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.

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

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