, department budget, and funding source.
Position Summary
The Sr. Associate Director, Publications, leads the editorial vision, strategy, planning, production and operating budgets for the university's flagship magazine, Temple, published twice annually in print and digital formats, and Research in Action, the university's annual research magazine, published in print and online. In this role, they shape compelling, high-quality content that brings the Temple story to life, with a focus on academic excellence, groundbreaking research, student success, faculty achievement, and place-based impact. Through these publications, the Sr. Associate Director advances the university's strategic priorities, strengthens its reputation and engages key audiences, including alumni, donors, faculty, staff and other university stakeholders.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across the Strategic Marketing and Communications division and the university, the incumbent develops the content strategy, editorial themes and story ideas, manages production timelines, assigns and edits all content, and ensures alignment with the university's strategic priorities, framework messages, brand and editorial standards. The Sr. Associate Director, Publications, must possess exceptional storytelling, editing and organizational skills, along with strong news judgment, creativity and attention to detail. The position requires the ability to write compelling content and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining high editorial standards and meeting firm publication deadlines. The Sr. Associate Director, Publications, will serve as the lead project manager and will oversee the operating budgets for the publications.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Important Application Requirements
* Submit a resume and cover letter
* AND Attach one (1) feature story (approximately 2000 words) with your application
* AND Submit one (1) print publication example in pdf format. Please email that pdf to hrtyempl@temple.edu . Be sure to include your name and the job title in the body of the email.
Applications will be accepted until close of business Monday, December 7th.
Required Education and Experience
* Bachelor's degree
* And at least 5 years of directly related professional experience managing the full lifecycle of publications, from editorial planning and content development through production, publication, and distribution.
* An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Preferred Education and Experience
* Master's degree
* Experience working on publications in a higher education setting.
* Prior leadership or supervisory experience in a related role.
Required skills and abilities
* Demonstrated ability to tell stories in a creative ways and strong editing skills.
* Strong ability to monitor the work of others, mentor staff, and manage performance through regular feedback.
* Proficient in the Microsoft Office suite of products.
* Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy of work.
* Superior organizational skills - must be able to effectively prioritize and meet deadlines.
* Ability to work within a continuous improvement environment; able to receive feedback with a positive attitude and a commitment to personal accountability.
* Ability to work well under pressure.
* Demonstrated ability to effectively and collaboratively work as part of a cross-functional team.
* Ability to work independently and efficiently.
* Demonstrated excellent organizational time management skills.
* Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.
* Ability to attend staff events (including occasional nights and weekends), as needed.
Essential Duties of the Position
* Leads editorial planning, story development and production schedule for the university and research magazines across print and digital platforms.
* Develops editorial themes, story ideas and feature packages that support institutional priorities and resonate with target audiences.
* Assigns, writes, edits and fact-checks long-form and short-form editorial content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to editorial standards.
* Oversees magazine production schedules, operating budgets and workflows to ensure timely completion of each issue. Manages editorial calendars, source reviews and communications and approval processes, and ensures deadlines and priorities are met in a fast-paced editorial environment.
* Supervises freelance contributors, student workers and/or temporary editorial staff including overseeing performance, managing workflow, providing guidance and support, and issuing feedback.
* Collaborates closely with colleagues in content and communications, design, multimedia, and social media, as well as freelance writers and campus partners, to produce visually compelling, engaging, and high-quality content.
* Upholds and advances the university's editorial standards, voice, tone and brand identity across publications. Ensures consistency in grammar, style, tone, accuracy, and overall editorial quality.
* Uses analytics, audience insights and industry best practices to inform editorial decisions, strategy, and continuously improve publication performance, reach, and engagement.
* Identifies and manages the need for freelance writers/temporary employees to meet publication deadlines. Oversees the contract lifecycle, including sourcing and evaluating candidates, establishing scopes of work and deadlines, and ensuring the quality and continuity of deliverables.
* Ensures content is accurate, accessible, audience-centered and strategically aligned.
* Identifies opportunities to extend magazine storytelling across additional university channels and platforms.
* Stays informed on trends and best practices in higher education publishing, editorial storytelling and emerging technologies, including generative AI, and adheres to university guidelines regarding the use of such tools.
* Builds and maintains strong collaborative relationships with university leadership, faculty, staff, alumni and campus partners.
* Serves as an editorial resource and strategic storytelling partner across the division.
* Represents the division on internal and/or external committees.
* Performs other duties as assigned.
Job Details
* Offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre-employment physical.
* This position is assigned a hybrid work arrangement (on-campus and remote); the duration of this hybrid work arrangement is at the discretion of Temple University and the Departments.
