Assistant editor/communications coordinator

Purpose: The Assistant editor and communications coordinator assists with myriad publications-related tasks, primarily the Journal of The Missouri Bar, and supports the work of the communications department by assisting in developing and carrying out communications strategies which rely on print, broadcast, the web, and social media. The person in this role supports those strategies by creating and editing original content and repurposing that content for publication to multiple audiences across multiple platforms. These strategies are designed to improve public understanding of the justice system, provide useful information of a substantive and practical nature to lawyers to help them even better serve their clients and communities, and keep members aware of all services and opportunities available to them through The Missouri Bar.  General qualifications This position requires an exceptional writer and the ability to think creatively to design accompanying visual campaigns that meet brand standards and are compelling for print, the web, and social media. In addition, the position requires someone who is highly organized and detail oriented, with the ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in managing multiple projects in an organized fashion while collaborating with colleagues and members to achieve the best final work product under deadline. A basic competency in civics is required, and a more thorough understanding of the legal system, the rule of law, and the role of a unified bar in our society is a definite plus. Responsibilities Co-production of the Journal of The Missouri Bar, published six times a year, including coordination with authors; communication and collaboration with the Review Board; detailed fact-checking and cite-checking; indexing; editing of recurring content and scholarly legal articles; writing engaging features about lawyers and beneficial legal services; and creating visually-appealing advertisements for various Missouri Bar departments, services, and eventsAssist with selection, review, and edit of content written and submitted for publication on The Missouri Bar’s blog, News.MoBar.org, by Missouri Bar staff, lawyers, freelancers, and advertisersHelp guide internal and public information strategies for print and web using discretion and independent judgmentExercise discretion and independent judgment in writing, repurposing, and managing written and visual content on an array of legal issues that are distributed to various audiences (including lawyers, the public, and the media) across multiple print and online platformsServe as communications liaison for selected Missouri Bar departments and programsEdit and format content based on style guidelines of The Missouri Bar and AP Style, as well as assist in developing, maintaining, and enforcing brand and style guidelinesConsistently track and stay abreast of relevant news and trends as it relates to The Missouri Bar to support sound news judgement when developing editorial contentHelp seamlessly carry out a diverse array of on-going, reoccurring, and one-time communications projects, simultaneously and within deadlinesCoordinate with various departments to create, edit, and send engaging emails to lawyers and the publicCreate visually engaging graphics and program guides as assignedProfessionally photograph Missouri Bar events, activities, award winners, and other subjects as assignedEnsure campaign and design elements support the organization’s goals and missionConsistently measure the success of internal and public information strategies to adapt content and delivery to continually improve upon the organization’s goalsProvide communications and staff support at Missouri Bar events and conferences as assignedAssist long-standing and special committees as assignedSupport short-term initiatives as assignedProvide updates and help maintain The Missouri Bar’s websitesOther duties as assigned  QualificationsAbility to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writingAbility to work under pressure to handle multiple tasks with frequent deadlinesPay attention to detail and display a commitment to accuracyMake sound judgments and respond appropriately to a high volume of workExhibit tact, diplomacy, and professionalism in communicating with elected and appointed leaders of the organization, members of the bar, judges, the media, and the publicCopywriting and editing experience using AP StyleProficiency in Microsoft programs, including Word, Excel, and FormsProficiency in graphic design programs, including InDesign and PhotoshopExperience with content management systems and familiarity with HTMLExperience creating and sending engaging emailsSkilled photographerSuccessful track record in using analytics from written and visual content, emails, and social media to improve strategiesComfort with incorporating and managing all social media platformsDesire and ability to stay fluent in industry news to bring innovative ideas to enhance and improve the organization’s contentOngoing commitment to understand and grow with the organization  Education and experience·      Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or related field.·      Experience in a communications role, including proven capabilities in writing and research. Magazine, newspaper, online news outlet, or other publications experience preferred.·      Proven ability to handle multiple tasks professionally and efficiently under deadline pressure.