Editorial Assistant

The Cleveland Orchestra is seeking an Editorial Assistant who will assist in creating, resourcing, consolidating, coordinating, and synthesizing content for print publications, website, and other institutional platforms.  Working primarily with the Managing Editor of Content and other communications leaders, this position will be vital in creating clear, focused, and impactful storytelling across all departments and externally.  The Editorial Assistant helps proofread, manage, and hone messaging and writing that both differentiates departments’ work from one another yet is consistent with the institution’s overall mission and strategic plan.

This position reports to the Managing Editor of Content, who works under the VP of Communications.  This individual will possess exceptional writing and proofreading skills. This position is well suited to individuals who have a strong sense of curiosity, an inquisitive approach to storytelling, a sharp eye for consistent messaging, and the ability express themselves creatively.

Responsibilities include the following:

• Writing / Editing / Proofreading — working directly with the Managing Editor of Content the Editorial Assistant helps in creating, editing, focusing, and proofreading copy aimed at the public for institutional and department messaging/storytelling.  This work encompasses content for the printed and digital program books, Spotlight Magazine, news releases, e-mail marketing, fundraising materials, speeches, presentations, and other copy.
• Message Creation / Coordination — working with the Managing Editor of Content, and other communication staff leadership, assists in coordinating institutional messaging and messages, offering ideas to connect, expand, and derive compelling themes that can motivate and inspire the Orchestra’s diverse constituencies; assists in creating and maintaining an approved storehouse/resource of current message wording, themes, stories, and other content for use by colleagues.
• Consultation / Departmentalization — assists departments in writing their individual storylines and identity within the Orchestra’s overall external-facing messaging; the Editorial Assistant assists in developing messages and suggesting appropriate voicing or storytelling across the institution; works across all areas and levels of hierarchy, including executive leadership, board leadership and members, musicians, managerial staff, and volunteers.
• Unity of Style — assists in compiling, gathering, and evolving written style guidelines to help ensure clarity and consistency of communications (working with the Managing Editor of Content and other communications department members); helps ensure that such guidelines are both suitably specific and allow for flexibility/adaptability in varied contexts (program book, speeches and presentations, publications, news release, different department, etc.) and evolving larger world norms.

The successful candidate will meet the following qualifications:

• At least 2 years of professional editing and writing experience.
• Extraordinary writing skills in American English, including the ability to write in different styles and voices, suitable to distinct persons, situations, and contexts.
• Ability to synthesize diverse and potentially conflicting ideas and initiatives to discover and communicate common threads and inspiring connections.
• High-level understanding of English grammar and rules, and strong proofreading skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to track details within varying contexts, and to create clear and inspiring communication linking big picture concepts and objectives with informative details.
• Ability to think strategically and proactively offer problem-solving solutions, combined with a collaborative mindset and approach.
• A passion for music and familiarity with Classical music is highly desired.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and other Microsoft Office suite components.
• Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite would be an asset.
• Demonstrated independent, mature judgment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes some evenings and weekends.

We offer a competitive salary, generous medical and dental plan benefits, 403(b) plan with employer match, complimentary concert tickets, and the opportunity to work with a world-renowned Orchestra.

The Cleveland Orchestra is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that strongly supports and values diversity and fosters an equitable and inclusive work environment which includes accommodation. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome, and individuals from all equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply.