## 📍 Job Overview **Job Title:** Editorial Design Manager **Company:** Phillips Academy **Location:** Andover, Massachusetts, United States **Job Type:** Regular Full-Time **Category:** Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Education / Management & Leadership **Date Posted:** November 20, 2025 **Experience Level:** 10+ Years (Implied by 8+ years minimum requirement and senior nature of role) **Remote Status:** Hybrid ### 🚀 Role Summary * Develops and executes multichannel design solutions to enhance brand storytelling and engagement across various audiences, including alumni, faculty, staff, students, and parents. * Manages the art direction, design, and production lifecycle for the highly regarded "Andover" magazine, ensuring its continued excellence and brand alignment. * Drives brand consistency and innovation by evolving design expressions across both legacy print materials and modern digital platforms. * Collaborates strategically with cross-functional teams and colleagues across the Phillips Academy campus to achieve integrated communication goals. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** While this role is in an educational institution, the emphasis on "multichannel design solutions," "brand expression," "storytelling," and "digital platforms" positions it within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and marketing operations sphere, particularly concerning stakeholder engagement and brand communication strategy. The "Editorial Design Manager" title suggests a leadership role focused on content presentation and visual strategy. ### 📈 Primary Responsibilities * Lead the conceptualization and execution of compelling visual designs for print and digital communications, ensuring alignment with Phillips Academy's brand guidelines and strategic objectives. * Oversee the end-to-end production process for "Andover" magazine, from initial concept and art direction through layout, pre-press, and final print delivery, managing multiple issues per year. * Collaborate with editorial teams to translate written content into visually engaging narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. * Develop and maintain a cohesive visual identity across all communication channels, ensuring brand consistency and elevating the overall aesthetic. * Manage design projects, including scope definition, timeline management, resource allocation (e.g., freelance designers, photographers), and budget oversight for design-related initiatives. * Stay abreast of emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices in editorial and digital design, and integrate them into creative strategies. * Partner with marketing and communications colleagues to support broader institutional initiatives through impactful design solutions. * Manage and organize creative assets, ensuring proper archival and accessibility for ongoing use. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** The responsibilities are interpreted to include strategic design leadership, project management oversight, and cross-functional collaboration, aligning with a senior-level design management role. The focus on "Andover magazine" as a key deliverable implies a need for strong editorial design sensibilities and print production expertise. ### 🎓 Skills & Qualifications **Education:** * Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communications, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role, though equivalent professional experience may be considered. **Experience:** * Minimum of 8 years of progressive professional experience in graphic design, with a significant portion focused on editorial design, publication design, or integrated brand communications. * Demonstrated experience in managing complex design projects from concept to completion, including art direction and production oversight. * Proven ability to translate strategic objectives and narrative content into effective visual communications for diverse audiences. **Required Skills:** * Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, with a strong emphasis on InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. * Expertise in print production processes, including pre-press, color correction, typography, and working with printers. * Proficiency in asset management principles and systems for organizing and retrieving digital creative assets. * Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment. * Exceptional visual problem-solving abilities and a keen eye for aesthetics, layout, and typography. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with editorial staff, stakeholders, and external vendors. * Demonstrated ability to maintain brand consistency while also innovating and evolving design expressions. **Preferred Skills:** * Familiarity with InCopy for collaborative editorial workflows. * Experience with user-centered design principles and practices to ensure accessibility and engagement across digital platforms. * Knowledge of content management systems (CMS) and digital publishing tools. * Experience in an educational or non-profit institutional setting. * Understanding of storytelling techniques in visual media. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** The "AI_experience_level": "10+" is a significant inference. While the job lists a minimum of 8 years, the responsibilities outlined, particularly managing a flagship publication and driving strategic brand consistency, strongly suggest a senior-level role that typically attracts candidates with 10+ years of experience. Proficiency in InCopy is added as a preferred skill due to its common use in editorial workflows alongside InDesign. ### 📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements **Portfolio Essentials:** * A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of editorial design projects, including examples of magazine layouts, multi-page publications, and integrated campaign materials. * Demonstration of strong typographic skills, layout composition, and visual hierarchy across print and digital formats. * Evidence of successful art management, including selection and direction of photography, illustration, or other visual assets. * Case studies or project examples that highlight problem-solving abilities and the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, engaging visual narratives. * Inclusion of projects that illustrate brand consistency and evolution across different platforms. **Process Documentation:** * Examples of workflow management for design projects, demonstrating how projects are initiated, developed, reviewed, and finalized. * Documentation or case studies showing experience with print production workflows, including pre-press checks, vendor management, and quality control. * Evidence of collaborative processes, such as working with editorial teams, copywriters, and other stakeholders to achieve a unified final product. * Demonstration of how design processes are adapted to meet project-specific needs and tight deadlines. