Shape the Narrative of a World-Class Institution
Director of Editorial, Marketing Communications
Location: Waltham, MA
Salary Range: $119,100 - $136,700
Reports To: Assistant Vice President, Strategic Communications and Public Relations
The Opportunity
At Brandeis University, every story we tell reflects our founding values of academic excellence, rigorous inquiry, and a deep commitment to social justice. We are seeking a visionary, strategic, and highly collaborative Director of Editorial, Marketing Communications to lead our storytelling efforts and elevate the university's reputation and visibility.
As Director, you will do far more than manage content production. You will serve as the architect of Brandeis University's narrative voice, leading a talented team of content creators, serving as Managing Editor of Brandeis Magazine, and partnering across the institution to transform groundbreaking research, student achievements, faculty expertise, and institutional milestones into compelling stories that engage audiences and advance university priorities.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished editorial leader who understands how to blend the principles of journalism with the goals of strategic communications and marketing.
How You Will Make an Impact
Drive Content Strategy (50%)
Partner with the Assistant Vice President to develop and execute a comprehensive editorial and content strategy.
Lead the creation of compelling print, digital, and multimedia content aligned with Brandeis University's brand, reputation, and enrollment goals.
Oversee the editorial process from concept development through publication and distribution.
Ensure content reflects institutional priorities and resonates with key audiences, including prospective students, alumni, faculty, donors, and external stakeholders.
Champion Collaboration Across Campus (20%)
Build strong partnerships with colleagues across Institutional Advancement, Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, and other university departments.
Foster a cohesive institutional voice across channels and platforms.
Introduce innovative higher education and communications best practices to strengthen storytelling and audience engagement.
Lead and Inspire a Creative Team (15%)
Supervise and mentor a talented team of writers and content producers.
Create a culture of collaboration, creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Guide daily editorial operations while encouraging innovative approaches to storytelling and content development.
Lead Brandeis Magazine (15%)
Serve as Managing Editor for the university's flagship publication.
Direct editorial planning, feature development, and content production.
Manage freelance writers, editors, photographers, and other contributors.
Oversee photo shoots, editorial calendars, and production timelines to ensure a high-quality publication that engages alumni and the broader Brandeis community.
Who You Are
A Master Storyteller
You possess exceptional editorial judgment and a strong command of narrative, tone, grammar, and style. You can identify compelling stories and adapt them effectively across multiple formats and audiences.
A Proven Leader
You have successfully led teams of writers, editors, content creators, and freelance contributors, helping them produce outstanding work while meeting ambitious deadlines.
A Strategic Thinker
You understand how content supports institutional goals, strengthens brand reputation, and advances enrollment and engagement objectives.
A Skilled Collaborator
You excel at building relationships, managing multiple priorities, and navigating complex organizations with professionalism and attention to detail.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, or a related field.
Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in editorial leadership, strategic communications, journalism, or content marketing.
Demonstrated experience managing editorial teams and content development initiatives.
Experience overseeing the production and developmental editing of a major publication, such as a magazine.
The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.
Equal Opportunity StatementBrandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, or related field.
- Master's degree in a related field.
- 7-10 years of experience leading communications, editing, or strategic communications (preferably in education, nonprofit, or journalism).
- Experience managing writers, content producers, digital producers, and multimedia teams.
- Experience producing and editing a publication such as a magazine (managing editorial planning and freelance contributors).
- Exceptional writing, storytelling, and editing skills with strong attention to tone, grammar, and accuracy.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and maintain high quality standards.
- Familiarity with digital publishing tools (website content management systems and email marketing platforms).
- Ability to set content priorities that align with institutional goals and brand messaging.
- Collaborative mindset and ability to work across teams.
- Willingness to work occasional extended hours, evenings, and weekends as needed.
- Highly detail-oriented.
- Willingness to perform and support other duties and initiatives as assigned.
What We Do
Brandeis University is a private research university in Waltham, Massachusetts, dedicated to providing a first-rate education while conducting groundbreaking research.
