Overview

Boston Review, a magazine of ideas published both online and in print four times a year, is seeking an Assistant to the Publishers.

Reporting to the editor-in-chief and to the digital director, the Assistant to the Publishers is responsible for administrative efforts related to Boston Review’s publishing model, membership program, donor database, and fellowship program. This is an entry-level position well suited to someone who has an interest in the business/operations side of how a magazine is run.

Founded in 1975, Boston Review is an independent and nonprofit public space for robust discussion of ideas and culture. Animated by hope and committed to equality, we believe in the power of collective reasoning and imagination to create a more just world.

 

Primary Responsibilities

  • Assistant to Editor-in-Chief (50%) 
    • Support the editor-in-chief’s fundraising efforts with foundations, including drafting grant proposals and reports.
    • Draft quarterly emails to advisory board and schedule board meetings.
    • Serve as administrator for the annual Black Voices in the Public Sphere Fellowship program.

 

  • Donor Management and Engagement (25% — reports to both editor-in-chief and digital director)
    • Serve as a personalized point of contact for donors (reminding them of their donation schedules, sending thank you notes, tax letters, etc.)
    • Input all new donors into donor database. 
    • Assist with execution of donation drives: brainstorming themes and writing copy for Fall fundraising campaign and Giving Tuesday campaign.

 

  • Assistant to Digital Director (25%)
    • Manage member database, keeping it up to date and inputting new information when required.
    • Serve as customer service contact (email and phone) and first point of call for all BR members.
    • Troubleshoot member issues as they come up: refunds, upgrades, replacement issues, etc.
    • Assist with the execution of product sales and membership drives: brainstorming themes, setting up discount codes, writing promotional copy, etc.
    • Assist with the monthly Arts in Society email.
    • Light office work: opening mail, sending mail, etc.

 

Requirements

  • This is a full-time, entry-level position.
  • Required: Impeccable attention to detail and ability to manage multiple schedules at once.
  • Required: Good writing skills (grant writing experience a plus) and excellent spelling and grammar. 
  • Required: Good instincts for how to communicate with customers on the phone and by email. Grace under pressure.
  • Required: Proactive and self-driven with excellent ability to multitask.
  • Experience with Microsoft Excel and Word. 
  • Preferred: Experience with databasing, including Mailchimp, and Salesforce, and/or some kind of member/customer management system.
  • Preferred: Experience with WordPress and some kind of ecommerce platform (e.g., WooCommerce).
  • Ability to do some light schlepping (taking packages back and forth to the post office using a hand truck, moving books and merchandise around, doing repetitive fiddly work of preparing bulk mailings, etc.)
  • This position will require in-person work to be done out of Boston Review’s Cambridge, MA, office. It is not a position suitable for those seeking fully remote employment.

 

Benefits

  • Salary: At least $43,000 per year.
  • Health and dental insurance.

 

How to Apply

  • Please send a resume and cover letter that explains your interest in magazine operations to [email protected] before 9/1. In the subject line please put “Assistant to the Publishers— Last Name.”
  • Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
  • Candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Boston Review before applying.
  • Tentative start date of 11/1.
  • Boston Review is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, and LGBTQ people are encouraged to apply.