Executive Director of Editorial Services

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff \"for fit\" makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.
At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here Is What We Offer

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture
Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness
Basic Functions The Executive Director of Editorial Services serves as Howard University's Editor-in-Chief and provides strategic leadership for the University's enterprise-wide editorial vision, content strategy, and publication planning. As a member of the Office of University Communications (OUC) leadership team, the Executive Director is responsible for developing and executing an integrated editorial strategy that advances Howard University's strategic priorities, enhances institutional reputation, strengthens brand identity, and elevates the University's thought leadership and global visibility. Reporting to the Vice President & Chief Communications Officer, the Executive Director oversees the planning, creation, editorial direction and planning, governance, and continuous improvement of the University's editorial portfolio, including but not limited to: Howard magazine, The Dig, annual reports, presidential and Administration publications, print and digital magazines, feature stories, newsletters, special reports, institutional profiles, executive communications, brochures, long-form storytelling, special editorial initiatives. This position also serves as the lead storyteller and writer for flagship print and digital publications.
Supervisory Authority Provides strategic leadership and supervision for the Editorial Services team, including staff writers,editors, editorial assistants, student interns, graduate assistants, freelance writers, copy editors, proofreaders, illustrators, printers, and publishing vendors. Responsible for recruitment, coaching, professional development, workload management, performance evaluations, succession planning, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing editorial culture.Manages the Editorial Services operating budget and vendor contracts.
Nature And Scope This position exercises significant editorial judgment and serves as a University senior team lead on editorial quality, publishing standards, institutional voice, and editorial governance, and strategic communications that advance institutional priorities.The Executive Director collaborates extensively with senior University leadership, faculty, researchers, students, academic deans, administrative units, alumni, institutional partners, and external stakeholders to develop high-profile publications and to identify, develop, and amplify stories that demonstrate Howard University's excellence, innovation, scholarship, service, and impact.
Principal Accountabilities

Editorial Strategy & Leadership

Collaborate with Office of University leadership and management teams to develop and execute an enterprise-wide editorial strategy aligned with Howard University's Strategic Plan and institutional priorities.
Serve as Editor-in-Chief for the University’s flagship publications, brochures, and external newsletters establishing editorial vision, priorities, standards, and governance.
Lead a comprehensive editorial content strategy supporting reputation management, enrollment, philanthropy, research visibility, alumni engagement, faculty excellence, faculty subject matter expert profiles, and student success.
Identify emerging storytelling opportunities that strengthen the University's national and international profile.
Develop annual editorial priorities and integrated editorial calendars across University publications. Oversee editorial planning from concept through publication.
Editorial Operations

Direct the planning, writing, editing, planning, and publication of institutional print and digital publications.
Establish editorial workflows, publication schedules, review processes, and quality assurance procedures.
Ensure all content reflects Howard University's editorial standards, institutional voice, brand guidelines, and style requirements.
Maintain editorial calendars and publication timelines.
Collaborate with the Director of Creative Services and Graphic Design on the production and creative design of flagship publications and external facing editorial content.
Storytelling & Content Development

Lead development of compelling, audience-centered storytelling highlighting Howard University's academic excellence, research, innovation, public service, student experience, alumni achievements, and institutional impact.
Collaborate with communications teams to develop multimedia storytelling opportunities across print, web, video, photography, podcasts, email, and social platforms.
Commission and edit long-form feature stories and executive publications.
Identify stories that advance institutional priorities and elevate Howard's national reputation.
Experience writing and simplifying complex issues, including research, into strategic storytelling.
Editorial Governance

Maintain University editorial policies, publishing standards, editorial guidelines, and style manuals.
Ensure editorial consistency across all University communications.
Establish standards for fact-checking, source verification, inclusive language, accessibility, copyright compliance, and ethical publishing.
Lead editorial review and approval processes for institutional publications.
Collaboration
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