Director of Publications

Job Purpose
Showcase your editorial creativity and editing skills at Towson University as Director of Publications for the Communications and Media Relations team in the University Marketing and Communications division. We are seeking an editor and strong writer—a storyteller, who can help to articulate the university’s goals and brand initiatives for marketing and communications to internal and external audiences. The Director of Publications functions as managing editor of two high-profile university publications–the alumni magazine (which is published two to three times a year) and the campus arts and culture calendar (published twice a year in the fall and the spring), as well as editing, reviewing and proofreading various university print and web publications, as needed.

The Director of Publications also serves as a key member of the university’s crisis and emergency response team during emergency preparedness drills or in the event of an actual emergency.

Description
Alumni magazine editor—in this capacity, the Director of Publications serves as managing editor of the magazine and works with a talented internal team to create an editorial vision and produce a readable, lively 40-page magazine that helps to involve readers in the life of the university; informs, educates and entertains; and skillfully and strategically promotes the strengths of the university and its faculty, students, staff and alumni. The Director oversees establishing and maintaining production schedules and deadlines, researching story ideas, assigning stories to staff and freelance writers, writing articles, editing, art directing photography and design, and coordinating the mailing and campus distribution of 130,000+ printed magazines. The Director will also oversee and manage a redesign of the print magazine and new, improved online edition of the magazine.

Campus arts and culture calendar editor—the Director works closely with representatives in the university’s six colleges – particularly the College of Fine Arts and Communication -- to maintain deadlines, style and a seamless editorial and production process, creating a user-friendly twice-yearly booklet of campus arts events.

The Director also oversees the editorial content of various university publications, both print and online. In addition to directly supervising another staff writer, the Director is responsible for editing brochures, booklets, emails, and other printed and/or online collateral materials. These responsibilities include ensuring their accuracy by fact checking and proofreading, identifying typos and grammatical errors, content organization and streamlining copy, and adding new information to better explain the narrative. The Director must be able to use our “In Motion” online platform for reviewing, editing and approving designed collateral materials.

Crisis Communications—the Director of Publications is responsible for setting up the emergency phone bank in the event of an emergency or emergency exercise, ensuring that the phones are operational in designated emergency centers and in the event of an actual emergency. The Director also communicates up-to-date information in an emergency to operators answering the phone in the phone bank area. She or he may also assist in drafting messages for dissemination to the campus community, the media or other key audiences, since it would be important that all messaging be clear, concise, and consistent during an emergency event.

Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and five to seven years of experience in related field required; 

At least two years of publication or publishing experience; proven ability to work independently; proven ability to act strategically and proactively; and ability to edit materials following AP Style and university standards. Strong computer skills including ability to work with desktop publishing, word processing software, and web content management. Excellent communication skills. Knowledge of AP (Associated Press) style. Strong organizational and planning skills. Proven ability to write articles using original and innovative techniques and style, and the ability to write effective and persuasive articles. Higher education experience a plus.

A Criminal Background Investigation is required for the hired candidate and the results may impact employment.

Salary and Benefits
Competitive salary and full University benefits that include 22 days of annual leave, up to 14 holidays, personal and sick days; excellent health, life, and retirement plans; and tuition remission. To learn more about our benefits, click here.

This position will be open for a minimum of 14 days. Cover letter and resume are requested, but not required.

Apply
To view and apply to current job openings please visit www.towson.edu/jobs.

Office of Human Resources
8000 York Road
Towson, Maryland
21252-0001

Towson University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to diversity. Women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to: adarequest@towson.edu.

Towson University is a smoke-free campus.