Sr. Digital Content Specialist/Publications Specialist

Company: Society of Actuaries
Location: Schaumburg
Posted on: May 15, 2022

Job Description:

Senior Digital Content Specialist/Publications Specialist
This position is responsible for the day-to-day management and execution of SOA's flagship publication and digital content hub, The Actuary . The Actuary is a growing international digital publication that also produces three special monthly electronic editions including editions for Asia and Canada.
The primary function of this role is to oversee and manage the day-to-day aspects and production of The Actuary and its three, monthly electronic editions. This would include, but not be limited to, guiding and supporting the publication's volunteer editorial boards, establishing editorial guidelines, instituting and maintaining a production schedule, developing content and determining content formats, including conceptualizing interviews in various formats, assessing content for acceptability, editing, proofreading and potentially rewriting aspects of some articles, reviewing and approving editorial changes, collaborating with internal and external subject matter experts and graphic designers, coordinating the implementation of policies and procedures based on best practices, ensuring release forms are signed and generally overseeing the digital publication and distribution processes of The Actuary and its companion monthly special editions.
This role is also responsible for day-to-day leadership of the organization's continued growth in digital publishing of The Actuary , working with marketing and communications staff, graphic designers and other subject matter experts as needed to develop a long-term digital publishing strategy.
This high-profile position will require consultation with staff senior management and volunteer leadership (including members of the Board of Directors, President and President-Elect).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Manage and communicate overall magazine workflow throughout the entire production process
Work with volunteer editorial boards and authors on all aspects related to managing and publishing The Actuary and its special editions by, among others, establishing deadlines for editors and authors
creating systems to track content through the production cycle
communicating with volunteer editors, authors, and staff about deadlines and production changes
checking in with editors as deadlines approach and holding editors and authors collegially accountable for meeting deadlines
occasionally authoring article introductions or other ancillary elements

Develop and execute a strategy to grow use of The Actuary digital publishing platform, incorporating innovative methods of leveraging content developed by the organization within a digital environment
best practices for developing and delivering digital content
recommendations on web-only content
recommendations on communications staff training to build digital communications skills

Provide regular reports on publication activity that include analytics on readership and impact and recommendations on enhancing publication strategy to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Create or contribute to publications-related communication plans.
Rewrite or repurpose content as needed for The Actuary and promotional copy related to communications activities for style and consistency using AP style or other standard reference guides.
Support the Sr. Director of Marketing and Communications, the Director of Member & Candidate Communications, and the Publications Manager regarding other related programs and projects as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED (an equivalent amount of training, education and experience will be considered)
Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, English, or related discipline.
Five to 7 years of experience as a managing editor for a magazine, digital platform or in journalism.
Effective written and oral communications skills.
Demonstrated experience working in a high-content volume and deadline-oriented environment.
Strong organizational and project management experience that demonstrates an elevated level of accuracy and attention to detail.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of or ability to quickly develop an understanding of non-profit or association management orientation.
Must have excellent communications and interpersonal skills including consultation, presentation, negotiation, facilitation, and conflict resolution to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, volunteers, and vendors.
Proven ability to understand complex topics.
Demonstrated strong editing skills with the ability to think creatively about re-packaging content.
Demonstrated awareness of trends in the digital communications arena (blogs, online publication formats, and social media) and ability to implement same for the organization.
Have a strong understanding of, and interest in, online/Web content and digital content development.
Ability to manage resources in a matrix/cross-functional organization and the capacity for creating, identifying and capitalizing on opportunities.
Ability to learn quickly, demonstrate critical thinking and make situation-appropriate decisions using sound judgment.
Knowledge of how to and ability to work well with volunteers and demonstrate a high level of diplomacy.
Must be a dynamic self-starter, demonstrating initiative and creativity.
Demonstrate leadership qualities and serve as a visible champion for projects and programs.
Must work well as part of collaborative integrated marketing communications and cross-departmental teams as well as with vendors.
Must be flexible, open to changing priorities and ability to work against multiple deadlines with minimum supervision.
Knowledge of traditional and digital publishing processes.
Experience with the AP stylebook and other standard reference book.
Excellent organizational skills.
Familiarity with software and applications typically involved in editorial management including the Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
Ability to travel-periodic short stay overnight travel, 3-5 days a year.

We have moved to a hybrid work model in April. Our future plans for growth include the opening of a Chicago office.
The SOA will provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of actual or perceived race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental or physical), genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, order of protection status, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other category protected by applicable law. Such action shall include but is not limited to: initial consideration for employment; job placement and assignment of responsibilities; performance evaluation; promotion and advancement; compensation and fringe benefits; training and professional development opportunities; formulation and application of human resource policies and rules; facility and service accessibility; and discipline and termination.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job related instructions and to perform other job related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

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