Associate Director of Content, Marketing and Communications; Education

East Lansing, MI | Full-Time

A major public research university is seeking an experienced editorial leader to serve as Associate Director of Content within its University Advancement Marketing and Communications team. Reporting to the Director of Content, this position leads the day‑to‑day editorial program that brings the advancement content strategy to life.

The Associate Director manages the story pipeline, writes and develops priority content, directs editorial assignments and resources, serves as editor for the university's alumni magazine, alumni e‑newsletter, and other primary advancement publications, and oversees editing, copy editing, proofreading, and editorial quality across the content function. The role supervises writers, copy editing and proofreading staff, and student writers while serving as the operational editorial leader for the content team.

Final date to receive applications is October 29, 2026.

• Translating content strategy, content pillars, and storytelling priorities into an actionable editorial program and story pipeline
• Leading day‑to‑day editorial planning including developing story angles, assigning writers and editorial resources, coordinating contributors, and maintaining visibility into upcoming content needs
• Researching, interviewing, and writing compelling content for priority stories, publications, and communications, particularly projects requiring strong editorial judgment or complex storytelling
• Supervising, coaching, and evaluating writers, copy editing and proofreading staff, and student writers
• Guiding stories from concept through final editorial approval, ensuring strong storytelling, audience relevance, accuracy, and alignment with advancement priorities
• Coordinating with campus communicators, subject‑matter experts, development colleagues, and other partners to gather information and shape stories
• Partnering with project management on schedules, workflows, approvals, and production coordination

• Serving as editor of the alumni magazine, alumni e‑newsletter, and other primary advancement publications
• Leading editorial planning, story selection, sequencing, assignment, and review for flagship publications
• Ensuring publication content reflects advancement priorities, audience needs, and a balanced mix of storytelling topics and voices
• Coordinating with creative, digital marketing, social media, video, and project management teams to extend stories across channels
• Identifying opportunities to repurpose and connect content across publications and platforms

• Providing final editorial oversight including editing, copy editing, proofreading, fact checking, and quality control
• Maintaining and applying editorial voice, AP style, university editorial standards, accessibility practices, and inclusive communications guidance
• Establishing and continuously improving editorial review processes, style resources, templates, and quality‑control practices
• Coaching writers and contributors on structure, voice, clarity, accuracy, and audience‑centered storytelling

• Developing a high‑performing editorial team through clear expectations, regular feedback, coaching, and professional development
• Facilitating editorial conversations, story planning, and collaborative brainstorming
• Supporting onboarding, documentation, and editorial resources

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, telecommunications, marketing, advertising, public relations, or a related field
• 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in public and media relations, composing, editing, and publication…