How does one go about negotiating for a higher-level title and salary for a job that has turned into much more than it was described?
Two years ago I took a job as editor of a business magazine (circulation 16,000; qualified subscribers must be CEOs or business owners) in a small Midwestern city. I took the job on a lark because a friend of mine was in a pinch when the former editor left with little notice. I didn't expect to stay very long, but through hard work backed up by 20 years of journalism experience, I've turned the job into much more than it has ever been, in terms of quality as well as visibility among our high-powered executive readers.
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In the last year, I spearheaded a complete redesign, and the magazine went from paper stock to glossy paper throughout. I've sought high-profile cover subjects and scored interviews with the major movers and shakers in regional business, including the CEOs of multibillion international companies as well as a round table with the governor. I personally forged a partnership with a new regional economic organization, sit on its most influential committee and single-handedly produced their first annual publication, which brought in considerable ad dollars.
I have established other relationships that have led to quite a bit of new business for a monthly magazine that typically grosses about $1 million per year.
I agreed to take this gig for $44,000. I am the sole editorial staffer, but I have established an excellent group of experienced business journalism freelancers. My boss says he has little leeway in editorial salaries; they are determined by the company. I know the company makes decent money, though a hefty chunk goes to corporate ownership. Ad reps with no college degree are making more than me, especially since I have created something of much greater value. There are no higher-level managers in the company that have any understanding or interest in journalism; they only value ad sales.
Do you have any suggestion for how I might attempt to boost the level of my position to a title and salary that suits reality?
Margaret
Because the boss finds himself or has put himself in a position where he must run messages between you and the company, he has in effect become your agent or ally. So, arm him with some facts. If, faced with a financial argument and the real prospect of losing you, he can make the change on his own, great. But he is the person you must deal with. He is responsible for running the operation, and he would be the one who has to replace you.
Make a detailed financial case for the boss and ask him to take it to the company. Put some numbers to it. If compensation is based on how many dollars people bring in, you have a good case. Give your boss the dollars and cents. Show how much the company stands to lose even if they replaced you but had a six-month lag for the next person to ramp up.
Yes, you may need to leave to get what you want. Do not threaten. A bullied boss can turn on you. But be ready to say, "I would prefer to continue working here, but if I were to leave, the magazine would lose, in the short term: X per month. If a suitable replacement were not up to speed after a year, we stand to lose Y."
The pronoun "we" puts you on the boss' side of the problem and positions you inside the company, even as you discuss leaving. It is more collaborative than confrontational.
It sounds as though your networking could lead to another job, should you find that necessary.
One last thing: It sounds as though money is most important to you and that title is second. But put both on the table at once. Items should be negotiated as a package, not as a sequence that might make bosses wonder, "What next?"
Coming Wednesday: This reporter's editor gives him no credit for his experience and skills, dictating questions, leads and conclusions.
