How to Apply

Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter that includes writing samples or a link to their portfolio of writing samples. 

Summary

The Alumni association of the University of Michigan (AAUM) is seeking an editor as a part of our marketing and communications team. The team helps further the mission of the Alumni Association by sharing alumni stories, and connecting alums with everything that’s happening around the University through our strategic pillars of success, connections, university support and inclusion. As the editor, you will assist in strategy creation and manage execution of content for the Alumni Association’s magazine, newsletters and other editorial projects. 

In addition to the responsibilities and qualifications listed and most importantly, candidates must share and hold to the highest regard, the same values that are uniquely inherent to AAUM:

ALL IN

Believe in our mission

Be trustworthy and loyal to AAUM and each other

Be passionate about what we’re doing and be proud to be a part of it

Be an employee who goes above and beyond the call of duty

SERVING HEART

Be open and willing to listen to others and help in whatever way possible

You’re dedicated to selflessly following the Platinum Rule: treat others the way they want to be treated

SOLUTION SEEKER

You’re a creative problem solver

You’re never satisfied with the status quo

You find a way to say yes

You embrace new ideas and approaches from different perspectives 

You’re collaborative, flexible and adaptive

Who We Are

We enrich the University of Michigan’s impact by serving as an independent gateway for alums of all identities, backgrounds, and experiences – across the globe and in our neighborhoods – in order to create and deepen belonging to the Michigan Family, the Leaders and Best.

AAUM values a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to the continual development of a diverse staff who thrive and contribute to a positive, equitable and inclusive environment. Our commitment to DEI work is showcased here: https://alumni.umich.edu/about/diversity/. 

Responsibilities*

• Write content and assist in content development for both print and digital media while maintaining brand consistency.
• Prepare editorial for publications by editing, copyediting (to conform to AP Style) and proofreading.
• Oversee AAUM’s style guide.
• Prepare and edit the Michigan Alum and member and student newsletters on a regular basis.
• Work with marcom staff and freelancers to develop stories and content - including audio stories for the podcast series and potentially other digital platforms. 
• Work directly with art directors (internal and external) to produce stories for digital and print media, and acquire photographs and other images.
• Manage the production process, including developing production schedules, developing/updating thumbnails, tracking editorial progress in ProofHub, performing final proofreading, ensuring digital edition posting, overseeing preflight production in Insite, and ensuring mailing (data and postage). 
• Work with the communications team to repurpose content for social media, website, and the education gateway in alignment with organizational goals.
• Coordinate with the brand and sponsorship managers to ensure advertising inventory is fulfilled.
• Review, maintain, and execute the Michigan Alum budget on a monthly basis.
• Ensure quarterly magazine reader surveys are sent. Collect survey results as well as newsletter metrics. Work with the data team to analyze trends. Develop recommendations and implement changes when required to stay reader-centric.
• Work with external vendors, including printing and design resources. Develop specifications for quotes and oversee contract maintenance.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide organizational leadership by demonstrating AAUM core values: All In, Serving Heart and Solution Seeker, and helping other staff members demonstrate those values.
• Value and embrace different identities and diversity of thought recognizing that everyone has unique and different experiences that contribute to the best solution seeking and success for AAUM. 
• Work with AAUM staff members to gain a clear and consistent understanding of the details of the strategic transformation and feel equal ownership of every piece of it, including pieces for which there is no direct responsibility.
• Be inclusive and collaborative with every other member of the staff and every other team. Operate as a critical contributing member of the staff to complete objectives in many different areas in order to move the whole organization toward strategic transformation.
• Support University Relations efforts by demonstrating AAUM value to campus units/partners (i.e., schools/colleges, campuses).
• Staff team and Alumni Association events.
• Provide staff support to the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors, its committees, and other volunteers.
• Coordinate special projects as assigned or required.
• Participate in Alumni Association and other University committees as required.
• Participate in team and staff meetings.
• Share knowledge through internal communication.
• Support the Alumni Association’s vision of becoming more relevant to all alumni.
• Remain current with respect to technology and the University’s educational resources.

Supervision Received

Direct supervision is received from the Content Strategist.

Supervision Exercised

Provide direction to freelancers and some oversight to staff art directors. 

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of editorial experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Demonstrated ability to write feature articles and other types of editorial content including print and digital. 
• Experience with digital and print media and an understanding of scaling reader engagement on these channels.
• Experience developing strategic communications programs with an inclusive mindset, researching and understanding cultural nuances and differing global environments.
• Ability to think strategically, including analyzing data, extracting trends and applying findings to improve communications and products.
• Experience driving tightly organized execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience working in non-profit, media, higher-education or other consumer facing industries.

Additional Information

• This position requires some evening and weekend work

• AAUM welcomes applications from people of all abilities. This particular position requires the occasional moving of 10 lbs or less.

• The AAUM is currently working in a hybrid or remote work setting based on job duties. This position requires infreqent in person work and has the ability to work remotely most of the time. 

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely.   More information on this new policy is available on the Campus Blueprint website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.