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** The requirement for a portfolio is explicitly stated in the job description. This section elaborates on what a strong portfolio for this specific role should contain, focusing on editorial design, print production, and collaborative workflows, which are critical for an Editorial Design Manager role. ### 💵 Compensation & Benefits **Salary Range:** $81,000 - $85,000 USD Per Year * This range is based on the provided salary data for the role. **Benefits:** * Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans. * Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k) or similar) with potential employer match. * Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays. * Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and conference attendance. * Access to campus facilities and resources. * Potential for tuition remission or educational benefits for eligible dependents (common in educational institutions). **Working Hours:** * Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and publication schedules. * Phillips Academy offers a hybrid work schedule, allowing for a blend of on-site and remote work. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** The salary range is directly extracted. Benefits are inferred based on standard offerings for full-time employees at established institutions like Phillips Academy, particularly those offering a hybrid work model. The "working_hours": 40 is used, with a note on flexibility for publication cycles. ## 🎯 Team & Company Context ### 🏢 Company Culture **Industry:** Education (Independent Secondary School) **Company Size:** Phillips Academy is a well-established institution with a significant number of employees, likely placing it in the "Large" category (hundreds to over a thousand employees) based on its nature as a prominent preparatory school. This size implies robust departmental structures and established operational processes. **Founded:** 1778. Phillips Academy is one of the oldest and most prestigious independent secondary schools in the United States, with a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and community. **Team Structure:** * The Editorial Design Manager reports to the Director of Editorial and Internal Communications, indicating a structured hierarchy within the Office of Communication. * The role involves close collaboration with editors, writers, and other communication specialists within the department. * Cross-functional collaboration extends to various departments across the academy, requiring strong relationship-building and communication skills. **Methodology:** * **Data Analysis & Insights:** While not a data-centric role, design decisions will be informed by audience engagement metrics, publication performance, and brand perception studies. The ability to interpret feedback and data to refine design strategies is key. * **Workflow Planning & Optimization:** Focus on streamlining the editorial and design production process, particularly for the magazine, to ensure efficiency and timely delivery. * **Automation & Efficiency:** Leveraging design software features and project management tools to automate repetitive tasks and improve overall workflow efficiency. **Company Website:** https://www.andover.edu/ > **📝 Enhancement Note:** Company context is derived from the name "Phillips Academy" and its known status as a historic educational institution. The team structure is inferred from the reporting line provided in the job description. The methodology section adapts general operations principles to a creative/editorial context. ### 📈 Career & Growth Analysis **Operations Career Level:** This role is a senior-level individual contributor or a first-line management position within the creative and communications function. It requires substantial experience and the ability to work independently while also guiding design output for key institutional publications. It represents a significant step up from a junior or mid-level designer, focusing on strategic visual communication and project leadership. **Reporting Structure:** Reports directly to the Director of Editorial and Internal Communications. This places the role within a dedicated communications department, suggesting a clear path for strategic input and execution. **Operations Impact:** The Editorial Design Manager directly impacts the institution's brand perception, stakeholder engagement, and overall communication effectiveness. High-quality design for publications like "Andover" magazine enhances the school's reputation, attracts prospective students and families, and strengthens relationships with alumni and the wider community. This role is crucial for translating the institution's mission and values into compelling visual narratives. **Growth Opportunities:** * **Specialization:** Potential to deepen expertise in higher education communications, publication design, or brand strategy within the academic sector. * **Leadership:** Advancement to roles such as Creative Director, Director of Communications, or similar leadership positions within larger institutions or agencies. * **Skill Development:** Opportunities to attend industry conferences (e.g., design, publishing, higher education marketing), pursue certifications, and learn new design technologies or project management methodologies. * **Cross-functional Leadership:** Potential to lead design aspects of major institutional campaigns or strategic initiatives. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** This analysis infers the career trajectory and impact based on the seniority implied by the responsibilities and experience requirements, placing it within the context of a well-established educational institution. ### 🌐 Work Environment **Office Type:** Hybrid work environment, combining on-site work at Phillips Academy's campus in Andover, MA, with remote work flexibility. This model is designed to offer a balance between collaborative in-office engagement and personal work flexibility. **Office Location(s):** Phillips Academy, 180 Main Street, Andover, MA 01810. The campus environment is likely to be a traditional academic setting with modern office facilities. **Workspace Context:** * The office environment is described as "collaborative," suggesting opportunities for interaction with colleagues within the Office of Communication and across campus departments. * Access to standard office technology and potentially specialized design hardware and software will be provided. * Opportunities for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and direct interaction with editorial and communications staff will be integral to the hybrid model. **Work Schedule:** * A standard 40-hour work week is expected. * The hybrid arrangement implies that specific days or a certain number of days per week will be required on-site, with the remainder available for remote work. This schedule needs to accommodate the demands of print production deadlines and collaborative project needs. