UK: Editor and content manager – Publication: Magistrate

Role purpose

 

To manage the editorial development of Magistrate – the only magazine dedicated to the magistracy – and contribute to the production of engaging, written website content.

 

Position in the organisation

 

Reports to: Head of marketing and communications

 

Main relationships: Members, staff, internal and external magazine contributors, and suppliers (designers, photographers, printers, proof-readers and website administrators).

 

Main areas of responsibility

 

• Co-ordinating production of our (currently bimonthly) print magazine
• Overseeing digitisation of the magazine
• Editing and writing compelling, audience-focused copy for our magazine and website
• Ensuring high editorial standards across the organisation

Specific responsibilities

 

Strategy

 

• Contribute to implementing our marketing and communications (marcomms) strategy, which seeks to increase brand awareness and reputation and support membership recruitment and retention.
• Contribute to delivering and evaluating the performance of our content strategy and organisation-wide annual content plan, including participating in any editorial board we may establish to inform future planning.

Editorial project management

 

Produce our bimonthly print magazine, on time, on budget and to a high standard, including:

 

• Developing and managing a production schedule
• Working with colleagues to develop an annual content plan for the magazine that is aligned with our overarching marcomms and content strategies
• Sourcing and editing content, and liaising with contributors
• Researching and (ghost) writing content
• Sourcing appropriate images and commissioning graphics/photos as needed
• Managing external suppliers to ensure high-quality production and distribution (designer, proof-reader, printer and distributors)
• Uploading magazine content to our website
• Acting as the first point of contact for all magazine-related enquiries
• Proposing and overseeing implementation of changes to the magazines frequency, design, format and structure that address member feedback, reflect our new visual brand identity, and ensure accessibility.

Project manage the digitisation of the magazine, including:

 

• Leading a tendering process
• Liaising with web developers to enable integration
• Working with colleagues to launch the new digital version
• Formulating and securing internal sign-off of a longer-term plan to transition members from print to digital consumption
• Regularly monitoring reach and engagement post-digitisation to enable insight-driven content development.

Content development

 

Contribute to developing and delivering the organisation-wide annual content plan, including:

 

• Proposing spin-off digital content to increase reach and engagement with magazine content.
• Writing blogs and search engine optimised (SEO) website copy that communicate complex topics accurately and engagingly and reflect brand messaging and house style.
• Copy-editing and/or proofreading blogs, reports and website copy, using editorial flair and judgement.

Lead on procuring, rolling out and keep up-to-date an internal image bank/photo management solution.

 

Work with colleagues to commission photographs for use across all the organisation’s communications channels.

 

Editorial standards

 

• Work with the head of marketing and communications to define, maintain and develop the organisation’s writing style and tone of voice.
• Deliver advice and training to support colleagues to develop their writing skills and apply the organisation’s style.
• Champion and ensure compliance with the organisation’s brand and style guidelines.

Organisation wide

 

• Fulfil other relevant organisation-wide duties, as required.

General

 

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role. It is not exhaustive, and staff may be required to undertake other reasonable duties commensurate with the role.

 

Person specification

 

Essential

 

• Degree (in creative writing, journalism or similar), or equivalent experience.
• Fluent in English, with excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills and an exceptional attention to detail.
• Significant experience of and confidence communicating technical content to a range of audiences.
• Substantial experience of working in an editorial role, with a track record of commissioning copy, applying brand/style guidelines, and managing publications from concept to dissemination.
• Strong organisational skills, with experience of commissioning and managing projects, suppliers and freelancers.
• Ability to generate new ideas, take initiative and problem solve.
• Adaptability and an ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proven team skills and an ability to liaise diplomatically with colleagues of all levels.
• Strong skills in the use of Microsoft Office programmes.
• Experience of using content management systems.

Desirable

 

• In depth knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Strong SEO writing and editing skills.
• Awareness of digital publishing trends and platforms.
• Familiarity with the Adobe suite.
• Experience of using Google Analytics/similar to drive content development.
• Experience of using digital asset management tools.
• Experience of working within membership organisations.
• Experience of delivering training.