Senior Editor and Communications Manager

$65,290 - $79,430/Yr

Lehigh University

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid

Educational Services

About the position

The Senior Editor and Communications Manager at Lehigh University serves as the primary mechanism for quality control for key written communications and storytelling across both print and digital platforms. This role requires deep experience in creating and executing communications strategies while surfacing content ideas that align with the university's content strategy. The individual in this position will ensure that all deadlines are met and that the written content adheres to the Lehigh brand, as well as the content themes and key messages outlined in the university's content strategy. The Lehigh community is committed to antiracism and the principles of an equitable community, which is integral to the role. In this position, the Senior Editor and Communications Manager will lead the day-to-day operations for written content that brings the Lehigh content strategy and storytelling to life. This includes collaborating with the University Communications Director and the writing team to set deadlines and project milestones, ensuring that the team meets deadlines and key deliverables. The role also involves maintaining high-quality written communications across all UCPA channels, providing feedback and recommendations to improve the quality of written deliverables, and managing publication schedules to flag any concerns that might impact timely delivery. Additionally, the Senior Editor will oversee and execute key Lehigh content projects across the annual calendar, ensuring the execution of university communications and publications. This includes building processes for written content delivery, developing strategies for key content projects, and executing the agreed-upon vision for written content across various channels. The role also requires establishing the University Communications team as a strategic service within the University Communications & Public Affairs department, creating new ways to deliver the Lehigh story to a broad audience in a rapidly changing digital landscape. The position may allow for partial remote work as deemed appropriate by the supervisor, and the individual will be on call for a few weekends each year, as determined by the UCPA schedule. The successful candidate will possess a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field, along with five to eight years of related work experience, particularly in leading content development and editorial processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations for written content that brings the Lehigh content strategy and storytelling to life.
• Collaborate with the University Communications Director and the writing team to set deadlines and project milestones for review.
• Ensure the high quality of written communications and storytelling across all UCPA channels.
• Provide feedback and recommendations to the writing team to improve the quality of written deliverables.
• Maintain all publications schedules, flagging any concerns or issues around timing and resourcing that might impact on-time delivery.
• Serve as a thought partner and leader in surfacing high-quality stories and written content that aligns with the university's content strategy.
• Serve as writer, editor, and proofreader of a variety of short- and long-form content, including institutional and leadership communications.
• Ensure content adheres to Lehigh editorial guidelines and maintain style across all content.
• Oversee the process and ensure execution of university communications and publications and other high-level content projects.
• In partnership with the University Communications Director, build the process for written content delivery.
• Work with the University Communications Director to develop the strategy and direction for key content projects.
• Execute on the agreed-upon vision for the direction of written content for all channels including web, print, and general short- and long-form content.
• Provide strategic planning and coordination to create new ways to deliver the Lehigh story to the broadest possible audience.
• Execute targeted communications plans in alignment with the university's overarching content strategy and institutional priorities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with university constituents in support of extending the Lehigh strategic communications goals.
• Create and edit content for Lehigh's print publications, web, email, social, and other digital platforms.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including brand specialists, multimedia content producers, and designers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or a related field.
• Five to eight years of related work experience.
• Experience leading content development and editorial process.
• Understanding of social media content, website, long-form content.
• Shrewd eye for detail and ability to maintain editorial standards and guidelines.
• Ability to identify resources and tools to support dispersed professionals.
• Ability to give and receive feedback and maintain a culture of transparency.
• Knowledge of/experience with processes to maintain confidentiality of information.

Benefits

• Health Care
• Retirement benefits
• Educational benefits