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** The "Hybrid work schedule" is explicitly mentioned, and the office location is taken from the provided address. The description of the workspace and schedule is tailored to reflect the hybrid nature and the demands of an editorial role. ### 📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process **Interview Process:** * **Initial Screening:** Review of application, resume, and critically, the submitted portfolio, to assess design skills, editorial sensibility, and relevant experience. * **Portfolio Review & Discussion:** Candidates will likely present their portfolio to key stakeholders (e.g., Director of Editorial and Internal Communications, potentially other communication leaders) to discuss their process, rationale, and impact on past projects. * **Skills Assessment/Case Study:** A practical exercise or case study may be assigned, requiring the candidate to demonstrate their design process, problem-solving abilities, and ability to work within brand guidelines under timed conditions. * **Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interviews:** Interviews to assess collaboration style, communication skills, ability to manage deadlines, and alignment with Phillips Academy's values and culture. * **Final Interview:** Potentially with a higher-level executive or hiring committee to confirm suitability for the role and institution. **Portfolio Review Tips:** * **Curate Strategically:** Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase editorial design, print production, and multichannel capabilities. Prioritize work similar to "Andover" magazine. * **Showcase Process:** For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the measurable impact or outcome. Use visuals to illustrate key steps. * **Highlight Collaboration:** Include examples of projects where you successfully collaborated with writers, editors, or other stakeholders. Explain your role and how you integrated feedback. * **Demonstrate Brand Stewardship:** Show how you've maintained brand consistency while also bringing fresh, innovative design approaches. * **Prepare for Digital & Print:** Be ready to discuss both print production specifics (paper, ink, binding) and digital design considerations (responsiveness, accessibility). **Challenge Preparation:** * **Understand the Audience:** Be prepared to design for a diverse audience including students, alumni, parents, and faculty. Consider their unique needs and perspectives. * **Brand Immersion:** Thoroughly research Phillips Academy's current branding, mission, and recent communications. Understand the tone and style of "Andover" magazine. * **Problem-Solving Scenarios:** Anticipate questions about managing difficult stakeholders, handling tight deadlines, or resolving creative differences. Prepare examples from your experience. * **Technical Proficiency:** Be ready to discuss your expertise with Adobe Creative Suite and any project management or asset management tools. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on portfolio presentation and interview preparation, tailored to the specifics of an Editorial Design Manager role in an educational context. ### 🛠 Tools & Technology Stack **Primary Tools:** * Adobe InDesign: Essential for page layout, typography, and overall magazine design. Advanced proficiency is a must. * Adobe Photoshop: Critical for image editing, retouching, and creating graphical elements. * Adobe Illustrator: Used for creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations. * Adobe InCopy: (Preferred) Facilitates collaborative workflows between editors and designers on text-heavy documents like magazines. * Project Management Software: (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar) To manage design project timelines, tasks, and team collaboration. * Asset Management System: For organizing, storing, and retrieving design assets, photos, and brand collateral. **Analytics & Reporting:** * Web Analytics Tools: (e.g., Google Analytics) To understand engagement on digital platforms where design elements are deployed. * Email Marketing Platforms: (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact) To analyze the performance of visually designed email campaigns. * Internal Reporting Tools: The institution may use internal dashboards or reporting systems to track the reach and impact of communications. **CRM & Automation:** * While not directly managing a CRM, understanding how design assets integrate with CRM-driven communications (e.g., alumni outreach, admissions marketing) is beneficial. * Marketing Automation Platforms: Familiarity with how design elements are incorporated into automated marketing workflows. * Content Management Systems (CMS): (e.g., WordPress, Drupal) For publishing and managing content on the academy's website, where design is crucial. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** This section details the specific software and systems likely used in this role, drawing directly from the "Minimum Qualifications" and inferring common tools used in editorial design and communications departments. ### 👥 Team Culture & Values **Operations Values:** * Excellence in Craft: A commitment to producing high-quality, impactful design that upholds the prestige of Phillips Academy. * Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with editorial teams, other departments, and external partners to achieve shared goals. * Storytelling & Engagement: A belief in the power of visual narratives to connect with and inspire diverse audiences. * Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new design approaches and technologies while maintaining brand integrity and meeting evolving communication needs. * User-Centricity & Inclusivity: Designing with the audience in mind, ensuring accessibility and a welcoming experience for all. **Collaboration Style:** * Integrated Workflow: Working closely with editors and writers from the outset of a project to ensure design and content are synergistic. * Feedback-Driven: Open to constructive criticism and iterative design processes, incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders. * Proactive Communication: Regularly updating team members on project status, potential challenges, and design decisions. * Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a team environment where design best practices and insights are shared to elevate the overall quality of communications. