ABOUT POMONA COLLEGE:
Located near Los Angeles, California, Pomona College is widely regarded as one of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges. Established in 1887, Pomona College is known for small classes, a challenging curriculum, close relationships between students and faculty, and a range of student research and leadership opportunities. Pomona is a member of The Claremont Colleges.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Assistant Director, Editorial, is a member of the Communications team responsible for editing and producing the Pomona College Magazine (PCM), as well as institutional obituaries, the Pomona College online historical timeline, select news coverage and writing, web content and other editorial services as needed.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Communications, this position is part of the team responsible for finding meaningful ways to tell the College's story to various audiences.
A primary responsibility is editing and producing PCM, a high-quality, reader-focused publication published three times a year, with a circulation of approximately 26,000 alumni, donors, families, and current and prospective students. The Assistant Director researches, writes, and edits content; manages assignments and contracts with freelance writers; and ensures accuracy, clarity, and alignment with the College's mission and voice.
With guidance from the Assistant Vice President, Communications, the Assistant Director performs a range of editorial and production tasks, including writing, assigning, editing, proofreading, compiling information, and coordinating with colleagues in print and web design, photography, and video.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Assistant Director works independently and collaboratively to perform the following essential duties and responsibilities:
- Oversee PCM editorial and production schedules, ensuring timely completion of print and digital editions. Manage workflows with writers, designers, photographers, and printers in collaboration with the Director of Creative Content to maintain quality and consistency across platforms.
- Manage PCM's operating budget, including forecasting, expense tracking, and vendor contracts (print, mail, freelance). Provide updates on financial status and ensure cost-effective, sustainable operations.
- Serve as editor-in-chief for PCM, with responsibility for the publication's overall editorial direction, accuracy and alignment with the College's mission while engaging alumni, parents, students, faculty and staff. Partner with the Assistant Vice President, Communications, on staff assignments and manage contracts with freelance writers. Research and contribute content as needed.
- Lead and contribute to editorial planning, content meetings, and campus partnerships to identify story opportunities, gather information, and maintain alignment with institutional priorities.
- Apply sound editorial judgment to ensure all content is accurate, compelling, and clear. Oversee the flow of copy and manage assignments for freelance writers as needed.
- Work collaboratively with Communications colleagues, including social media and news staff, to share stories and extend the reach of PCM content across appropriate channels.
- Work effectively with faculty, staff colleagues, students and the general public.
- Contribute to other programs and College projects as requested, and carry out all policies according to guidelines.
- Hire, process personnel paperwork for, and in some cases directly supervise one or more student employees and temporary staff in the department/section/office. Must complete the bi-annual AB 1825 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training as required by the State of California.
- Coordinate special projects, tasks, and other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, English or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience required.
- Licenses/Certificates: A valid driver's license or equivalent means of reliable transportation to off-site meetings and events is required.
- At least five years of full-time communications experience successfully serving in editorial, media relations, social media, internal communications, multimedia, and web, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates competency in these areas.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND CRITICAL SKILLS:
The assistant director, editorial communications, must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the job or must be able to demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed (with or without reasonable accommodation) using other knowledge, skills and abilities not listed below.
- Editorial and Writing Expertise: Proven ability to write, edit, and proofread articles, interviews, and promotional content to professional editorial standards, with a strong command of grammar, structure, and storytelling.
- Project and Production Management: Experience managing editorial production schedules for print and digital platforms, working with writers, designers, photographers and printers to ensure timely, high-quality publication.
- Operational Coordination: Experience supporting print and mailing operations (e.g., vendor coordination, mailing lists, subscription or request processing) to keep issues moving without delays.
- Professionalism and Initiative: Strong attention to detail and time management; ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a courteous, diplomatic, collaborative demeanor.
- Technical Proficiency: Skilled in core office and publishing tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe InCopy) and able to quickly learn new tools and platforms to support editorial and operational workflows.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to build productive relationships across Communications and campus offices—including Admissions, Advancement, Stewardship, and Academic Affairs—to surface stories and perspectives that reflect the College's broader mission and engage diverse audiences.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of or experience in higher education communications, particularly in understanding the interests and perspectives of alumni, students, donors and families.
- Familiarity with Pomona College's customs, traditions, and institutional culture.
- Intellectually curious, with the ability to seek out and develop compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
- Visual awareness and an appreciation for design, photography, and layout in storytelling.
REQUIRED HOURS:
The regular hours for this full-time position are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, except during the designated summer period when office hours end at 4:30 p.m. Holiday, weekend and evening work hours may be required. Travel may be required. Regular hours may vary due to needs of the College or division.
ADDITIONAL POSITION DETAILS:
The rate for this role is between $80,000 to $95,000 with a competitive benefits package. The specific factors that the College will consider when offering a salary to an individual will include, but will not be limited to: education, training, relevant prior experience, and performance in prior roles. All staff positions are ineligible for visa or permanent resident card sponsorship. As a California employer, Pomona College requires all employees to be residents of California.
