Role Purpose
The Specials & Creative Editor will manage all aspect of “specials”, primarily advertiser-funded branded content creative solutions but also major editorially-led sponsored projects. The S&C Editor will direct production, delivery and management of these projects.
This includes managing a dedicated ad-funded solutions production team onshore and offshore, working closely with editorial and sales colleagues, managing budgets and contributing to revenue targets. The S&C Editor will drive creativity and editorial excellence in this growing sector as a partner to Microsoft Advertising. He/she will also contribute to the development of sophisticated editorial special packages capable of attracting high value advertising and sponsorship.
The S&C Editor can expect to spend the majority of their time directing and delivering on commercial projects but will be expected to spin knowledge and developments from those projects into the rest of the portal and to lead innovative editorial projects aimed at sponsorship.
He/she will manage the business with an eye to overall creative story-telling opportunities with new tools and practices.
The Specials & Creative Editor will bring a balanced view of commercial and editorial priorities in the development of non-standard content solutions on the portal and develop industry-leading solutions for commercial customers and the latest thinking in editorial presentation.
Team/Department Mission
The content and publishing team is committed to developing portal and MSN products which Inspire, Connect and Entertain readers. It offers advertisers great audiences and powerful messages and readers compelling experiences and engaging tools. The content and publishing team in online services will also work to integrate Microsoft tools and features in projects as appropriate. The Specials & Creative team has a particular commitment to support Microsoft Advertising, the UK’s number one online display sales force.
Key Accountabilities
Reporting to the Senior Product Manager, Portal & Partnerships, the Specials & Creative Editor will be responsible for developing commercial solutions which meet demanding revenue targets while keeping costs within budget and contribution margins. He or she will constantly re-evaluate those revenue targets with a view to developing a substantial operation which maximizes the revenue potential in this area and gives MSN UK an industry leading position.
The Specials & Creative Editor will also be expected to take a lead in bringing innovation to the editorial elements of the site - improving design, reader engagement and inventory. In this capacity the editor will follow editorial policies and commercial guidelines laid down by the Editor-in-Chief and Executive Producer.
Day-to-day management of diverse team of London-based and off-shore contract contributors, including designers, project managers, programmers and editors.
Close management of costs, including raising and managing purchase orders and reviewing invoicing for resource, content and development costs.
Monthly reporting of business metrics and accomplishments. Flag and resolve problems quickly.
Develop annual budget and resource/production plan to deliver against target revenue.
Key Success Criteria
On time, on budget delivery of commercial projects.
Integration of the selling, commissioning and delivery pipelines.
Meeting revenue targets from commercial products
A record of innovative developments on the portal, both commercial and editorial
Close working relationship with Sales
Impact and influence on key executives.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
1) Essential Experience
Demonstrable record in innovation of commercially-sponsored editorial products
An understanding of the financials of an advertising-funded publishing business.
Experience in managing production teams working to fast deadlines
Experience working with sales and clients
Substantial experience in branded content publishing online
High level of creative story-telling ability and experience.
Demonstrated success in delivering innovative online projects and features on time and on budget.
Experience in team and project leadership/problem solving.
Ability to plan and manage the division’s budget.
Desirable:
Strong communication skills, with the ability to persuade and seek consensus.
Understanding of the MSN portal strategy and how it fits into Microsoft targets and goals.
An ability to manage numerous stakeholders as priorities shift on the fly.
Close understanding of how web publishing and user trends are evolving.
2) Technical / Functional Skills
Comfort with modern web-editing and production systems.
Experienced in social media
3) Personal Attributes / Interpersonal Skills
High level of communication and problem solving skills. Cool under pressure
Integrity and honesty
Proven creative leadership and innovation.
The ability to convince others despite ignorance or opposition
Ability to provide steady, calm leadership amid intense work schedules
Ability to work in a matrix-work environment where there may be multiple stakeholders
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