Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is actively seeking an Editor for its RISD Alumni Magazine. This is an exciting opportunity to oversee and direct the magazine’s design, production, promotion, and editorial voice. The successful candidate will have a profound appreciation for art and design education, and for the role of storytelling as a force for creating community among RISD artists and designers. The Editor will also demonstrate a proven ability to work and communicate effectively with a broad spectrum of colleagues and stakeholders, helping to create an environment that values diversity and inclusion.

Reporting to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement (VPIA), the Editor of the RISD Alumni Magazine, will lead the creation of a new alumni publication that will serve as the anchor within the alumni communication ecosystem. The alumni publication is inclusive of both digital and print assets. In close collaboration with the VPIA, the Editor’s initial responsibilities will focus on capacity-building and development for RISD’s new digital-first and biannual/triannual alumni magazine. This includes the recruitment of staff, the cultivation of internal relationships, the sourcing of appropriate vendors, and the creation of collaborative processes to ensure the magazine reflects RISD’s high standards for art and design and our commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and respect. The Editor will work closely with the Institutional Advancement Senior Management Group (in particular the Executive Director of Alumni + Family Relations, Executive Director of Campaign Planning + Strategy), the Director of Advancement Communications, and other internal partners (including RISD Media Group and Office of the President) to develop an editorial calendar and content plan for the magazine that ensures its coverage aligns with the programming, mission, vision, and values of RISD and the Alumni Engagement Strategic Plan.

The Editor will manage a team of content producers, designers, and other consultants, as determined by need and approved by senior leadership. The Editor will also work with the Director, Advancement Communications, on the production of content through Advancement Communications writers and dissemination of content through Advancement Communications channels (e.g. alumni website, Momentum magazine, etc.), including making necessary adjustments to the alumni communication ecosystem for the alumni publication. The Editor will lead the development and sustainability of the digital assets of the alumni magazine.

Essential Functions: 

• Oversee all aspects of design, production, promotion, and editing of a digital and print, biannual/triannual print magazine.
• Manage a team of content producers and consultants, as necessary, who will provide specialized skills to support production. Foster strong performance and a team culture.
• Report and write stories.
• Work collaboratively and synergistically with peers on the Institutional Advancement Senior Management Group (SMG) to achieve organizational goals and strategies.
• Work with internal strategic partners to advance and promote alumni content through institutional communication channels; alumni events; development and donor stewardship events and communications; and campus events.
• Work collaboratively with the Director, Advancement Communications, on content development, writing, editing, and distribution of content through Advancement Communications-managed channels.
• Direct and supervise the development and maintenance of technical and production infrastructure of the magazine in accordance with institutional brand and communications standards.
• Develop and maintain distinct internal and external advisory councils to inform content, strategy, and distribution of the alumni publication.
• Utilize the results of the 2018 and 2022 Alumni Surveys, and other feedback from alumni to create and maintain longitudinal measure of readership and engagement.
• Develop and implement strategies to attract, retain and manage advertisers and subscribers.
• Utilize Raiser’s Edge CRM as a resource to conduct research for and to share engagement with potential subjects; document interactions/communications with subjects in CRM.
• Conduct research to identify and track stories and to identify the proper communications channel to share.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience: 

• Demonstrated expertise in the use of Microsoft Office, Adobe, CRM/database, Google Apps (G Suite) and Asana, or similar project management collaboration tools.
• Proven ability to manage complex organizational relationships and work effectively with executive leadership.
• Proven ability to work and communicate effectively with a broad spectrum of divisional and institutional colleagues, within an environment that values diversity.
• Demonstrated ability to write and present persuasively.
• Strong organizational skills working in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in outreach to volunteers, donors, and other fundraising partners. Interest/experience in art and design desirable.
• Ability to be self-driven to meet deadlines, and keep others accountable for the same.
• Prior experience managing and mentoring content producers, communications, and/or marketing professionals required.
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required.
• Ten years+ of managing organizational communications, ideally in magazine publishing, with strong writing, proofreading, and editing skills, and excellent knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style, preferably in higher education or the arts.

Preferred: 

• Master’s degree in relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

Work Schedule: 

35 hours/week; 12 months/year

Documents Needed to Apply: 

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.