Director of Editorial Strategy & Publications

Director of Editorial Strategy & Publications

Director A, Business and Finance, Communications and Marketing

Job Description Summary
Penn 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 - Philadelphia, 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 : School of Dental Medicine

Pay Range : $77,330.00 – $95,000.00 Annual Rate

Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

Health, Life and Flexible Spending Accounts : Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision and life insurance benefits plus flexible spending accounts.

Tuition : Tuition assistance for employees, spouses and dependent children at Penn and certain other institutions.

Retirement : Generous retirement plans including Basic, Matching and Supplemental options with pre‑tax or Roth contributions.

Time Away from Work : Substantial paid time off for vacation, personal affairs, illness or injury.

Long-Term Care Insurance : Coverage for employees and eligible family members, with favorable underwriting for new hires.

Wellness and Work‑Life Resources : Wide range of programs and resources to support health, family and work‑life balance.

Professional and Personal Development : Resources to advance personal and professional growth.

University Resources : Access to libraries, athletic facilities, cultural and recreational activities.

Discounts and Special Services : Savings on arts, transportation, mortgages and other goods and services.

Flexible Work Hours : Non‑traditional work hours, locations and job structures to promote balance.

Penn Home Ownership Services : Forgivable loan for eligible employees for closing costs or home improvements.

Adoption Assistance : Reimbursement for qualified expenses related to the legal adoption of an eligible child for up to two adoptions per household.

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