Director of Editorial Strategy & Publications

University of Pennsylvania

1d•$77,330 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

Penn Dental Medicine seeks a strategic and experienced Director of Editorial Strategy & Publications to lead high-impact communications initiatives and oversee the development of integrated content across print, digital, and media platforms. Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications, this role plays a key leadership function in advancing the School’s brand, reputation, and engagement with key audiences, including prospective students, alumni, donors, and the broader academic and clinical community. The Director is responsible for translating institutional priorities into cohesive, multi-channel communications strategies and managing major marketing and communications projects from concept through execution. This role provides leadership in shaping institutional messaging, ensuring consistency across platforms, and driving initiatives that support student recruitment, alumni engagement, and fundraising outcomes. The Director also leverages emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to enhance content development, streamline workflows, and support data-informed decision-making. A central responsibility of this role is oversight of the Penn Dental Medicine Journal (PDMJ), the School’s flagship publication and a key vehicle for alumni and donor engagement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Demonstrated excellence in writing, editing, and storytelling across multiple platforms.
Experience managing complex editorial projects and publication production processes.
Strong understanding of integrated communications, including print, digital, and media relations.
Familiarity with content management systems (e.g., WordPress) and digital publishing tools preferred.
Familiarity with AI-enabled content tools and data-informed communications strategies.
This role requires on-site presence to actively contribute as a collaborative member of the Penn Dental team.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with content management systems (e.g., WordPress) and digital publishing tools preferred.
Familiarity with AI-enabled content tools and data-informed communications strategies.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of integrated communications strategies that align with institutional priorities and elevate the School’s brand and reputation.
Translate strategic initiatives into clear, compelling messaging across multiple channels and audiences.
Partner with the Assistant Dean to advance key marketing and communications priorities.
Direct the strategy, development, and production of the Penn Dental Medicine Journal (PDMJ).
Lead high-profile publications and special projects that support institutional goals.
Manage complex projects from concept through execution, coordinating stakeholders and vendors.
Lead and contribute to initiatives supporting student recruitment, alumni engagement, and fundraising.
Collaborate with Development & Alumni Relations to align communications with philanthropic priorities.
Oversee media strategy and external communications to enhance visibility and thought leadership.
Serve as liaison to University Communications and external media partners.
Ensure coordinated, timely, and accurate messaging.
Provide strategic direction for website and digital content aligned with brand and engagement goals.
Collaborate with digital and IT partners to enhance content delivery and performance.
Lead collaboration across departments to ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment.
Ensure adherence to University communications policies and standards.
Oversee visual storytelling, including management of external photographers and creative vendors.
Ensure all assets align with institutional brand standards.
Lead or support priority communications initiatives and special projects.
Contribute to team planning and operations within a lean communications structure.
Other duties as assigned.
Provide and maintain expertise in innovative solutions focused on the responsible stewardship of Penn Dental Medicine and its community experience.

Benefits

excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families
generous retirement benefits
a wide variety of professional development opportunities
supportive work and family benefits
a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources
Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.