Editor in Chief, Virginia Magazine

Uva Alumni Association - Charlottesville, VA

Full-time - Senior

Remote - Charlottesville, VA

51-100 employees

About the position

The UVA Alumni Association is seeking an Editor in Chief (EIC) for Virginia Magazine, a role that is pivotal in fostering connections among the University of Virginia's alumni community. The EIC will lead the magazine in fulfilling its three-fold editorial mission: enhancing connectedness among alumni, maintaining journalistic integrity, and representing the independent voice of alumni. This position requires a strategic leader who can manage both the operational and editorial aspects of the magazine, ensuring it remains a trusted source of information and a platform for alumni voices. The EIC will be responsible for developing and executing the magazine's editorial strategy, which includes understanding the audience's needs and interests, expanding readership through various channels, and leading initiatives to gather alumni feedback. The role also involves overseeing the planning and production of print and digital content, collaborating closely with the magazine team and the Alumni Association leadership to create engaging stories and presentations. In addition to editorial responsibilities, the EIC will manage the magazine's budget and P&L, negotiate contracts with vendors, and support the President & CEO of the Alumni Association by keeping them informed about magazine projects and collaborating on key communications. The EIC will also work to build strong relationships with the University's Communications team, ensuring alignment and addressing any potential conflicts. The ideal candidate will embody the core values of the Association, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation. They will possess strong interpersonal skills and a passion for fostering a sense of belonging within the organization and the broader alumni community.

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and continually refine Virginia Magazine's editorial strategy.
• Strengthen Virginia Magazine's credibility as a trusted information source.
• Cultivate and nurture Virginia Magazine's distinct character, style, wit, voice, and aesthetic.
• Understand the audience and deepen insights into alumni's sensibilities and passions.
• Expand the magazine's reach and readership through existing and new channels.
• Lead the annual Vox initiative to collect and share alumni voices.
• Engage in long-range, mid-range, and immediate planning for magazine editions and digital media.
• Develop and assign story ideas, working closely with writers and editing copy.
• Oversee the magazine's presentation, including cover designs and display copy.
• Lead and manage a high-performing, creative team, ensuring professional fulfillment and positive morale.
• Manage the budget and P&L for Virginia Magazine, including vendor negotiations.
• Keep the President & CEO informed about magazine work and collaborate on story ideas.
• Build strong relationships with University leadership and serve as the key contact for University Communications.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree is required.
• 10 to 15 years of direct experience in journalism, publishing, marketing communications, or advertising, preferably in higher education.
• Experienced in planning and budgeting, creative thinking, idea conception, problem-solving, writing and editing, advertising, client relations, print design, web design, digital media, and project management.
• Proven track record as a leader of a high-performing team with coaching and support skills.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with MS Office and project management tools.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in higher education communications.
• Familiarity with digital media trends and technologies.
• Strong network within the alumni community.

Benefits

• Flexible work environment with a hybrid model (minimum of 2 days in the office).
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Supportive organizational culture that values diversity and inclusion.