Application Deadline: Sunday, Apr 03, 2022

Description

JOB SUMMARY

Arts Midwest is seeking a Managing Editor to oversee a dynamic new multimedia initiative that will source and share stories celebrating arts, creativity, and culture in the Midwest and the Native Nations within that geography. This person will lead the commissioning and editing of all content; manage a pool of writers, artists, and creatives who will carry out commissions; develop partnerships with media and broadcast entities across the Midwest; and oversee the placement of these stories through partner outlets and on the Arts Midwest website.

This role thrives on taking initiative, building relationships, sourcing unique and creative content, managing to deadline, and collaborating with external and internal partners. They are part of both program and cross-organizational teams who share leadership to achieve communications outcomes. This work seeks to advance the vision, goals, and impact of the organization and is rooted in Arts Midwest’s commitment to equity, integrity, and learning.

About Arts Midwest

Arts Midwest believes that creativity has the power to inspire and unite humanity. Based in Minneapolis, Arts Midwest supports, informs, and celebrates creative organizations and communities throughout the nine-state region of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, and the Native nations that share these geographies. We are one of six United States Regional Arts Organizations, a national collective of six place-based nonprofit arts service organizations committed to strengthening America’s infrastructure by increasing access to creativity for all Americans.

About the Initiative

Launching in the second half of 2022, Arts Midwest’s new multimedia initiative will produce content that celebrates arts, creativity, and culture in the Midwest. In year 1 of the initiative (2022) we anticipate commissioning content for 20–30 written pieces, one podcast series, and 10 short videos. In Year 2 and beyond, we expect to increase commissions, producing a second podcast series, additional short videos, and 50–60 written pieces per year. The initiative will have a strong focus on highlighting stories from rural and Indigenous communities in the Midwest.

In addition to commissioning content, the Managing Editor will work closely with media partners and to distribute these stories across our region. Potential strategies may include partnerships with local papers, state newspaper associations, and public and private broadcasting affiliates to produce and publish stories and establishing a story stream for media entities similar to ProPublica.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is deeply interested in highlighting the multifaced identity of the Midwest and raising up compelling stories that celebrate the creativity present in all corners of this region. You should have journalism and editing experience, with at least three years of experience managing writers or other creatives. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and a commitment to DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and access) and community-based art are essential. Lived experience in rural areas and/or working deeply within one or more Native American communities is preferred.

Arts Midwest a committed to maintaining a workforce that is diverse across many lines of difference. We strongly encourage people of color, Native Americans, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply for this position.

Reports to:  Communications Officer

FLSA:  Exempt

Classification:  Full-time

Location

Open to remote. Must reside in one of Arts Midwest’s regional states (IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, ND, OH, SD, or WI) or in a Native Nation that shares this geography. Arts Midwest’s office is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Salary

$55,000 annually, plus a very generous benefits package (health insurance, life, dental, vision, retirement savings, generous PTO, paid family leave, and more.) More information can be found here.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Planning + Setting Vision

• Collaborates with supervisor to create measurable annual and multi-year goals and strategies for program areas that are aspirational, achievable, and in alignment with the organization’s strategic direction.
• Monitors progress toward annual workplan, sharing regular reports on successes and challenges (content, operational, and financial) with supervisor.

Communications Operations

• Leads the operations and administration efforts of the new multimedia initiative
• Develops, manages, and coaches a team of freelance creatives for commissions, building out a robust freelance network that amplify a variety of Midwestern voices and insights
• Edits all commissioned content to Arts Midwest standards
• Measures the impact of editorial content and uses data to inform decision-making
• Develops and monitor contracts with external vendors such as writers, storytellers, media outlets, and other program service support.
• Collaborates with President & CEO to build relationships with media and broadcast organizations regionally and nationally.
• Oversees the placement of stories through partner outlets and on the Arts Midwest website.

Organizational Integration

• Collaborates with development team on new funding opportunities, applications, and reports.
• Embraces and uses organization’s technology tools and systems.
• Collaborates with IT and other function areas to identify systems and training needs.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, + Access

• Grows personal intercultural competence. Continually develops intercultural competency and seek opportunities for all staff to continue to make change together.

Organizational Culture

• Works collaboratively across the organization–communicating courteously and professionally and maintaining working relationships with others.
• Actively participates in staff meetings and in building a positive culture.
• Represents the organization nationally, regionally, and locally, in the community, with funders and stakeholders, as applicable

Core Competencies And Commitments

• Adaptability: willingness to embrace change, test new ideas, and learn new ways of working.
• Collaboration: eagerness to share resources and work with others toward organizational goals.
• Fluency with technology: understanding that much of our work occurs in digital systems, which require ongoing learning.
• Our values and mission: understand and embrace our values and mission, in particular how they reflect our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
• Sharing power: takes on leadership and followership roles.

Technical Competencies: Knowledge, Skills, Experience, And Abilities

• Exemplary language skills and storytelling ability with a keen eye for strong content, and the ability to craft and nurture that content through the creative process while establishing and adhering to deadlines
• Outstanding editing, coaching, organizational and communication skills
• Experience with storytelling featuring rural and Native American communities
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems independently.
• Ability to organize time and anticipate, plan, and manage multiple priorities with deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive or private information.
• Ability to represent the organization with a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to negotiate contracts and terms of agreements and manage external vendor relationships.
• Evaluative skills to review, analyze, and make recommendations around communications efforts.
• Financial skills sufficient to develop, understand, and/or interpret budgets, financial reports, and audits. Knowledge of general accounting concepts and practices.
• Knowledge of and ability to operate standard office hardware and software, including customer relationship management systems and web-based software programs.

Physical And Mental Requirements

Physical effort is light, with lifting or carrying limited to 25 pounds intermittently. Work includes making presentations in front of groups. There is pressure associated with project or activity deadlines. Work will require extended use of a computer keyboard and monitor. Work is performed in a fast-paced environment, where interruptions are frequent. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Working Conditions

Work may be performed remotely or in a group office environment. If working remotely, employee will coordinate with Arts Midwest’s IT function to create a remote work setup.

How To Apply

Please follow this link to apply. You’ll be asked to submit a resume, and a letter describing your interest in and fit for the position. For best consideration, applications must be received by Sunday, April 3, 2022.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship. The department head and senior management retain the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.

For additional information about this position, please contact: