Managing Editor, Western News
London, ON
Canada
Industry
Education
Experience Required
Yes
Degree Required
Yes
Employment Type
Employee
Work Schedule
Full-Time
Job Description

Classification & Regular Hours


Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade: 17

About Western


Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us


The Western Communications team provides strategic advice to university senior leadership, faculty, staff and teams of internal and external communications staff across campus in order to build the university’s brand on a local, national and global scale.

Responsibilities


Reporting to the Executive Director, Editorial Strategy and Media Relations, the Managing Editor, Western News is responsible for leading Western News, the university’s central news channel.

The Managing Editor, Western News develops an editorial content strategy, based on the principles of brand journalism, that fosters engagement with the Western community and external stakeholders in the priorities, strengths and accomplishments of the university. In addition, they work collaboratively with communications colleagues to ensure the content strategy is aligned with the university’s overall brand and public engagement strategy.

The Managing Editor assigns stories, evaluates all Western News story pitches, edits work submitted and evaluates work quality and quantity.

In addition, this role is key in managing the strategic development, implementation, and assessment of editorial initiatives, with a goal of building awareness and promoting Western's brand and reputation locally, nationally, and internationally. The Managing Editor, Western News, will also manage the development and implementation of new and revised editorial processes and practices, and provide related guidance and advice to ensure the university’s public messaging reflects the university’s strategic priorities.

 
Job Requirements
Qualifications

Education:
Undergraduate Degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing or related field
Certificate in a relevant area, and/or International Association of Business Communicators Designation is preferred
Experience:
7 years' experience in communications, journalism or media relations, with experience delivering strategic content to a range of audiences in diverse channels
3 years’ experience managing communications staff and projects
Experience in a post-secondary environment is preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
In-depth knowledge of theory and best practices in brand journalism and of marketing trends and best practices
Knowledge of team dynamics and approaches for developing teams
In-depth knowledge of principles of writing, including grammar and style and proofreading abilities with an excellent command of the English language
Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit
Ability to establish effective routines for excellent communication with all members of the team to maximize productivity
Media skills with solid communications judgment to present and package information to maximize interest
Ability to analyze metrics and consider past communications to craft engaging written communications using social media or other appropriate channels
Ability to think creatively and use a non-prescriptive approach in marketing and communications initiatives
Critical thinking and analytical skills to assess complex higher education issues of concern to stakeholders, including the media, the public, and prospective donors
Ability to draw on diversity of skills, backgrounds and knowledge of people to achieve more effective results
Ability to promote individual growth by encouraging others to learn new skills and develop themselves
Ability to quickly re-allocate resources and adjust priorities in response to unexpected events or changing circumstances
Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office
Results-oriented with the ability to motivate and coach employees to meet high performance standards, while working effectively as a member of the leadership team
Ability to delegate work and provide team members with clear direction and support in meeting their objectives
Project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines
Ability to develop strategies that are in line with the university's mission and which balance competing priorities
Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwo.ca or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be acknowledged.