Title: Montanan Editor-In-Chief (Editor II) - # 000008
Position Type: Staff
Department: University Relations
Closing Date: 5:00pm, Tuesday, June 8, 2010 Post marked dates are not accepted
Schedule: Full-time, 12 months/year 1.0 FTE
Entry Rate: $14.808/hr. - $17.770/hr.
Benefits: Medical Insurance/Mandatory Retirement/Professional Development/Partial Tuition Waiver/Wellness
Union: Montana Public Employees Association
Probation: Subject to a minimum 6-month Probationary Period

Primary Functions

  • The Montanan editor-in-chief is responsible for all phases of creation and production of the magazine, including conceiving story ideas and visuals to pitch to the advisory board, making assignments to staff and freelancers, and overseeing ad revenues, the budget and printing procedures. Duties include, but are not limited to: conceptualizing stories and working with the advisory board, the publisher and the editorial team to determine content for each issue of the magazine; working with the graphic designer to realize the best visual treatment for stories; setting and maintaining a consistent publication schedule and adhering to deadlines; assigning stories to freelance writers, photographers and artists, as well as staff writers in University Relations; editing all stories that appear in the magazine and taking final responsibility for editing the magazine; developing new writers and artistic talents for the magazine; working cooperatively with all campus departments to ensure well-balanced coverage of the University for its constituents; working closely and cooperatively with the Office of Alumni Relations and the UM Foundation to produce their regular pages in the Montanan; coaching freelance writers and photographers through article/image development; overseeing the online version of the Montanan, managing content such as Web-only exclusives and digital short videos; creating a Montanan presence on social networking platforms such as Facebook; conducting periodic research surveys to attempt to gauge readers’ views through telephone conversations, letters and personal contact.

  • Additional duties include, but are not limited to: setting goals for ad revenues to assure funds are available for producing the magazine; providing ad representative with leads for possible ad sales; conceptualizing and producing ads; working with a photographer and graphic artist; working to encourage companies to advertise in the Montanan and attract voluntary subscriptions to the magazine; monitoring records of ad sales within the University system and payment of ad representative; providing an attractive brochure for use by the ad representative in approaching possible advertisers, as well as various other forms and letters; motivating and encouraging the ad representative to meet goals set for ad revenues; coordinating and facilitating artwork for ads between the ad representative and graphic artist; setting production schedule for the calendar year; ensuring that all deadlines are met by writers, editors, photographers, the advertising rep, advertisers, the graphic designer and the printer; checking proofs from the printer before final printing of the magazine to assure quality; assessing printing and postage costs to assure the University receives the best possible product for the money spent; working with the University purchasing agent to change printers when necessary; developing and maintaining a constructive and professional relationship with the printer to assure a quality magazine; relaying all address changes to the Office of Alumni Relations and working to assure an accurate mailing list; working with the director to assure the Montanan stays within budget; responding to all correspondence and communication to the Montanan; assuring payment of freelancers; working to assure the solvency of the magazine by developing rationales for increased funding when necessary. Must be willing to assist with additional University Relations duties such as editing, writing news releases, serving on committees or helping with events as needed.
  • Minimum Job Qualifications

    Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, or a related field and two (2) years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
    Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Demonstrated knowledge of standard office practices and procedures
  • Demonstrated business English, spelling, grammar, composition, proofreading and copy editing. An editing exercise will be administered at time of interview
  • Experience in professional written communication and document production. A writing exercise will be administered at time of interview
  • Effective interpersonal, public relations, and communication skills, including ability to work with a diverse population
  • Ability to write, edit and layout documents in a variety of formats, suitable for intended audience
  • Demonstrated skill in the operation of personal computers, related word processing, graphic and publishing software and hardware, with the ability to learn new software programs
  • Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy environment
  • How To Apply/Submitting Materials

    Prepare the following and specifically address the position number and title applying for and the above-described knowledge, skills, abilities, and job qualifications in your Cover Letter:
  • Additional Materials - three (3) article-length writing samples are required. Submission of magazines or other publications produced are suggested. Materials will not be returned.
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • 3 Professional References
  • Background Check Authorization
  • Self-Identification

    All materials can be submitted via one of the following methods:

  • Human Resource Services
    Staff Jobs
    EL Center Room 252
    Missoula, MT 59812


    HRS Recruitment


    Application Form

    Notices & Disclaimers

    Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment
    In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

    ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference
    Qualified candidates must be able to meet minimum requirements and perform the primary functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. As an Equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, Vietnam era veterans, and women. This material is available in an alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ preference in accordance with state law.

    References
    *References in addition to those listed on the application may be contacted without applicant's prior approval.

    Testing
    Individual hiring departments at UM-M may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.