Executive Director of Editorial Services

Howard University•Olivette, MO

3d•$135,000 - $140,000

About The Position

The Executive Director of Editorial Services serves as Howard University's Editor-in-Chief and provides strategic leadership for the University's enterprise-wide editorial vision, content strategy, and publication planning. As a member of the Office of University Communications (OUC) leadership team, the Executive Director is responsible for developing and executing an integrated editorial strategy that advances Howard University's strategic priorities, enhances institutional reputation, strengthens brand identity, and elevates the University's thought leadership and global visibility. Reporting to the Vice President & Chief Communications Officer, the Executive Director oversees the planning, creation, editorial direction and planning, governance, and continuous improvement of the University's editorial portfolio, including but not limited to: Howard magazine, The Dig, annual reports, presidential and Administration publications, print and digital magazines, feature stories, newsletters, special reports, institutional profiles, executive communications, brochures, long-form storytelling, special editorial initiatives. This position also serves as the lead storyteller and writer for flagship print and digital publications. The Executive Director establishes and maintains editorial excellence through University-wide standards for writing, editing, fact-checking, accessibility, brand voice, inclusive language, digital publishing, and content governance. The position ensures editorial consistency across print and digital platforms while promoting innovative storytelling approaches that engage internal and external audiences. The incumbent leads a collaborative editorial operation that integrates with media relations, digital communications, creative services, marketing, photography, video, social media, and web strategy to produce compelling, audience centered content across multiple channels.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Communications, Strategic Communications, Public Relations, Publications or Marketing.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in strategic communications, editorial and journalistic writing, along with progressively responsible experience in editorial leadership, publishing, journalism, higher education or government institutional communications, media, strategic communications agency or non-profit or corporate office.
Minimum of 10 years of supervisory or management experience and demonstrated success leading editorial teams and managing complex editorial operations, preferably serving as Editor-in-Chief or Publications Director.
Experience overseeing both print and digital publications and developing print and digital enterprise content strategies.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership and diverse stakeholders.
Experience managing editorial budgets and external vendors.
Experience using AI-enabled editorial technologies while maintaining editorial quality and integrity.
Knowledge of AP Style, The Chicago Manual of Style, accessibility standards, copyright, and digital publishing best practices.
Ability to work outside normal business hours and travel as required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree and experience managing higher education communications preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Serves as Editor-in-Chief for the University’s flagship publications, brochures, and external newsletters establishing editorial vision, priorities, standards, and governance.
Leads a comprehensive editorial content strategy supporting reputation management, enrollment, philanthropy, research visibility, alumni engagement, faculty excellence, faculty subject matter expert profiles, and student success.
Develops annual editorial priorities and integrated editorial calendars across University publications.
Oversees editorial planning from concept through publication.
Directs the planning, writing, editing, planning, and publication of institutional print and digital publications.
Establishes editorial workflows, publication schedules, review processes, and quality assurance procedures.
Ensures all content reflects Howard University's editorial standards, institutional voice, brand guidelines, and style requirements.
Maintains editorial calendars and publication timelines.
Collaborates with the Director of Creative Services and Graphic Design on the production and creative design of flagship publications and external facing editorial content.
Leads development of compelling, audience-centered storytelling highlighting Howard University's academic excellence, research, innovation, public service, student experience, alumni achievements, and institutional impact.
Collaborates with communications teams to develop multimedia storytelling opportunities across print, web, video, photography, podcasts, email, and social platforms.
Commissions and edits long-form feature stories and executive publications.
Identifies stories that advance institutional priorities and elevate Howard's national reputation.
Maintains University editorial policies, publishing standards, editorial guidelines, and style manuals.
Ensures editorial consistency across all University communications.
Establishes standards for fact-checking, source verification, inclusive language, accessibility, copyright compliance, and ethical publishing.
Leads editorial review and approval processes for institutional publications.
Partners closely with the Director of Creative Services/Graphics Design, Digital Communications, Institutional Communications, Media Relations, Photography, Video Production, Marketing, Enrollment, Advancement, Academic Affairs, and schools and colleges.
Builds productive relationships with faculty, researchers, students, administrators, alumni, and University leadership.
Serves as an editorial consultant for executive communications and institutional initiatives.
Advances digital-first storytelling strategies.
Evaluates emerging publishing technologies, AI-assisted editorial tools, and evolving content platforms to improve editorial effectiveness while maintaining editorial integrity.
Incorporates audience analytics and engagement metrics into editorial planning.
Supports search engine optimization (SEO), accessibility, usability, and content discoverability.
Leads and mentors editorial staff.
Manages budgets, vendor relationships, publication contracts, and production schedules.
Establishes departmental goals, performance metrics, and operational priorities.
Monitors editorial performance using data and analytics.
Prepares reports and recommendations for senior leadership.
Performs other duties as assigned.