Position Purpose:

The Senior Writer and Editor serves as managing editor for Bates Magazine, and provides leadership and expertise in strategic storytelling. This highly skilled writer and editor will have deep experience and will collaborate with the Senior Communications and Editorial Director to develop a fresh tone for BCM’s writing in all formats and styles (print and digital, persuasive and journalistic). The Senior Writer and Editor, in collaboration with the Senior Communications Director, will ensure that all written content aligns with institutional priorities while maintaining the highest editorial standards and cultivating a commitment to creativity and innovation.

Job Duties:

Editorial and Content Leadership:

• Write, edit, and proofread high-quality content including feature stories, news stories, institutional messaging, web articles, social media posts, and marketing materials.
• Uphold and uphold the college’s editorial voice and standards across platforms.
• Work with the Senior Director of Communications and Editorial to plan and oversee an editorial calendar that aligns with institutional priorities.
• Using college style guides and The Associated Press Stylebook and The Chicago Manual of Style, provide copyediting, proofreading, and fact-checking support for content produced by BCM and, occasionally, content generated by campus clients and internal communications.

Managing Editor of Bates Magazine:

• In close collaboration with the Senior Communications Director and the Creative Director, oversee editorial planning, story development, production, and distribution of Bates Magazine.
• Collaborate with photographers, designers, writers, and freelancers to produce a visually compelling and editorially excellent publication.
• Coordinate with campus partners to identify story ideas and ensure alignment with strategic communications goals.
• Manage production timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships related to the magazine.
• Create and maintain relationships with Bates alumni, parents and friends through Bates Magazine, responding to story ideas, reader feedback and general outreach.  
• Oversee and update Bates College’s style guide as needed.
• Supervise a part-time Class Notes Editor.
• Lead the development and continued management of a digital storytelling platform that showcases written and multimedia features — including content from Bates Magazine and Bates News and other editorial products, video, photo galleries and more — that support the Bates brand.    

Strategic & Collaborative Work:

• Partner with colleagues in Advancement, Admissions, and the Dean of the Faculty’s office to develop content that supports fundraising, alumni engagement, institutional reputation and faculty morale.
• Manage the news writer and copywriter; assign and review their work and provide mentorship and guidance. 
• Support the Director of Photography and Video in evaluating and responding strategically to campus photo needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or related field.

Experience

• 7+ years of writing and editorial experience, with at least 2 years in a lead or managing editor role.
• Experience overseeing production workflows and managing editorial teams or contributors.
• Familiarity with higher education communications preferred.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, preferred.
• Understanding of digital publishing and audience engagement strategies preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse community.
• Superior writing ability, and strong expertise in journalistic writing and news reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to write in various storytelling styles, from in-depth profiles and campus life features to academic-focused news stories to to social media posts.
• Expertise in developing story ideas that strategically support institutional goals.
• Ability to anticipate and identify communication needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with a wide variety of college constituencies.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships.
• Knowledge of the structure, culture, and operations of a college or university environment preferred.

Benefits:  

Bates College offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits (health, dental, sick leave, 24 days of vacation, 2 personal days, 13 paid holidays, dependent care subsidy, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more), and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug and smoke-free workplace.