Content Specialist – Editorial in PELLA, Iowa at Central College

Reporting to the Central director of marketing and communications, the content specialist helps develop editorial strategy for Central’s alumni magazine, executive and stakeholder communications and the college website, while assisting with the direction of digital advertising strategy and providing writing, editing and content support for Advancement, Admission and profile materials across web, email, video, social media and print platforms. This role requires strong writing and editing skills, sound editorial judgment and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while building effective relationships across the college community.

• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity by becoming immersed in the academic life of the college to identify, develop and tell compelling stories that showcase the people, programs and experiences that make Central College distinctive.
• Ensure content reflects the college's brand pillars and engages both traditional audiences and those unfamiliar with the institution.
  • Conduct interviews with faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and friends to develop feature stories, profiles and multimedia content.
  • Develop and execute profile content strategies for print, digital and electronic platforms.
  • Coordinate with photographer/videographer on photo and video shoots, including production support as needed.
  • Develop and distribute news releases and feature stories through Merit and other news distribution services to increase visibility for institutional achievements and student success.
• Lead editorial planning and content development for Dutchology, Central's alumni magazine (print and digital).
  • Develop the editorial calendar, story budget and production schedule.
  • Write, edit and proof magazine content.
  • Collaborate with the designer on layout and prepare files for print and digital publication.
  • Adapt magazine content for the college website and other digital platforms.
• Serve as lead writer and editor for the college's external website.
  • Develop, write and update web content ranging from homepage messaging to full section rewrites.
  • Conduct ongoing reviews of website content and implement updates to ensure accuracy, relevance and alignment with institutional messaging.
  • Write promotional copy and update institutional news content.
• Develop and execute integrated content strategies across digital communications channels.
  • Create and distribute content for social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.
  • Develop and support email communication strategies for institutional marketing campaigns.
  • Provide written content for digital communications, enrollment and advancement initiatives.
• Help shape the department's editorial strategy and content planning to ensure effective storytelling across all communication channels.
• Own brand governance and editorial standards across the institution.
• Maintain consistency in voice, tone and messaging across written communications.
• Maintain and enforce the college's brand and editorial style guides, including AP style.
• Review, edit and proofread content produced across departments.
• Write strategic communications on behalf of senior leadership for employees, students, parents and other stakeholders.
• Support the Advancement Office through content development and communications for initiatives and signature events, including Homecoming and the annual scholarship dinner.
• In consultation with the director, develop and implement an annual advertising revenue plan, including advertising sales, co-branded products, sponsorship development and partnership management.
• Stay informed on higher education, communications and media trends to identify opportunities that strengthen the college's storytelling and marketing efforts.

Central College Brand Expectations:

• Demonstrate a network of caring relationships by showing respect for others, being dependable and promoting cooperation with others in the work environment.
• Be your best self by being accountable for responsibilities, adapting well to change and maintaining the highest standards of business ethics.
• Perform job responsibilities on campus to support the residential college environment.
• Strive to perform as effectively as possible while maintaining a high level of quality and promoting personal growth and development.
• Respect and comply with college rules and policies, including participation in required training courses; report any suspected violations of the Title IX policy to the Title IX Coordinator.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience is preferred in communications, enrollment, advancement, public relations, social media, design, web, editing, or news.
• Experience preferred in higher education, non-profit settings, or journalism and related fields.
• Strong written and oral communication skills are required.
• Ability to deliver aligned content to meet the needs and interests of college priorities.
• Capture video and photos of campus events and people as needed for use in emails and on social media and web
• Interest in and curiosity for all aspects of education and a dedication to promoting the college through developing excellent relationships with faculty, staff, students, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Ability to develop rapport quickly and communicate effectively and assertively with a wide variety of personalities.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively.
• Ability to work as a part of a team.
• Professional attitude and appearance.
• Strong editing skills; knowledge of AP style
• Strong organizational skills, the ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality while managing own time and prioritizing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
• A demonstrated ability to work independently
• Ability to capture digital photos and videos.