Managing Editor (part-time) – Talent Quarterly magazine
New York, NY (Based anywhere in US)
THE OPPORTUNITY
You can help build the next great business
magazine by guiding Talent Quarterly’s growth
from niche to national. The Talent Strategy Group
is a growing presence in talent consulting globally
and our Talent Quarterly magazine has a small but
fervent subscriber base. Our goal is to fill the
massive “white space” between the high-end
management content of Harvard Business Review
and the throwaway content and aesthetics of every
HR magazine currently published.
Our challenge is that we know lots about talent and
nothing about magazines. We need someone who knows the business side of
growing and managing a magazine. That includes how to gain subscribers, set
up an advertising function, how to structure social media interaction, create and
execute a marketing strategy, how to repackage and redistribute content, and
everything else!
Given the small size and quarterly publication schedule we likely only need 20%
of someone’s time today. BUT, the goal would to grow the magazine to the point
where this is a full-time position.
ABOUT TALENT STRATEGY GROUP
The Talent Strategy Group is a six year old boutique and growing management
consulting firm involved in key elements of talent management. Our work
includes talent management consulting, education through our Talent
Management Institute at the University of North Carolina, executive search for
human resources, a suite of 360-feedback tools and Talent Quarterly magazine.
We work with the world’s premier companies and NGOs including EY,
Starbucks, Pepsi, General Mills, Darden Restaurants, Gates Foundation, Philip
Morris International and similarly sized organizations. We distinguish our work
and deliver value by providing “science-based simplicity.” Our approach is to
The Talent Strategy Group | Executive Search
One Penn Plaza, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10119
understand the strongest academic research about how people and organizations
succeed, and then to apply that knowledge in the simplest possible way.
The Talent Strategy Group | Executive Search
One Penn Plaza, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10119
Managing Editor (part-time)
Talent Quarterly
Page 3 of 5
Our founder and President, Marc Effron, is a leading voice in the field of human
resources. He’s the author of the Harvard Business Review Publishing book, One
Page Talent Management, and manages the daily work of TSG.
TALENT QUARTERLY MAGAZINE
Talent Quarterly magazine was founded in January 2014 to raise the quality of
discussion with executives about talent issues. Per the title, we publish quarterly
and have produced 10 issues. We average 8 articles and about 70 pages per issue,
including a small number of ads.
Our contributors are primarily the world’s leading academics from top business
schools and well-known consultants. There is no content generated “in-house”
except one regular column. All articles are solicited and no blind submission has
ever been accepted.
TQ has a strong design sense and we believe in presenting our content with
creative, challenging and wry design elements.
We produce and distribute a print magazine, ebook and have an app in both the
App Store and Google Play. Our print version is presented on high weight,
glossy paper with a glossy UV coated cover.
There is no newsstand distribution. There is occasional conference distribution.
There is an investor in the magazine in addition to the Talent Strategy Group.
KEY DELIVERABLES
In the first year of employment the primary goals for the Managing Editor are to:
1. Conduct a comprehensive review of every element of the TQ business: You
will assess the business and determine its relative strengths and weaknesses.
You will present a fact-based assessment with conclusions and
recommendations.
2. Create and implement a strategy for growth: You will develop, receive
approval for, and begin implementation of a TQ growth strategy. You will
meet metrics jointly set with TSG’s owners.
3. Manage quarterly production: You will manage the flawless production of
TQ through contractors including design, layout, printing and customer
service.
The Talent Strategy Group | Executive Search
One Penn Plaza, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10119
Managing Editor (part-time)
Talent Quarterly
Page 4 of 5
DIFFERENTIATING CAPABILITIES AND EXPERIENCES
You will apply the capabilities gained during your many experiences, but these
capabilities will differentiate your success:

Savvy General Manager: You are broadly skilled and capable across
marketing, finance and operations and able to integrate that knowledge to
effectively manage the regular operations of the business.

Passionate Magazine Pro: You love magazines. You love the content they
provide. You love the beauty of their design and the feel of the print copies.
You’re happiest (at work) when you’ve produced another flawless, exciting,
value-laden issue. You have a point of view about the right way to do that
and are able to execute that point of view.

Entrepreneur: Growing a business comes naturally to you and you believe
it’s the best possible use of your time. You understand the need to move
quickly, take joy in eliminating the competition and know that another hour
invested puts you another step ahead. Your first interest is getting results and
your second interest is getting results.
FATAL FLAWS
You will not succeed in this role if you demonstrate the following behaviors/
mindsets, among others:

Timidity: Slow and steady, don’t rock the boat, “we probably shouldn’t say
that,” “seems a little edgy” – these will show a poor fit with our mindset and
approach.

Lone Wolf: You develop strategies, practices and processes in isolation, either
not asking for input from key stakeholders or not caring about it.

Corporate Mindset: “I don’t do the work; I just manage the work.” “We need
to hire a staff of 20 people.” You will be well-resourced for all essential needs.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
This position reports to Marc Effron and is also responsible to current and future
investors.
EDUCATION
No degree is required.
COMPENSATION
The Talent Strategy Group | Executive Search
One Penn Plaza, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10119
Managing Editor (part-time)
Talent Quarterly
Page 5 of 5
We will structure compensation to attract the best part-time leader possible, and
will offer equity in the magazine to the right individual.
INTERESTED?
To express interest in this role, please forward a resume to Zac Upchurch,
[email protected]
The Talent Strategy Group | Executive Search
One Penn Plaza, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10119