Managing Editor of Content

The Cleveland Orchestra (TCO) is actively searching for a creative and critical thinker to join our talented team in an evolving and transformative leadership position in communications, to bring together, elevate, and fashion the storytelling about our artistic work to audiences at home in Cleveland and deliver unparalleled experiences to fans around the world.

The Managing Editor of Content plays a pivotal communications role in finding and telling our stories to our community of music lovers of all ages, backgrounds, whether a classical music novice or an aficionado.  This essential position has a central role in developing institutional messaging, communicating key initiatives, and engaging our audiences by telling our stories in an interesting, vibrant and entertaining way.  In collaboration with department and institutional leadership, they will develop and own our story pipe line, stay up to date about key ideas and initiatives, and distill ideas into compelling, accessible narratives that can be told through vehicles which currently include, but are not limited to concert program books/guides (digital and print), print/email magazines and newsletters, and podcasts.  The successful candidate is an innovative writer and content creator with a strong sense of curiosity and the practical skills of an operations manager.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications, the Managing Editor of Content works with a high degree of independence but collaborates closely with the department’s senior team (Chief Brand Officer, Senior Director of Communications, Senior Director of Marketing, and Director of Guest Experience) as well as members of the Orchestra’s senior management.  They will lead a team comprised of 2 full-time employees (one focused on writing and editing, the other on production and proofing) and will collaborate with the department’s overall team including content marketing, digital/web, email, and social media.  They will also work to coordinate and interconnect storytelling and messaging across departments including Philanthropy & Advancement and Education & Community Engagement.

Responsibilities include the following:

• As the lead storyteller for the department, set tone and editorial agenda for the department’s current and expanding portfolio of publications and products, including concert program books/guides, e-newsletters, digital concert broadcast streaming (The Cleveland Orchestra: In Focus), and podcast (On A Personal Note).
• Plan, direct and produce the Orchestra’s concert Program Book Guide and quarterly magazine (digital and print), supervise the activities of staff and contractors involved with its publication. Develop, recommend, and implement goals and objectives, structure, and operational procedures to ensure timely and effective publication. Provide recommendations for modifications and evolution of the publication based on ongoing research and evaluation.
• Oversee the production of written content including program notes, articles, and institutional messaging from the President & CEO (program book letters, remarks and speeches).
• For Cleveland Orchestra self-produced and released audio recording/media projects, collaborate on messaging, written content (album notes, essays, and editorial) and marketing copy.
• Ensure that communications are presented in line with organization brand, best practices, style, tone, and voice.
• Coordinate with Philanthropy & Advancement (development communications and operations team) on messaging from the Board of Trustees Chairman, Annual Meeting messaging, review P&A communications for consistency of institutional messaging and liaise on donor listings and funder credits.
• Supervise writing and proofreading copy for website content, news releases and newsletter articles.
• Provide additional supervision of workflow (writing, project management, hiring freelance authors/proofers, proofreading) and content including that of the program book, news releases, quarterly magazine, bios.

The successful candidate will meet the following qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience as a managing editor, content director or relevant role in communications or publishing.
• Proven ability to lead team and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Writing, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Exceptional communicator with demonstrated excellence at storytelling, including ability to synthesize ideas, identify connecting threads, and create engaging materials through the written word (writing and editing) and visual presentation.
• Strong awareness and understanding of evolving style and trends in the English language.
• Strong problem-solving skills combined with a collaborative approach
• Must be a self-motivated independent thinker with a strong sense of curiosity.  Ability to think strategically, creatively, and proactively offer multiple solutions and recommendations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with short and long lead planning and budgeting.
• Demonstrated independent, mature judgement.
• Employee management skills, including ability to educate/train, delegate, motivate, and supervise effectively.
• Knowledge of print and digital production.  Familiarity with web development and production preferred.
• Knowledge of orchestral music and performing arts highly desirable.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and able to learn and use various database, project management, and planning software.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is highly desirable.
• Must be able to travel between locations (Severance Hall and Blossom Music Center) and to local or regional meetings.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and some holidays.

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.