Managing Editor

Agency

Department

The Managing Editor, under direction, maintains production schedules, coordinates publication content, tracks and edits content, and promotes publications. The Managing Editor oversees editing execution for AgriLife Today content and other Texas A&M AgriLife marketing and communications content, ensuring accuracy, consistency and clarity. This role primarily writes, edits and/or rewrites copy, ensuring that text is written at an appropriate level for targeted readers, ideas are expressed clearly, and meet editorial brand standards. Keen attention to eye-catching headlines and short copy that aligns with content purpose is a high priority for this position.

The Managing Editor collaborates closely with communicators, writers and creative teams across marketing, graphics, web and visuals to finalize content and prepare for executive approval as needed. Additionally, the Managing Editor plays a critical role in maintaining editorial workflows, managing deadlines and optimizing content organization for improved engagement. With strong attention to detail and expertise in industry style guides, this role upholds the quality and integrity of AgriLife’s communications, reinforcing its credibility and impact.

This position will report to the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications and will work very closely with the Brand Relations Manager.

- Reviews content for grammatical accuracy, style consistency and factual correctness while enhancing readability and ensures alignment with the intended audience.

- Maximizes digital compatibility with marketing efforts and digital performance.

- Manages content process, including copy editing, proofing and production schedules.

- Ensures that production schedules and publication deadlines are met.

- Critiques first drafts of brand-related content.

- Writes promotional “teasers” and summaries.

- Proofreads content at various steps in the production process.

- Oversees data collection and entry.

- Ensures that production process makes efficient use of resources.

- Edits, rewrites and proofs copy for website, technical reports, special reports and other products produced by communications section.

• Tone and voice: Ensuring the writing aligns with the intended audience and publication tone. 

• Headlines and captions: Writing or editing headlines and captions that accurately reflect the content. 

• Collaboration with writers: Communicating with writers to address concerns and clarify edits. 

• Content organization: Reviewing the structure of articles and suggesting improvements to the flow. 

• Managing deadlines: Ensuring content is delivered on time and meets publication requirements. 

• Proofreading: Checking for grammatical errors, typos and punctuation mistakes. AP style.  

• Style consistency: Apply established style guides to ensure consistent formatting and terminology. 
• Fact-checking: Verifying information, dates and statistics for accuracy. 

• Clarity and conciseness: Editing sentences to improve readability and remove unnecessary wording. 


Key Responsibility Prioritizations:

AgriLife Today Content: Edit content and work with communicators to make grammatical, tone or/any other changes for final executive approval.

Marketing and Communications Specialty Team content creation and editing: Works on creating and editing content for the following teams: marketing, graphics, web and visuals. Support overall marketing and communication efforts by creating and editing brand-centric copy and reviewing copy for specific promotional purposes.

Works with Brand Relations Manager and Assistant Vice Chancellor on brand personality: Will work closely with Brand Relations Manager to fine tune and develop style guides for key AgriLife brands for materials produced by AgriLife Marketing and Communications, and distributed style guides to non-Marketing and Communications AgriLife employees.

Other duties as assigned. 

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or English with an emphasis in composition, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six years of related experience in writing and editing for publications.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Experience with and deep knowledge of AP style.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with writers and editors.
• Knowledge of style guides and publishing standards.
• Familiarity with relevant industry terminology.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Salary: Pay Grade 13

Applicant Instructions: Please provide a Cover letter, Resume, and References with a completed application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.