Managing Editor – Michigan Bar Journal for the State Bar of Michigan (Full Time - Hybrid) Lansi

About the Role

Are you a sharp editor with a passion for high-quality magazine writing, flawless project management, and collaborative success? The State Bar of Michigan is seeking a Managing Editor to lead our flagship publication, the Michigan Bar Journal. In this role, you will oversee production lifecycle from concept to print and digital publication. You will work with an editorial board and other staff to deliver a timely, engaging, and accurate publication serving Michigan attorneys.

Reporting to the Content & Marketing Manager, you will have the opportunity to showcase your own writing prowess occasionally while primarily working with volunteer, staff, and freelance authors.

• Editorial Leadership: Develop, manage, and execute the Journal’s editorial calendar, publication schedules, and production timelines.
• Content Development & Editing: Substantively edit complex legal articles for clarity and structure while preserving the author's voice. Author articles as needed.
• Board Liaison: Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Editorial Board coordinating meetings, brainstorming story ideas, and scheduling articles for publication.
• Production Coordination: Manage workflows with staff and vendors to ensure flawless publication both in print and online.
• Continuous Improvement: Proactively evaluate readership trends and recommend workflow or content enhancements to increase the Bar Journal’s value.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications, Publishing, or a related field.
• Experience: 5+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in editing, publishing, or journalism.
• Skills: Exceptional writing, copyediting, and developmental editing skills; strong project management abilities with a proven track record of meeting strict deadlines.
• Interpersonal Savvy: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, receive feedback openly, and manage relationships.

Familiarity with Michigan’s legal community and the mission of the State Bar of Michigan.

Experience working within an association, nonprofit, or membership-based organization.

Proficiency with project management platforms like Asana.

Basic understanding of legal/ethical considerations unique to mandatory bar associations.

Salary range $70,000 - $80,000/year.