Managing Editor, Media

JOB SUMMARY:

The managing editor oversees daily editorial operations of AOPA Pilot; AOPA Pilot, Turbine Edition; and Flight Training magazines. Responsibilities include ensuring the timely delivery of all print publications and associated digital content; editing for style, accuracy, and space; working closely with design, photography, and video staff on visual presentation and production; optimizing workflows; assigning writing and production tasks; managing relations with freelance contributors; setting and enforcing deadlines; and communicating editorial guidelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Leadership and Performance Management (30%):

Reporting to the Senior Director, Publications, guide production processes for print publications and digital assets.

Oversee two direct reports; facilitate one-on-one meetings, production huddles, and performance reviews; identify skills gaps and implement training where needed; develop projects and plans to improve production processes and methods of communication.

Create, schedule, and lead team meetings (e.g., feature lineups, assignments, and brainstorming sessions).

Address performance issues promptly with proper documentation; escalate to management/HR when necessary.

Workforce Planning and Team Management (10%):

Recruit staff as needed by reviewing position descriptions, selecting candidates, and conducting interviews.

Develop onboarding plans for new hires or promotions.

Coach direct reports in creating and accomplishing goals that align with departmental strategy.

Optimize productivity by managing workloads, schedules, and resources; ensure equitable distribution of work.

Editorial (35%):

Manage the flow of content from submissions through distribution utilizing an entirely digital process.

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. 

Use sharp editorial judgment in vetting story submissions and reviewing design layouts; stay informed of what’s happening in the world of general aviation.

Update and enforce house style guidelines (custom blend of AP Stylebook and Chicago Manual of Style).

Format, revise, write, edit, proofread, and verify accuracy of written content, checking for clarity, consistency, concision, grammar, syntax, tone, and punctuation.

Communicate author queries professionally and constructively.

Review freelance submissions; respond to and provide feedback to authors.

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

Vet and compile submissions for the “Rudder and Wrench” section of AOPA Pilot.

Process Improvement and Automation (10%)

Identify opportunities for process improvement by automating manual data-related tasks and exploring new methods of consolidating projects and the software platforms we use.

Explore, recommend, and integrate technology solutions.

Update existing workflows to suit team’s evolving needs.

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

Administrative (15%)

Organize and manage production files; ensure most recent versions are available, outdated files are archived, and documents are populated to the correct locations.

Using project management software, ensure assignees are aware of expectations, lineups are accurate, and deadlines are scheduled.

Maintain production calendars, Wrike lineups, and templates; ensure updates are communicated to staff and freelancer contributors.

Oversee editorial contracts and contributor payments.

Maintain knowledge of organizational policies and employment regulations, ensuring team compliance.

Uphold confidentiality and accuracy in all personnel records and actions.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

Pitch, report, and deliver assigned stories for print and online assets as needed.

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

Take photographs and operate action cameras in support of AOPA’s content gathering.

**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 with a minimum of five years’ multi-channel media experience.

Expert knowledge of grammar and strong familiarity with AP and/or Chicago stylebooks.

Proficiency using Microsoft Office and Adobe InDesign.

Aptitude for navigating project management platforms and CMSs; ability to adapt to new software/technologies quickly.

Diplomatic nature with an ability to manage multiple teams under tight deadlines.

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Major in English, Journalism, or relevant humanities discipline.

Sport pilot certificate or above.

Experience living the GA lifestyle.

Familiar with major companies in general aviation and major 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, including exposure to higher altitudes and confined spaces if in a general aviation aircraft.

This position requires some travel, 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:

The physical demands of this position are typical of a standard office environment. 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 lift or move items weighing up to 15 pounds, such as boxes of materials or equipment.

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

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, office.   

The salary range for this position is: $80,000 - $90,000, 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 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