Follow this link for a detailed description of the editor's role and to apply
With a print growing readership of approximately 25,000 and an increasing online presence, The Actuary is a key platform for news, views and jobs in the actuarial community and the leading publication for the actuarial profession in the UK.
The current Editor is due to step down this year, so SIAS is looking for a highly- motivated and enthusiastic successor to lead the editorial team of the magazine going forward. Do you think you have the energy and dedication to take a role in guiding an expanding specialist production team? Do you have the creative flair yet the eye for detail to preside over a high quality publication?
This is a challenging role and we require a candidate with strong communication skills, an ability to work under the pressure of meeting publishing deadlines and the commercial awareness to take the magazine forward. However the Editor will be working with a strong team of experienced publishing staff and specialist editors. A more detailed description of the role may be found below.
If you think you have got what it takes, and would like to find out more, please submit your expressions of interest, including a CV, by emailing Alvin Kissoon at [email protected] no later than 30 June 2013.
Job description
Personal skills
Leadership skills and the ability to be diplomatic and fair. Being a team player is of paramount importance
Critical thinking -- using logic and reasoning to identify and manage alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
Identifying and managing potential conflicts of interest on behalf of SIAS/IFoA
Time management -- managing one's own time to meet deadlines yet maintain flexible approach
Strong networking skills with external contacts/potential leads at industry events
Ability in raising the profile of the magazine
Editorial skills
Agreeing the layout, appearance and content of feature articles
Attending regular meetings/conference calls for generating ideas for features with respective editors
Proofreading all editorial pages before going to press; therefore excellent grammar and spelling skills, accuracy and an eye for detail are strong requirements
At particularly busy times and towards a deadline, the editor may need to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, and therefore the ability to work effectively under pressure is a necessity.
Responsibilities
Understanding the requirements of the timetable and ensuring all deadlines are met
Ultimate responsibility for all editorial content of the magazine
Ultimately reports to the SIAS Actuary Convenor
Ensuring that there is a suitable balance of material for the magazine to meet the needs of the members (keeping in mind that the magazine is independent of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, its president and the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries' operational staff)
Seeking to encourage healthy independent debate in the magazine, which is reflective of the views of the readers
Appointing the Editorial Team (currently comprises a strong team of experienced publishing staff and specialist editors) and responsible for ensuring that this team delivers all editorial content for the magazine
Writing a monthly editorial for the magazine and collating the letters page(s)
Resolving any disputes that may arise in relation to the magazine and its contributors and/or readers
Attendance at the Editorial Advisory Panel (the "EAP") meetings, production meetings and Management Committee meetings, currently this is one meeting a month in total. These are chaired by SIAS, and also attended by The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries & the publisher. These meetings are intended to review the financial and high-level operational performance of the magazine
The Editor is advised by the EAP and should bear in mind the EAP's opinion in all editorial decisions made in relation to the magazine
The Editor can also use SIAS as a sounding board for any operational issues, and should bear in mind SIAS's opinion regarding any structural/strategic decisions made by SIAS
The Editor is expected to have a view on the ongoing future of The Actuary, and take an active part in discussions relating to this, whilst keeping in mind SIAS's opinion
The Editor would need to have a strong and engaging personality. Strong communication skills are essential, and this role is likely to suit someone who has a number of years of post-qualification experience
The Editor is not responsible for production or distribution of the magazine, which falls to the Profession & SIAS, who appoint a publisher
The publisher appoints a Managing Editor, currently Sharon Maguire, who carries out the day to day management of editorial issues
At time of writing the current editor has agreed to meet with the Institute and Faculty president at least twice a year to discuss recent and future content and the Profession's strategic aims. These meetings should be arranged with the Actuarial profession's magazine representative, currently Barbara Beebee or Alison Jiggins
The time commitment for an Editor is expected to be 3-5 days a month, with a focus of activity before publication deadlines
The Editor is usually appointed for a term of two years although an individual is permitted to apply to SIAS for more than one term as editor. If the Editor wishes to step down from the role, appropriate notice will be required (recommended six months) and the outgoing Editor will be expected to assist in the process of appointing their replacement. An honorarium will be paid to the Editor to cover expenses