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** This section extrapolates potential company values and collaboration styles based on the nature of an educational institution focused on communication and brand building. ### ⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities **Challenges:** * Balancing Tradition with Innovation: Evolving the visual identity of a historic institution like Phillips Academy while respecting its legacy and established brand. * Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Catering to the distinct communication requirements and expectations of various groups (alumni, students, parents, faculty, administration). * Resource Management: Optimizing limited resources (time, budget, personnel) to deliver high-quality design across multiple high-profile projects. * Adapting to Digital Evolution: Ensuring print-centric design skills translate effectively to an increasingly digital-first communication landscape. * Maintaining Brand Consistency in a Hybrid Environment: Ensuring a unified brand experience across on-campus and remote interactions. **Learning & Development Opportunities:** * **Advanced Design Software Training:** Pursuing certifications or workshops for the latest features in Adobe Creative Cloud or new design tools. * **Higher Education Marketing & Communications Conferences:** Attending events to learn about industry trends, best practices, and network with peers. * **Project Management Methodologies:** Developing skills in Agile or other project management frameworks relevant to creative workflows. * **User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design:** Expanding knowledge in digital design principles to enhance online engagement. * **Leadership Development Programs:** Participating in internal or external programs to hone management and strategic thinking skills. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** Challenges and growth opportunities are framed within the context of an established educational institution and a senior creative role, highlighting areas for professional development and skill enhancement. ### 💡 Interview Preparation **Strategy Questions:** * "Describe your process for designing a feature story for a magazine. How do you collaborate with an editor to bring a concept to life visually?" (Focus on your editorial design workflow, collaboration, and visual storytelling.) * "How do you ensure brand consistency across both print and digital platforms, especially when evolving the brand's visual expression?" (Prepare examples of brand stewardship and innovation.) * "Walk us through a time you had to manage conflicting feedback or priorities from different stakeholders on a design project. How did you resolve it?" (Highlight your problem-solving, negotiation, and communication skills.) * "How do you approach art management for a publication? What's your process for selecting photographers or illustrators?" (Demonstrate your eye for quality and ability to direct visual assets.) **Company & Culture Questions:** * "What excites you about Phillips Academy and this specific role? How do you see your design philosophy aligning with our mission?" (Research the academy's values, mission, and recent communications.) * "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, particularly in a hybrid work setting?" (Provide examples of your teamwork and communication style.) * "How do you stay current with design trends and technologies, and how do you integrate them into your work?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.) **Portfolio Presentation Strategy:** * **Tell a Story for Each Project:** Structure your presentation around the narrative of each design challenge: the problem, your approach, the execution, and the outcome. Use clear, concise language. * **Quantify Impact Where Possible:** If you have data on increased engagement, readership, or positive feedback resulting from your designs, present it. * **Showcase Versatility:** Highlight projects that demonstrate your range across different formats (print, digital) and audiences. * **Be Prepared for Technical Questions:** Be ready to discuss your software proficiency, print production details, and any challenges encountered in the design and production process. * **Connect to Phillips Academy:** Articulate how your past experiences and skills directly address the needs of this role and the institution. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** These interview questions and preparation tips are tailored to the specific requirements and context of the Editorial Design Manager role at Phillips Academy, emphasizing design strategy, collaboration, and portfolio demonstration. ## 📌 Application Steps To apply for this operations position: * Submit your application through the ADP WorkNow portal via the provided link. * **Portfolio Preparation:** Curate a digital portfolio that prominently features your best editorial design work, particularly magazine layouts and multi-page publications. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, your art management skills, and your ability to create engaging visual narratives. * **Resume Optimization:** Tailor your resume to highlight the 8+ years of relevant experience, advanced Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, print production expertise, and project management capabilities mentioned in the job description. Use keywords such as "editorial design," "publication design," "brand consistency," "multichannel design," and "project management." * **Interview Practice:** Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, articulating your creative process, problem-solving approaches, and how you manage projects and collaborate with teams. Practice answering behavioral questions related to creativity, deadlines, and stakeholder management. * **Company Research:** Thoroughly research Phillips Academy's mission, values, recent communications, and the "Andover" magazine. Understand their brand aesthetic and target audience to better align your application and interview responses. > **⚠️ Important Notice:** This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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