Communications and Content Strategist/Assistant Editor (The Chautauquan Daily)/Career Opportunity
5 days ago
Chautauqua
Job Description The Communications and Content Strategist; Assistant Editor of The Chautauquan Daily shapes Chautauqua Institution’s narrative across a wide range of audiences and platforms. Reporting to the Director of Communications year-round with seasonal reporting to Interim Managing Editor of the Daily, this position works with the Interim Managing Editor of the Daily to coordinate editorial operations for The Chautauquan Daily, while also supporting strategic content development for marketing, strategic communications and advancement. As the division’s chief editor and copywriter, this individual ensures all communications reflect Chautauqua’s values, meet professional editorial standards, and strengthen engagement with patrons, donors, media and community stakeholders. The position requires exceptional writing, editing, project management, and time management skills, with the ability to balance daily editorial demands and long-term communication strategy. About the Work Division-Wide Communications Support • Act as the chief copywriter and copy editor for the division., • Draft, edit and review content including media releases, websites, donor appeals, speeches, newsletters, and marketing campaigns., • Ensure consistency of brand voice, adherence to Chautauqua’s style guide, and editorial quality across all institutional platforms., • Serve as a key member of a cross-functional team that develops content driving engagement, attendance and revenue., • Provide editorial guidance for programmatic storytelling, institutional initiatives and enterprise communications., • Partner with Advancement to craft compelling donor and philanthropic narratives. During the summer season, this position shifts focus to the Assistant Editor role for The Chautauquan Daily, a daily newspaper published six days a week. Responsibilities include: • Serve as Assistant Editor of The Chautauquan Daily, overseeing writing, mentoring, copy editing., • In partnership with the Interim Managing Editor establish and enforce editorial standards, ensuring alignment with Chautauqua’s mission and brand., • Oversee professional development and mentor Daily interns and freelance writers and editors, fostering journalistic excellence., • Coordinate print and digital publishing workflows with the Interim Managing Editor for timely and effective content delivery., • Coordinate annual recruiting efforts with the Interim Managing Editor, setting and aspiring to staff diversity goals, including hiring seasonal reporters, copy editors, page designers, and digital and office staff., • Train staff in the newspaper’s operations and Chautauqua culture., • High-quality editorial output that reflects institutional voice and standards., • Timely and consistent publication of The Chautauquan Daily that meets printing deadlines., • Increased audience engagement across communication channels. Education & Experience • Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, or related field (required)., • 3–5 years of professional experience in journalism, communications, or related editorial leadership roles., • Proven record of writing, editing, and managing content across multiple platforms., • Experience leading editorial teams or newsroom operations. Minimum Qualifications: • Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing with mastery of AP style., • Strong organizational, time, and project management skills., • Ability to translate complex concepts into compelling, audience-friendly content., • Proficiency with digital publishing platforms, CMS, and collaborative editing tools., • Experience in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations., • Background in newsroom or media management., • Familiarity with philanthropy and donor communications. The compensation range for this opportunity starts at $62,500/annual and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $68,000/annual. Chautauqua Institution’s competitive compensation and benefits suite includes a national health insurance network with Highmark, flexible spend (or health savings) account options, dental and vision insurance, complimentary life insurance, wellness incentives, an employee assistance program, supplemental life insurance, and long-term disability options. The Institution supports planning for retirement through a discretionary employer retirement plan contribution, which has recently been 6% of gross compensation following the designated service period. About Your Department The Marketing, Communications, and Enterprise department at Chautauqua Institution serves as a vital hub for strategic communication, brand management and revenue generation. This department is responsible for promoting the Institution's diverse cultural, educational, religious, and recreational offerings to a wide audience. Through thoughtful planning and targeted messaging, the team engages stakeholders and new audiences and enhances the Institution's visibility and impact. By leveraging both traditional and digital channels, they strive to foster meaningful connections and uphold the Institution's reputation as a center for intellectual exploration and cultural enrichment. About Your Work Schedule & Location This position is at Chautauqua Institution’s main campus in Southwestern New York (Chautauqua County). The schedule is full-time and may include daytime and evening hours, weekdays, and weekends, especially in the busy summer operating season and during project go-live periods. The position will be based on the main campus in Chautauqua, New York. About Chautauqua Institution Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities. Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conference, and events organization. About the Referral Program Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August. Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience. Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater. Our Commitment to IDEA Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward. One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.” We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience. The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA. Joining Our Talent Community Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment. You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.