Associate Director of Content, MarComm​/Communications Manager II​/S

Associate Director of Content, Mar Comm

Michigan State University is seeking an experienced editorial leader to serve as Associate Director of Content within University Advancement Marketing and Communications (UA Mar Comm).

Reporting to the Director of Content, the Associate Director leads the day-to-day editorial program that brings University Advancement's content strategy to life. This position manages the story pipeline, writes and develops priority content, directs editorial assignments and resources, serves as editor for Spartan magazine, alumni eNews and other primary Advancement publications, and oversees editing, copy editing, proofreading, and editorial quality across the content function.

The Associate Director supervises writers, copy editing, proofreading staff, and student writers, providing coaching, feedback, assignments, and professional development. Working closely with the Director of Content, Project Management, and other UA Mar Comm functions, the Associate Director translates content pillars and storytelling priorities into coordinated, high-quality content across Advancement.

This role serves as the operational editorial leader for the content team, writing and shaping high-priority stories while guiding the work of other writers and contributors. The Associate Director ensures stories move from ideas to polished execution with strong editorial judgment, consistent voice, high standards, and effective collaboration with campus partners.

Responsibilities will include:

Editorial and Storytelling Management -

• Translate University Advancement content strategy, content pillars, and storytelling priorities into an actionable editorial program and story pipeline.
• Lead day-to-day editorial planning, including developing story angles, assigning writers and editorial resources, coordinating contributors, and maintaining visibility into upcoming content needs.
• Research, interview, and write compelling content for priority Advancement stories, publications, and communications, particularly projects requiring strong editorial judgment or complex storytelling.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate writers, copy editing, proofreading staff, and student writers, including assigning work, setting expectations, providing feedback, and supporting professional development.
• Guide stories from concept through final editorial approval, ensuring strong storytelling, audience relevance, accuracy, consistency, and alignment with Advancement priorities.
• Collaborate with writers and partners to develop story concepts, conduct interviews, and identify compelling narratives that demonstrate the impact of philanthropy and engagement.
• Identify gaps, emerging story opportunities, and resource needs and bring recommendations to the Director of Content.
• Coordinate with campus communicators, subject-matter experts, development colleagues, and other partners to gather information, shape stories, and support collaborative content development.
• Partner with Project Management on schedules, workflows, approvals, and production coordination while retaining editorial ownership of story assignments, content quality, and publication readiness.

Flagship Publications and Editorial Programming -

• Serve as editor of Spartan magazine, alumni eNews, and other primary University Advancement publications and editorial products.
• Lead editorial planning, story selection, sequencing, assignment, and review for flagship publications.
• Ensure publication content reflects Advancement priorities, audience needs, content pillars, and a balanced mix of storytelling topics and voices.
• Coordinate with Creative Strategies, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Video and Project Management to extend stories across channels and maximize their value and reach.
• Identify opportunities to repurpose, adapt, and connect content across publications and platforms rather than treating stories as one-time assets.

Editing, Standards and Quality Assurance -

• Provide final editorial oversight for Advancement content, including editing, copy editing, proofreading, fact checking, and quality control.
• Maintain and apply University Advancement editorial voice, AP style, MSU editorial standards, accessibility practices and inclusive communications guidance.
• Establish and continuously improve editorial review processes, style resources, templates, and quality-control practices.
• Coach writers and contributors on structure, voice, clarity, accuracy, and audience-centered…