"Editorial Director"

Job Summary

Barnard College seeks an Editorial Director to oversee the College's written content across platforms, with a primary focus on the Barnard alumnae magazine and strategic content for the College website. This role directly supervises a team of strategic writers, managing editorial timelines, assigning stories, and ensuring all content meets the College's editorial and communications standards. The Editorial Director is responsible for driving editorial execution with a consistent, strategic institutional voice. Reporting to the Senior Director of Messaging and Communications, the Editorial Director translates high-level communications priorities into a clear editorial plan, identifying stories that align with Barnard's goals and guiding their development from pitch to publication. This position requires sharp editorial judgment, operational discipline, and an understanding of institutional writing as a strategic and message-driven tool. This is a fast-moving, feedback-driven environment. The Editorial Director must ensure message alignment, uphold brand standards, and coordinate effectively across departments. The ideal candidate is equal parts strategist, editor, and air traffic controller.

Job Description

• Manage and mentor a team of strategic writers; assign content and guide projects from concept through final edit
• Oversee production of the Barnard alumnae magazine, including editorial direction, thematic messaging, and timeline management.
• Lead the development of content for the Barnard website that reflects institutional priorities and brand voice.
• Work with the Senior Director for Messaging and Communications to translate the communications strategy into editorial plans and campaigns.
• Ensure message discipline, tone alignment, and editorial consistency across all platforms.
• Serve as lead editor on high-impact content, including feature stories and campus-wide announcements.
• Maintain editorial calendars, enforce deadlines, make sure copy is edited, and ensure smooth collaboration across departments.
• Work closely with design and digital teams to align visual and editorial output.

Skills, Qualifications & Requirements

• 8-10 years of experience in editorial strategy, public relations, or institutional communications
• Demonstrated success managing writers and driving editorial execution in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional editing skills with a strong eye for narrative clarity, institutional voice, and strategic messaging
• Experience overseeing publications (print or digital), preferably in higher ed or mission-driven organizations
• Demonstrated success in developing editorial strategies that encompass video, photo, and social media needs
• Strong project management skills and the ability to coordinate complex workflows across stakeholders