Position Summary

The General Manager oversees all non-editorial aspects of Student Life, the independent student newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. Responsibilities include the financial and operations functions of the organization, including: monthly reconciliation and review of all budgets; payroll; procurement and disbursement functions; management of short & long range revenue goals; supervision of business office staff; working with the student editorial staff on non-content matters; and acting as liaison to the WUSMI board of directors.

Student Life publishes a weekly print edition and daily electronic content.

The Student Life budget is approximately $400,000 per year.

This position reports directly to the Chair of the WU Student Media Inc. Board on matters related to the business and operations of WUSMI and to the Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students as a Washington University employee.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare annual operating budget and monitor income against expense on a quarterly basis.
• Supervise the Advertising Sales Manager to ensure the proper training and development of the student sales staff.
• Participate in the training process to establish relationships with new staff/act as a resource.
• Plan, organize and direct sales efforts in consultation with the Advertising Sales Manager.
• Develop special sections and other opportunities to grow revenue.
• Provide timely updates to the Board of Directors on ongoing business and operations, as required by WUSMI policy and at the Board’s request.
• Work with editorial staff (who are all WUSTL students) to establish and maintain effective deadline and production schedule.
• Develop production schedule and maintain timeline for issue layout.
• Develop publication schedule for the year, in consultation with the current Editor(s) in Chief and Advertising Sales Manager.
• Establish, implement, and interpret operating policies and procedures.
• Arrange for weekly printing of the newspaper and maintain good working relationship with the printer.
• Arrange for the functioning of the studlife.com website.
• Ensure the effective production and distribution of the daily Student Life email newsletter.
• Arrange training opportunities and retreats for the editorial staff.
• Formulate marketing and public relations activities for the paper in consultation with the editor in chief.
• Ensure copyright forms are properly filled out and maintained.
• Maintain accurate records of all sales, income and expenditures.
• Process all requests for disbursements and procurement of equipment and supplies.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors, including property and libel insurance.
• Procure and maintain equipment and supplies for the business and editorial offices.
• Ensure timely reimbursements to staff members and payments to vendors.
• Coordinate computer upgrades/purchases and repairs.
• Develop pricing structures for advertising, subscriptions and other products/services Student Life provides.
• Assist the advertising manager as needed to ensure the accuracy of invoicing and statement processing for customers.
• Maintain sales records and provide reports for analysis.
• Assist the Advertising Manager in the maintenance and development of relationships with national rep firms and high profile clients to recruit advertisers.
• Assist the Advertising Manager in the development and maintenance of credit/collection procedures and ensure all efforts are taken for collection of delinquent accounts.
• Maintain payroll and records, including issuing 1099’s for all eligible students.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of annual 990 form.
• Work with board president to arrange twice year WUSMI directors meetings and executive committee meetings as needed.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with key university administrators.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Fast paced office environment with significant student contact; travel among the various on-campus buildings and among the various campuses and to off-campus locations. Typically working at desk. Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement. Occasional lifting (25 lbs or less).

Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications/Professional Licenses

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience

Management/Supervisory And/Or Sales (3 Years)

Skills

Budgetary Accounting, Financial Management

Driver's License

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of Macintosh computers, desktop publishing software (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), Word, Excel, and Quicken. Knowledge of the publishing industry and 2-5 years experience working in a college newspaper environment. Multimedia and Social Media expertise. Excellent interpersonal skills. Team player who is accessible and able to forge relationships within all areas of the paper, Board of Directors, and University. Able to work in a fast paced, student-driven environment. Established methods for time management and professional communication. General knowledge of publishing and offset and four-color printing techniques.

Salary Range

$53,100.00 - $90,600.00 / Annually