The Dance Current

JOB POSTING: THE DANCE CURRENT

Editor

Date Posted: March 4, 2014

Application Deadline: March 25, 2014
Start Date: April 7, 2014
Compensation: $25,000 annually
City/Town: Toronto
Term: Freelance Contract – Part-time

Organization Description:
The Dance Current is a niche consumer title published by the not-for-profit multi-platform education and media company Dance Media Group/Groupe Danse Média. We produce print, online and live content and programming that serves to educate the dance sector and the general public, cultivating literacy and critical discourse about the art, culture and practice of dance in Canada. We envision a Canadian public and a broad-reaching dance sector that are: critically engaged with dance art and practice as a part of the Canadian cultural experience, better able to appreciate dance/movement as cultural and aesthetic expression, literate in the current and historical context that shapes the field, alive with robust conversation, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. We aim to be the authoritative magazine leading and developing critical discourse and engaged conversation about the art, practice and culture of dance in Canada. We do this by commissioning, curating and publishing original Canadian content by dance artists, educators, scholars, writers and photographers, as well as arts and culture journalists and writers from beyond dance. The Dance Currentis the only publication of its kind for dance in Canada, publishing a bimonthly print magazine and content-based website: thedancecurrent.com

Job Description:
The Dance Current is seeking an Editor. This is a freelance contract position, commencing April 7, 2014 and is the senior editorial position at the organization, reporting to the full-time Publisher. The Dance Current maintains a small, shared office space in the Historic Distillery District in Toronto and operates with an annual budget of approximately $190,000.

The Dance Current publishes six regular print issues per year, and produces online content streams including ongoing listings; daily videos; weekly news; and monthly reviews, features, columns and galleries. Reporting to the Publisher and working collaboratively with the small team, the Editor curates, develops and edits all print and online content within the overall organizational vision and strategic objectives. The Editor undertakes substantive, style, fact-checking and proofing responsibilities in all content areas. The Editor leads the editorial team and works with the full-time Managing Editor to set schedules, policies and procedures to meet the editorial goals within the financial resources available. The Managing Editor reports to the Publisher, and supports the Editor by managing editorial calendars, schedules, processes and production workflows, ensuring communication among the editorial/production team and administrating the website, among other non-editorial organizational responsibilities. The Editor consults at regular monthly intervals with the Executive Director to discuss editorial strategy and objectives. Reporting to the Editor are two Regional Online Editors (Montréal and Vancouver), a Translator, Copy Editor and Art Director.

This is a freelance contract position requiring an average of 25 hours per week contingent on the production cycle. Workflow fluctuates around bimonthly print production periods, intensifying over a three- to four-week period each cycle. The Editor is required to be present a minimum of 3 hours weekly in office and may complete the bulk of the work off-site so long as communication during regular office hours is maintained with the office staff via digital means. A shared workstation is available part-time in the office for the Editor’s scheduled use.

Responsibilities:

As The Dance Current is a small, not-for-profit organization, the position involves a wide variety of responsibilities and the ideal candidate will enjoy working within a closely collaborative and responsive context. Responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

·         Developing and maintaining multi-media editorial strategy and long-term planning

·         Curating and planning print and online content for existing readers and new target markets

·         Developing innovative and efficient editorial concepts and cross-platform elements that enhance editorial excellence while contributing to organizational sustainability

·         Editing and preparing print, online and cross-platform content including working with art director and Managing Editor on photo sourcing and layouts, substantive and style editing, fact checking and proofing

·         Writing a monthly online column, requisite un-credited writing and other supporting copy for print and online including an editorial for each print issue

·         Approving final copy and print/digital files for publication

·         Managing the editorial budget; hiring, commissioning and contracting contributors

·         Setting style processes and guidelines in collaboration with Managing Editor and Copy Editor

·         Working with the staff team to communicate editorial objectives and line-ups, and contributing to the development of organizational strategy in sales, circulation, marketing, sponsorship and fundraising

·         Supervising, developing and mentoring editorial staff and interns by providing guidance and offering feedback

·         Collaborating on organizational vision, implementing strategic plans and playing a role in the stewardship of the organization

Requirements:
The successful applicant will be a visionary individual, capable of supporting the current programs of the organization through long-term growth. The Editor’s priority will be to maintain and develop the editorial excellence of the magazine, in print and online. They will possess:

·         A bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field (required)

·         Significant editorial experience in periodical publishing, both print and online. Alternatively, significant editorial experience in digital, book or e-book publishing may be considered. Curatorial/dramaturgical experience in dance, theatre or performance with the requisite exceptional language and editing skills may also be considered.

·         Hands-on experience working collaboratively with writers, photographers and art directors to realize an editorial vision

·         Applied knowledge and hands-on experience with digital media and online editorial models, with the proven ability to realize innovative cross-platform editorial solutions for a small-scale, niche publication

·         Ability to work independently and as part of a small, dedicated staff team, providing leadership, communicating a vision and motivating staff to achieve it

·         Excellent time management skills with ability to multi-task and meet deadlines without fail in a fast-paced environment

·         Proven ability with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat and high comfort level with digital technologies, including websites, apps, social media and cloud-based workflows, with the capacity to regularly and easily adapt to and integrate new digital tools.

·         Knowledgeable and passionate about contemporary dance, art, culture and community practice

·         Experience with not-for-profit resource management and culture

·         Ability to work some evenings and weekends during production periods or events

·         Bilingual English-French highly desirable

How to Apply:
Individuals interested in applying should forward their résumé and cover letter, combined in one Word or PDF document to:

The Dance Current
15 Case Goods Lane, Studio #312
Toronto, Ontario M5A 3C4
By e-mail: hiringcommittee@thedancecurrent.com (please make the subject heading Job Posting – Editor)

The Dance Current is an equal opportunity employer.

Deadline for applications – Tuesday March 25, 2014 at 5 pm

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.