Content Specialist – Editorial

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the director of marketing and communications, the content specialist will play a critical role in shaping the editorial strategy for Central College's alumni magazine, executive and stakeholder messaging, and the college's website. This position also supports digital advertising strategy while providing writing, editing, and content assistance for various college departments including Advancement and Admission. The role demands exceptional writing and editing capabilities, sound editorial judgment, and the capacity to balance multiple demands and deadlines while fostering strong relationships across the campus community.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of the college’s academic environment to craft compelling stories highlighting the unique people, programs, and experiences at Central College.
• Ensure all content aligns with the college’s brand pillars and appeals to both existing and new audiences.
• Conduct interviews with faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and supporters to create insightful feature stories, profiles, and multimedia content.
• Plan and implement profile content strategies across print, digital, and electronic media.
• Collaborate with photographers and videographers on content production, providing needed support during shoots.
• Write and distribute news releases and feature articles through channels like Merit to enhance visibility of the college’s achievements and student success.
• Lead editorial planning and oversee content creation for Dutchology, the alumni magazine, managing print and digital formats.
• Manage the editorial calendar, budget, and production schedules for magazine content.
• Write and edit magazine articles, working closely with designers on layout and final file preparation for print and digital publication.
• Adapt magazine content for the college website and other digital platforms, overseeing the external website as the lead writer and editor.
• Regularly review and update website content to ensure accuracy, relevance, and consistency with institutional messaging.
• Create promotional copy and update institutional news content routinely.
• Design and implement integrated content strategies for various digital communication channels including social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
• Support email communication strategies aligned with institutional marketing campaigns and provide written content for digital communications, enrollment, and advancement initiatives.
• Contribute to the department’s editorial strategy and content planning to deliver effective storytelling across all communication channels.
• Maintain brand and editorial standards, ensuring voice, tone, and messaging consistency following college style guides, including AP style.
• Review, edit, and proofread content developed throughout the college’s departments.
• Compose strategic communications on behalf of senior leadership aimed at employees, students, parents, and other key stakeholders.
• Assist the Advancement Office in content creation and communication for signature events such as Homecoming and the annual scholarship dinner.
• Work with the director to develop and execute an annual advertising revenue plan encompassing ad sales, co-branded products, sponsorships, and partnership management.
• Stay abreast of trends in higher education, communications, and media to enhance the college’s storytelling and marketing efforts.

Central College Brand Expectations

• Exhibit respect, dependability, and foster cooperation within the workplace.
• Demonstrate accountability, adaptability, and uphold high business ethics.
• Commit to performing job duties on campus to support the college’s residential environment.
• Strive for effective performance while encouraging personal growth and quality standards.
• Adhere to college policies and participate in required training, including Title IX compliance.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree is mandatory.
• Preferred background in communications, enrollment, advancement, public relations, social media, design, web management, editing, or journalism.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofits, or journalism-related fields is beneficial.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Capability to produce content aligned with college priorities and audiences.
• Skills in capturing digital photos and videos at campus events for email, social media, and web use.
• Curiosity and interest in educational environments, with a commitment to promoting the college by building relationships with diverse campus stakeholders.
• Ability to quickly establish rapport and communicate assertively with a variety of personalities.
• Creative thinking and teamwork skills.
• Professional demeanor and appearance.
• Strong editing proficiency and familiarity with AP style guidelines.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines, prioritize multiple tasks independently, and maintain quality standards.