Program Director of Editorial Content

NCSL POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

JOB TITLE:                               Program Director of Editorial Content           

PROGRAM:                             Communications Division

LOCATION:                             Denver/DC Metro Area 

SALARY:                                   $7,082 p/month

ABOUT NCSL

Are you ready to join an organization with an extraordinary mission? The National Conference of State Legislatures offers careers where you can use your skills, knowledge and experience to truly make a difference. NCSL’s mission is purposeful—strengthening the legislative institution. From informing effective policies and promoting communication among state legislatures, to ensuring states have a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system, our team works in service of legislatures. And, with a commitment to constantly innovating all resources and services to meet the evolving needs of members, NCSL has earned the reputation as the nation’s most trusted bipartisan membership organization for legislators and legislative staff. Our success serving NCSL members relies on our team of passionate, dedicated professionals who work diligently to strengthen the legislative institution. Join our team and contribute to this unique, essential mission.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Program Director of Editorial Content oversees editing and management of NCSL’s digital content and directing the organization’s online newsroom. The director is responsible for the quality, relevancy and timeliness of online and other content produced by the organization. This includes overseeing the editing and posting of digital and print materials, as well as designed and printed reports, and any other material that is distributed to our legislative audience. The work involves creatively assessing content written and designed for state legislators and legislative staff, recommending and writing original content, managing around four staff editors and writers, supervising multiple projects, establishing and maintaining publication guidelines and standards, working with freelancers and contractors and reviewing and evaluating the work of department staff. The position reports to the Group Director of Communications—Publishing and Digital Content.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

1. Organizes plans, manages and coordinates the work of staff and outside writers on the NCSL newsroom website. Continually offers story ideas, working with team to write, assign and edit. Also works closely with the Publishing and Digital Content Director to conceptualize, manage, assign and edit content, including webpages, online newsroom stories, blogs and other content.
2. Coordinates with marketing, advertising, public affairs, meeting and social media teams regularly.
3. Oversees and contributes ideas to the publication of State Legislatures magazine, a twice-annual print publication distributed to an estimated 17,000 state legislators and staff. Working with supervisors, plans the issues, assigns stories and explores creative ways to use the publication to keep our audience informed of the latest public policy trends, updates on the operations of legislatures and profiles of members.
4. Supervises the editing queue, a daily feed of editing requests by NCSL staff.
5. Manages the production and editing of public policy and other reports.
6. Collaborates with staff and managers to plan and prioritize projects, big and small, and works with the Director to adhere to budget.
7. Manages employees, evaluating performance and making recommendations for promotions, performance increases or disciplinary action.
8. Upholds all content to standards of quality in everything published by NCSL and ensures that all standards, deadlines and contract specifications are met, including that all products are produced with a bipartisan viewpoint.
9. Trains and educates NCSL staff on the organization’s editing style and techniques. Communicates effectively with staff and maintains excellent relationships with NCSL staff and our member legislators and legislative staff.
10. Travel to major events, such as the NCSL Legislative Summit, is likely, as well as other locations to write summaries for our legislative audience. This position will coordinate program staff travel to ensure events receive proper coverage.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has direct supervisory responsibilities of approximately four staff members.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is mostly performed in an office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. You will utilize standard office equipment such as filing cabinets, copy machines, laptops, printers, scanners and smartphones. Travel by airplane including overnights and weekends required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Responsibilities, expectations and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

BENEFITS

NCSL offers an outstanding benefits package including low-cost health, dental and vision coverage, a 401(a)-retirement plan with 10% employer contribution after six months and full vesting, life and disability insurance, three-weeks paid vacation with five-plus years of paid full-time work experience, paid family leave, telework, pet insurance, discounted bus/train passes, in-office dry cleaning pick up, access to 24-hour fitness memberships and more! Relocation assistance provided for out-of-state candidates.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates should apply online and include a cover letter and resume highlighting skills and qualifications no later than Feb. 16, 2021, by 5 p.m. MT.  *When applying, please provide links to online content you have produced and upload copies of at least 3 byline articles.

Link to apply: https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/NAT1060NATS/JobBoard/2a60216b-c3d4-44bc-8412-88e21e324b41/Opportunity/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=6981e7c9-1990-4180-aa7b-5db710ed9adf&sourceId=eec5bcf9-a3e6-4963-95c2-fd2eda26f308

NCSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing a diverse, dynamic team and inclusive workplace.