Aviation Writer / Editor

JOB SUMMARY: The Aviation Writer/Editor creates and curates a high volume of general aviation-related content for our magazines and website, informing readers of GA news and advocacy efforts, introducing them to interesting people in the GA community, inspiring them with ideas for how to get more fulfillment out of flying, and showcasing interesting aircraft and products. Working in coordination with writers and videographers, the Aviation Writer/Editor also coordinates coverage related to pilot proficiency and owning and maintaining aircraft for the Rudder and Wrench section of AOPA Pilot and across AOPA’s media channels. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Ideation (15%)

Pitch stories independently according to AOPA’s organizational priorities and the interests of our audience.

Derive story ideas and insight from personal flying experiences.

Participate in and facilitate collaborative brainstorming, including expressing thoughts clearly, using active listening, and checking for understanding. Acknowledge and show respect for others’ points of view; respect honest disagreement; provide and receive honest feedback with a positive attitude. 

Exercise news judgment to evaluate potential stories, use resources to determine the appropriate focus of a story. 

Reporting (25%)

Network appropriately internally and externally to learn of news and developments.

Gather information using standard journalistic reporting methods, including research, interviews, and observation.

Coordinate and travel with photographers and videographers. Set expectations with sources and effectively communicate AOPA’s content gathering needs and processes.

Adapt to change; maintain composure and reprioritize as needed.

Anticipate challenges and plan for contingencies; identify problems and propose solutions in accordance with department priorities. 

Writing and content creation (30%)

Deliver pitched and assigned stories for print and online weekly and monthly as needed, using time and financial resources effectively.

Produce engaging, original content employing standard newswriting techniques and a variety of story structures appropriate to the medium.

Check facts appropriately to verify accuracy. 

Planning, editing and production (30%)

Plan, assign, and edit content related to ownership and proficiency for AOPA’s print media.

Review freelance submissions as needed, responding to and providing feedback to authors, ensuring contracts and payments are submitted promptly.

Collaborate with art staff to align design and photo choices with text.

Edit for accuracy and style. 

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

Facilitate air-to-air photography by making appropriate connections with subject pilots and AOPA’s Chief CFI. May include formation flying.

Collaborate to tell stories on different platforms, including social media and video.

Assist with the digital or print production process.

Takes photographs and operates action cameras in support of AOPA's content gathering.

May oversee a sweepstakes promotion, to include aircraft management and repositioning, maintenance and upgrades coordination, budgeting, public appearances, and media coverage, to engage with pilots and generate excitement around membership. 

Although this job description aims to capture the majority of the position duties, other duties may be assigned based on business and departmental needs. 

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.

A minimum of three years of multi-channel media and professional writing experience.

Private pilot certificate or above.

Thorough understanding of grammar. Familiarity with AP and/or Chicago style preferred. 

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Major in English or journalism.

Experience living the GA lifestyle.

Familiar with major companies in general aviation and significant issues affecting GA. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

This position works in an office setting.

Typical working hours are 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break.

Generally, a climate-controlled environment with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions when attending aviation-related events and reporting on the general aviation community, including exposure to higher altitudes and confined spaces if in a general aviation aircraft.

This position requires some travel, possibly up to 15% of the time, to various general aviation or industry-related events. Travel is by aircraft (general aviation and commercial) and by road or public transit. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to:

Sit for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.

Use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.

Communicate effectively via email, phone, and in-person, which requires clear speech, hearing, and vision.

Occasionally operate general aviation aircraft, including manipulating conventional controls and stepping up and bending during preflight inspection.

Occasionally stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms during the course of normal office activities.

Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 15 pounds, such as boxes of materials or equipment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  
 
This position is located at AOPA’s Frederick, MD headquarters.   

The salary range for this position is: $72,000 - $80,000, depending on education and experience. 

BENEFIT INFORMATION: 

Flight Training (earn your Private Pilot License for free) & Annual Flight Proficiency Program (so you can keep flying and remain proficient) 

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance is available for employees and their dependents on the 1st of the month following their start date 

Flexible Spending Plans 

Health Savings Plan with employer contribution (for eligible participants) 

401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match, and annual discretionary supplemental employer contribution 

Company paid Short and Long-term Disability Insurance 

Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D insurance with the option to buy up  

Paid Time Off (PTO): 17 days accrued during first year (accruals increase based on tenure) 

Paid Holidays: 12 holidays 

Personal days: 3 (prorated based on hire date) 

Volunteer day: 1 (prorated based on hire date)  

Work From Home Fridays 

Paid Parental Leave  

AOPA Membership 

Employee Assistance Program 

Wellness Program (earn medical insurance premium discounts) 

Gym Reimbursement Program 

Supplemental insurance options (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity) 

Tuition Reimbursement Program  

Discount on AOPA swag 

Business casual dress code 

Free coffee, tea, hot cocoa