Careers

Job Description:

• Working closely with the editor, helps establish and maintain the voice of the Magazine and represents the magazine to University leadership and colleagues.
• Acts as deputy to the editor of the Magazine, a duty that includes guest editing one issue of the Magazine per year. For these issues, plans the content; assigns and leads the editing of the features; edits Letters, On the Agenda, Alumni Essay, and other components; writes the Editorâ™s Notes; delegates other responsibilities; and makes key decisions. For other issues, when the editor is not available, acts as the editorial decision maker in consultation with the Communications AVP.
• Writes one to two features per Magazine issue, shorter print stories, and online-first stories that compel ARDâ™s audiences to engage with the University and act on its behalf. Develops original ideas for Magazine features, researches and presents the ideas to the editorial staff, interviews several individuals for each feature (which may involve national or international travel), reads extensive background material, keeps and organizes thorough research notes for the fact-checker, and edits stories during several rounds of rigorous input. Writes sidebars and online extras, and suggests ways to promote and extend storiesâ™ reach. Reviews all sections of the Magazine, contributing structural and line editing.
• Shares responsibility for producing the UChicago Journal section of the Magazine, including stories on faculty research and University news; profiles of faculty, students, and alumni; and brief listings of news, honors, and accomplishments. In collaboration with the associate editor, leads the selection of stories in this section; writes or assigns the stories; researches art options; writes captions, headlines, and subheads; and collaborates with the graphic designer in creating the layout. Conducts interviews with students, faculty, administration, alumni, and others within and outside the University community; coordinates coverage with the University's News Office; extensively researches a wide range of academic and nonacademic subject matter.
• Keeps up with stories and trends in academia through regular reading of newspapers, professional publications and scholarly journals, academic reviews, and other alumni publications. Keeps familiar with current issues at the University by reading student and department publications. Coordinates with multiple groups to keep abreast of campus activities. Works with the outside printer.
• Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance including attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
• Works with minimal guidance to edit complex manuscripts and other forms of copy for grammar, punctuation, spelling, style, form, sentence structure, clarity, consistency, and accuracy. Creates online and/or print versions of publications. Performs quality control checking at all stages of production for all written material in an editorial group.
• Designs and maintains editing schedules and manages the proofreading, review, and correction of page proofs and additional proof stages.
• Works directly with writers, editors, and others involved in projects. Ensures the quality of editorial work of others and advises them on the prioritization of assignments. Guides the staff in setting procedures and editing styles and in resolving any other issues that may arise.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelorâ™s degree.
• Advanced degree.

Experience:

• Seven years of experience writing and editing professionally.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development including Phoenix, the University's donor relationship management system, and the Microsoft Windows environment.

Preferred Competencies

• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively.
• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.
• Self-motivation and the ability to take initiative.
• Mentor less experienced colleagues.
• Communicate complex ideas to an educated general audience in clear and engaging prose.

Working Conditions

• This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence.
• Standard office environment.
• Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.
• This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, addressed to Hiring Committee (preferred)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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About University of Chicago (UC)

One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.

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