Editorial & Projects

Expertise

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT WITH AN EDITORIAL EYE

Successfully heading up operations for projects is a skill I honed in my years as an editorial leader. Charting the course and swiftly adjusting as needed is all in a day’s work when putting out a magazine where news cycles can force you to scrap an entire issue’s worth of content just days before they are due to the printer. Planning and process is critical for all projects, but why? I’ve been known to say “we make the plan so we can scrap it.” And I believe it. Forging ahead without a plan is like going into the forest without a compass. At some point you need to reorient yourself and quick, because the sun is going down.  Successful projects originate in plans that show reverence for research and strategy upfront in order to build the best foundation possible. A great plan is also grounded in accurate forecasting of resources as it ensures creativity and morale remains high throughout the process.

194 DIGITAL PROJECTS
11 MILLION IN BUDGETS
287 HAPPY STAFFERS
255 SUCCESSFUL PRINT CLOSES

Knox Design Strategy

CREATIVE WORKFLOW MANAGER
(2020–2022)

  • Revamp existing project workflow to ensure the big-picture view of how all projects are handled and how the current workload — collectively and individually — impacts budgets, resources, schedules, responsiveness, and client satisfaction.

Money Magazine & Money.com

MANAGING EDITOR
(2017–2019)

  • Decreased production costs 80%, while increasing digital first content 80% and staff contributions in print and digital 63%, by strategically creating and managing digital first workflow for print product.
  • Doubled readership in 6 months despite 25% staff reduction by creating and executing workflow centered on custom-built editorial projects roadmap favoring quality content over quantity. Hit all specified production deadlines, eliminating penalty costs, while trafficking in fast-paced environment.
  • Wrote several articles for website, topics such as zero-waste/eco-friendly wedding, picnic, and office.

Time, Inc.

DIGITAL STRATEGY & OPERATIONS CONSULTANT
(2016–2017)

  • Provided much needed visibility into daily and long-term activity in digital story budgets by establishing streamlined CMS workflow that included meeting schedules and all relevant communications.
  • Defined editorial, traffic/SEO goals by facilitating quarterly content resulting in custom content calendar.

BILLBOARD MAGAZINE

MANAGING EDITOR
(2014–2016)

  • Increased staff by 20%, led a team of 50 staff, freelancers and writers and shipped weekly print product on time by creating and implementing entirely new editorial and inter-departmental systems and strategies.
  • Reduced photography and art production costs and ensured consistently lean budget by partnering with sister publication and sharing resources.
  • Doubled weekly revenue opportunities for Advertising Sales Team by streamlining process, leveraging existing resources and producing more story-driven editorial content that advertisers found desirable.

ScrollMotion

PROJECT MANAGER
(2011–2014)

  • Launched dynamic apps content for iOS6 and iPad 3 retina versions of multiple print publications on custom platform within 3 weeks of receipt of original content to line-up with monthly newsstand dates by facilitating client-facing meetings, collecting and managing assets, coordinating and managing shared internal Product and Development resources and troubleshooting under constrained time frame.

GLAMOUR MAGAZINE & GLAMOUR.COM

DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR
(2010–2011)

  • Converted custom content-based app developed offshore into in-house, staff-generated Adobe CS5 app by orchestrating launch and transition process (delivery of early concepts, workflow generation, socialization and training within internal departments).
  • Hit desired pre-launch milestones in compliance with Apple requirements and standards as editorial lead on Apple Newsstand launch team through collaboration with marketing, sales, corporate and IT department leads.

COMPLEX MAGAZINE & COMPLEX.COM

MANAGING EDITOR
(2008–2010)

  • Flipped 7-issue yearly print-focused business to daily digital-based brand with same number of staffers, on time, on budget and within 1 fiscal year by directing complete overhaul of strategic plan (mission, organization systems, team training, packaging and distribution of articles on social media outlets).
  • Facilitated sale of multiple, 6-figure branded content programs by fostering teamwork with marketing reps. Present day site reflects custom strategic plan generated and directed for site redesign in 2010.

DOMINO MAGAZINE

ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR
(2007–2008)

  • Created and implemented print-driven web and editorial workflow and enforced deadlines.
  • Reduced waste in production cycle and established invoicing system.
  • Co-managed team of 44 staffers.

O, THE OPRAH MAGAZINE

ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR
(2003–2007)

  • Editorial leader on content management system switch while delivering issues on-time.
  • Approved content estimates; signed-off on invoices and attended cost record meetings.
  • Critiqued manuscripts and advanced galleys ; edited front-of-book pages, wrote several articles.
strategy

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Using various known management tools and knowing when to design custom workflows has enabled me to exceed my client’s goals and lead their teams to success on small and large-scale projects.

Traditional Project Management

Agile Method

Scrum Method

Lean Method

Tari Ayala left her job as managing editor of Billboard in 2016, and more than three years and two successors later, we are still using many of the systems she put in place when she arrived in 2014. It was a much different place then—a newsroom where reporters with assignments due (or overdue) would head home without a word to their superiors and where nights spent closing the magazine sometimes lasted until well after midnight. Tari quickly and steadily instituted systems that established a clear chain of command and defined responsibilities that left no gray areas. Those systems established team-building, distributed workloads evenly and greatly improved the quality of life for staffers. Within months, we were leaving the office at 6 p.m. instead of in the wee hours of the morning. Those systems also baked in ample time for planning, preparation and brainstorming, which subsequently improved the quality of our work as well. Despite taking on some of the most difficult and dysfunctional situations and staffers at the company, Tari never lost her cool or civility. She was unfailingly professional—and effective—as well as a genuinely warm and funny person. I can still hear her distinctive laugh. Put simply, I can’t recommend Tari Ayala more highly. If you would like to hear more, I am happy to elaborate upon her talents and accomplishments by phone or email, which she can provide.

Frank DiGiacomo | Executive Editor, Billboard Magazine

While at Billboard, Tari was the most vital person on the editorial staff and I’m not alone in that assessment. Her ability to prioritize workflow while juggling multiple projects, to track budgets, coordinate shipping schedules, and keep the staff focused and working hard, was the single reason that we were able to accomplish so much in two years. Tari’s tireless dedication to her craft, and her willingness to teach others, coupled with her otherworldly adherence to process separates her from anyone I’ve ever managed. If there’s something she can’t accomplish, I’ve yet to discover it. She would be an asset to any organization or project that needs management. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to me directly, Tari can provide my contact information.

Tony Gervino | Executive VP, Editor-in-Chief, TIDAL

I worked with Tari for several years at O, The Oprah Magazine and have found her to be a tough but likable and highly effective manager. She is whip-smart, driven, a talented leader, and a clear communicator. Tari takes a no-nonsense approach to her work that is both refreshing and much appreciated. And I admire her dedication and commitment not only to her work, but also to the people she works with. She is respectful, kind, positive, and willing to go out on a limb for the those she manages. She’s also one of the funniest people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Tari would be a valuable hire for any company. I highly recommend her.

Jennifer Fields | Director of Content Development, WebMD

Tari is a resourceful and pragmatic Project Manager, who has the ability to quickly ramp up to a new environment as well as integrate effectively into a new team (or position). She’s friendly, focused and eagerly takes on new challenges and is dedicated to delivering quality every step of the way.

Joseph Stuczynski, PMP, CSM | PMO Manager, Operational Effectiveness at University Hospitals