Standard job descriptions for magazine staff
Editorial Director
This is usually a position at a larger publishing house. An editorial director is responsible for overall editorial management at one or more magazines. May also be called editor-in-chief. The editorial
director is responsible for setting overall editorial policy, drawing up budgets, hiring senior editorial staff, and working with the business side. He or she reports to the publisher.
Editor
The editor is in charge of setting editorial policy and is responsible for the editorial content of a magazine. He or she runs editorial meetings, hires staff, may set budgets and acts as the public face
of the magazine. Usually reports to the publisher.
Managing Editor
The managing editor is responsible for the magazine's day-to-day operations. He or she sets schedules and coordinates the editorial, art and production departments to make sure the magazine gets out on
time. Also supervises the copy department. Reports to the editor.
Senior/Executive Editor
A senior editorial position, usually at consumer magazines. The senior or executive editor is responsible for assigning and editing stories and usually supervises associate editors. Reports to the editor.
Features/Associate/Assistant Editor
An editor at this level may plan and assign stories for certain sections of the magazine or assist in general planning and assigning. He or she works with writers and perhaps the art department, and may
also be responsible for covering events and writing regular features. At business/trade magazines, he or she is often a generalist: editor, writer and researcher. May report to editor, managing editor,
or senior/executive editor.
Copy Editor/Researcher
A copy editor is responsible for grammatical accuracy and style; he or she also works with the typesetter and proofreads all copy. Researchers are responsible for fact-checking functions. Usually reports
to the managing editor.
Editorial Assistant
An editorial assistant is usually a junior staff member who helps other editors with administrative duties and proofreading. Considered an entry-level position.
Art Director
An art director is responsible for the visual appeal of a magazine. He or she commissions photography and illustrations and supervises layout. An art director sets the design and format of a magazine. Reports
to the editor.
Associate Art Director/Designer
An associate art director or designer may be responsible for designing certain sections of a magazine, and is usually directly involved in the physical assembly of pages. Reports to the art director.
Circulation Director/Manager
With the exception of circulation executives at the largest publishing companies (see senior executive officer), this is the senior circulation job. At larger magazines, a circulation director may be one
rank higher than a circulation manager. But both are generally responsible for directing the circulation department, including budgeting, planning, hiring, promotion and operations. Reports to the publisher
or a senior circulation executive.
Circulation Promotion Manager
Circulation promotion managers are responsible for planning and carrying out circulation promotion efforts, usually for subscription or newsstand sales. Reports to the circulation manager.
Fulfilment Manager
A fulfilment manager or supervisor is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the fulfilment process, for either a paid or controlled magazine. On small magazines, he or she may work directly on
the computer or with the fulfilment agency. On larger magazines, the fulfilment manager may direct a staff. Reports to the circulation manager or, on smaller magazines, to the publisher.
Circulation Assistant
A circulation assistant enters subscription data into the computer and/or carries out general administrative duties for the circulation department. Reports to the fulfilment manager or circulation director.
Advertising Director/Manager
The advertising director is responsible for hiring and training the sales staff, setting budgets and, with the publisher, setting sales targets and strategy. Depending on the size of the magazine, he or
she may also handle accounts. Reports to the publisher.
Sales Representative
A sales representative works in the field handling accounts and making presentations. He or she may have a sales territory or specific responsibility, such as retail or national. An inside sales representative
works on telephone sales. Reports to the advertising director.
Sales Assistant
A sales assistant performs general administrative duties in the sales department. This may include working with the production department to control traffic flow and scheduling. Reports to the advertising
director.
Production Manager
The production manager is responsible for contracting and working with printers, colour separators and other suppliers. He or she coordinates the flow of material between the editorial and sales departments
and suppliers, and works with other department heads in setting production schedules. Reports to the publisher.
Production Assistant
A production assistant helps the production manager keep track of the many production details required in magazine publishing. He or she may work with other staff members and couriers to ensure that material
gets delivered on time and in good condition. Reports to the production manager.
Group Publisher/Senior Executive Officer
A group publisher or senior executive officer generally works at a larger publishing company. He or she is responsible for a number of magazines. An executive officer may be in charge of departments, such
as production, circulation or finance. At privately owned companies, he or she may be the owner. Usually reports to the president or owner.
Publisher
The publisher has overall responsibility for the management of one magazine. Some publishers also handle sales accounts. Reports to a senior executive or the owner.
Research/Marketing Manager
The research or marketing manager compiles and analyzes statistics to help the advertising and circulation departments define their markets and set strategy. He or she probably works with auditing and syndicated
research organizations, as well as conducts in-house research. May report to the publisher, advertising director or circulation director, depending on the emphasis of the job.
Promotion Manager
The promotion manager handles all public relations duties, and may work closely with the advertising and circulation departments to help promote their activities. Working with the editorial department,
he or she will help publicize the magazine by arranging authors' interviews or other events. Usually reports to the publisher.
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