The Managing Director, Editorial & Content leads GMHC’s editorial voice and content strategy across channels. This senior leadership role oversees the development of storytelling that advances GMHC’s mission, strengthens donor engagement, and communicates the organization’s work to diverse audiences.

Serving as the organization’s senior editorial leader, this role ensures that GMHC’s voice is clear, consistent, and aligned across programs, fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and executive communications. The Managing Director sets the strategic direction of the editorial calendar and oversees the production and editing of key content including newsletters, blogs, marketing emails, fundraising appeals, press materials, and website copy.

The Managing Director will also lead the content strategy for GMHC’s website redesign and partner closely with Digital & Social, Creative Strategy, and Development teams to ensure the organization’s digital presence reflects its mission, impact, and priorities.

This role works closely with Development to shape fundraising appeals, campaign narratives, and donor communications, and also supports executive communications and thought leadership initiatives as GMHC continues to expand its public voice.

This position requires strong editorial judgment, strategic vision, and the ability to translate complex programmatic work into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with clients, donors, partners, and the broader public.

Essential Job Functions

Editorial Leadership and Content Strategy

• Set the vision and strategic direction for GMHC's editorial voice across all communications channels.
• Develop and oversee the organization's editorial calendar across web, email, newsletters, and major campaigns.
• Establish editorial standards, messaging frameworks, and voice guidelines used across the organization.
• Serve as the organization's senior editorial authority, ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment across all public-facing communications.
• Identify opportunities to surface client stories, program impact, and community voices.
• Ensure storytelling reflects the lived experiences of the communities GMHC serves and aligns with the organization's values.

Content Writing and Production

• Write and edit high-visibility content on a regular cadence including:
• Organization newsletter
• Website blogs and feature stories
• Marketing emails and campaign copy
• Direct response fundraising appeals
• Donor communications and stewardship content
• Program impact stories
• Event promotions and recaps
• leadership communications (remarks, bylines, LinkedIn drafts)
• Draft op-eds or thought leadership pieces when appropriate.
• Turn complex program updates into clear, people-centered stories that resonate with multiple audiences.
• Ensure all content is accurate, sensitive, and aligned with GMHC values.

Press Materials and Media Support

• Write press releases for organizational announcements, events, and campaigns.
• Draft media talking points and messaging as needed.
• Partner with the Vice President, Communications & Brand on media materials and rapid-response communications.

Direct Response and Fundraising Content

• Lead the development of direct response fundraising messaging for mail and digital campaigns.
• Partner with Development on appeal strategy, messaging, and donor segmentation.
• Draft development communications including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship email sequences.
• Shape campaign narratives for major fundraising initiatives including AIDS Walk New York.

Website Redesign Content Leadership

• Lead the editorial strategy for the website redesign.
• Conduct a comprehensive content audit to determine what should be retained, revised, or removed.
• Develop clear content structures and messaging for core pages including About, Programs, Services, Get Involved, Events, Donate, and FAQs.
• Create copy decks for internal review and approvals.
• Partner with Digital & Social on SEO best practices and page structure.
• Support content migration and quality assurance prior to launch.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work closely with Digital & Social to translate long-form storytelling into social and email formats.
• Partner with Creative & Brand to ensure alignment between narrative and visual identity.
• Collaborate with Development on appeals, donor updates, and campaign storytelling.
• Coordinate with Programs and other departments to surface stories and ensure accuracy.

Approvals and Quality Control

• Manage review and approval workflows for major communications.
• Ensure all content reflects stigma-free, people-first, and inclusive language.
• Maintain accessibility and clarity standards across formats.

Supervision and Project Management

• Supervise interns, consultants, or contract writers as needed, with the expectation of managing editorial staff as the team grows.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and ensure deadlines are met without sacrificing quality.
• Flag timeline risks early and proactively.

Other Responsibilities

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Bring forward new story ideas and opportunities to strengthen GMHC's narrative voice.
• Stay current on nonprofit communications trends and best practices.
• Recommend practical improvements to strengthen reach, clarity, and audience engagement.

Special Skills and Knowledge

• Strong portfolio demonstrating range across web, email, newsletter, and fundraising communications.
• Experience developing or overseeing editorial strategy or content programs at an organizational level.
• Demonstrated experience writing direct response fundraising copy.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with minimal oversight.
• Experience leading content development for a website redesign or major web refresh.
• Excellent editorial judgment and comfort providing feedback to strengthen others' work.
• Ability to interview staff, clients, and partners and translate conversations into compelling stories.
• Clear, direct writing style that avoids jargon and centers the reader.
• Commitment to inclusive, stigma-free, and people-first communication.
• Deep awareness of and alignment with LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.

 Education and Certification

•  Bachelor's degree required and 10+ years of equivalent professional experience, professional writing and editorial experience, ideally in nonprofit, public health, or social justice settings. 

Technical Skills 

The ideal candidate should have the following technical competencies to effectively manage case documentation, reporting, and client services:

•  Content management systems (WordPress or similar)
• Email platforms (Constant Contact, Bonterra suite, or similar)
• Basic SEO and web writing best practices
• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace
• Project management tools (Asana or equivalent)
• Familiarity with Canva or Adobe tools is a plus.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Hybrid role with regular on-site presence for meetings and key events.
• Flexibility to work non-traditional hours during campaigns or events.
• Participation in AIDS Walk NY is mandatory for all staff.

Physical Demands

• While carrying out the responsibilities of this role:
• Prolonged sitting and use of computer equipment.
• Regular communication with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Ability to attend events and gather content on-site as needed.

Successful candidates will welcome the opportunity to work in a racially and gender-diverse environment and contribute to a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Working at GMHC requires a demonstrated awareness of and commitment to the concerns of the breadth of the communities that we serve.

GMHC is committed to fostering an inclusive, racially and gender-diverse workplace and seeks candidates dedicated to promoting equity and social justice within our community.