Big Science Media, LLC, is establishing a team of experienced journalists to create invaluable resources for people with chronic diseases.  The team will publish a quarterly magazine, books and digital products covering treatment, self-management, practical and lifestyle related features— all in a manner that is informative, encouraging and actionable.

While over 500 consumer health magazines line the newsstands, most are aimed at health enthusiasts— not those with chronic disease. Only a handful of titles offer information targeted toward those living with cancer, arthritis, diabetes, HIV, hepatitis, Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s and heart disease.  For some, there is no “end of treatment.” The “new normal” is actually a string of “new normals.”  Patients have to adapt and evolve as their illness progresses or a particular treatment stops working.  Many face incredible financial hardship. 

As chronic disease becomes more prevalent and treatment options more complex, our already strained healthcare system will struggle to spend the time needed to thoroughly educate patients on all of the various aspects that will enable them to successfully manage their disease.  As healthcare providers have less time to spend with their patients, consumer products carrying targeted editorial content will fill a crucial educational gap.  Big Science Media is seeking an experienced editorial director to guide our editorial vision and build a stable of best-in-class products including magazines, books and digital assets that will educate, empower and inspire people to live better, longer.

Job Description: Editorial Director

The Editorial Director works with the publisher, editor-in-chief and the advisory board to craft the overall tone of Big Science Media’smagazine, books and digital assets.  This person is a visionary who defines the story we are telling in print and online, and collaborates with the creative director on style and design.The editorial director oversees the entire editorial process to ensure that the very best product is produced.  This person will also hire and develop his or her editorial team in preparation for our magazine launch in early 2014. 

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic planning process and be responsible for editorial budgets and P & L results, monitoring performance vs. budget on a monthly basis.
• Lead and manage the editorial staff including training, adherence to production schedules, timelines, and procedures.
• Supervise editorial staff to ensure quality, articulating and reinforcing standards for product content, voice, style, and design. Must be able to write with clarity, simplicity, and accuracy.
• Must have a very thorough working knowledge of AP style and understand how to attract, inform and inspire readers with words, photos, and diagrams in print and digital form.
• Negotiate financial arrangements with all freelance designers for editorial work.
• Facilitate quarterly calls with the editorial advisory board to ensure that our products remain up-to-date on emerging trends of interest to people with chronic diseases.
• Work with the publisher on the production of supporting sales, marketing, and promotional materials, including media kits, sales sheets, proposals and PowerPoint presentations ensure a level of editorial quality and consistency is achieved.
• Develop, maintain and manage print and digital production schedules to insure that all products are produced on time and on budget.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• BA degree in journalism.
• 5 + years experience leading an editorial staff within the consumer publishing industry in print and digital.
• Consumer healthcare journalism experience is a plus, as is experience in a start-up organization.
• Prior book or publication editorial and /or product creation experience is a plus.
• Magazine and web launch experience is preferred.
• Process oriented with the ability to develop and manage schedules necessary to product projects on time.
• Ability to communicate effectively with sales, design, production, web, and executive staff.
• Excellent motivation and leadership qualities, outgoing and well-organized, must be collaborative.
• Must have a keen editorial eye, ability to adapt and change quickly to customer requirements.
• Be visionary and versatile.

Professionalism/Behavior

• Employee must conduct him/herself in a professional manner at all times.  This includes adhering to the company’s dress code/policy and maintaining a professional tone, attitude and demeanor toward co-workers and clients.

Interested candidates should send their resume to David Diamond at ddiamond@sonexushealth.com.