Job Details
University Overview The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and…
learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job TitleDirector of Editorial Strategy & Publications
Job Profile TitleDirector A, Business and Finance, Communications and Marketing
Job Description SummaryPenn Dental Medicine seeks a strategic and experienced Director of Editorial Strategy & Publications to lead high-impact communications initiatives and oversee the development of integrated content across print, digital, and media platforms. Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications, this role plays a key leadership function in advancing the School’s brand, reputation, and engagement with key audiences, including prospective students, alumni, donors, and the broader academic and clinical community.
The Director is responsible for translating institutional priorities into cohesive, multi-channel communications strategies and managing major marketing and communications projects from concept through execution. This role provides leadership in shaping institutional messaging, ensuring consistency across platforms, and driving initiatives that support student recruitment, alumni engagement, and fundraising outcomes. The Director also leverages emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to enhance content development, streamline workflows, and support data-informed decision-making.
A central responsibility of this role is oversight of the Penn Dental Medicine Journal (PDMJ), the School’s flagship publication and a key vehicle for alumni and donor engagement.
Strategic Communications Leadership
- Lead the development and execution of integrated communications strategies that align with institutional priorities and elevate the School’s brand and reputation.
- Translate strategic initiatives into clear, compelling messaging across multiple channels and audiences.
- Partner with the Assistant Dean to advance key marketing and communications priorities.
Major Publications & Signature Projects
- Direct the strategy, development, and production of the Penn Dental Medicine Journal (PDMJ).
- Lead high-profile publications and special projects that support institutional goals.
- Manage complex projects from concept through execution, coordinating stakeholders and vendors.
Marketing & Advancement Initiatives
- Lead and contribute to initiatives supporting student recruitment, alumni engagement, and fundraising.
- Collaborate with Development & Alumni Relations to align communications with philanthropic priorities.
Media Relations & Institutional Visibility
- Oversee media strategy and external communications to enhance visibility and thought leadership.
- Serve as liaison to University Communications and external media partners.
- Ensure coordinated, timely, and accurate messaging.
Digital Content Strategy & Web Oversight
- Provide strategic direction for website and digital content aligned with brand and engagement goals.
- Collaborate with digital and IT partners to enhance content delivery and performance.
Cross-Functional Leadership & Brand Stewardship
- Lead collaboration across departments to ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment.
- Ensure adherence to University communications policies and standards.
Creative Direction & Visual Content Oversight
- Oversee visual storytelling, including management of external photographers and creative vendors.
- Ensure all assets align with institutional brand standards.
Special Projects & Operational Support
- Lead or support priority communications initiatives and special projects.
- Contribute to team planning and operations within a lean communications structure.
Other duties as assigned. Provide and maintain expertise in innovative solutions focused on the responsible stewardship of Penn Dental Medicine and its community experience.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
- Demonstrated excellence in writing, editing, and storytelling across multiple platforms.
- Experience managing complex editorial projects and publication production processes.
- Strong understanding of integrated communications, including print, digital, and media relations.
- Familiarity with content management systems (e.g., WordPress) and digital publishing tools preferred.
- Familiarity with AI-enabled content tools and data-informed communications strategies.
This role requires on-site presence to actively contribute as a collaborative member of the Penn Dental team.
Job Location - City, StatePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking and editorial judgment
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Collaboration and stakeholder engagement
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Adaptability and sound problem-solving skills
- Comfort with emerging technologies and evolving communications tools
Department / SchoolSchool of Dental Medicine
Pay Range$77,330.00 - $95,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.
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