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Assistant Editor, Science News

Society for Science & the Public, Washington, District of Columbia, United States


Position Overview
Science News Media Group is looking for an Assistant Editor to join the team producing our award-winning flagship print magazine, Science News, and help advance our mission of connecting the public with accurate, engaging news of the latest in science, medicine and technology — a mission that is more important than ever before.

The Assistant Editor will work closely with the managing editor, research & special projects editor and features editor to develop content for the print magazine and manage the production process. Primary responsibilities include proofreading articles for style and grammar; assigning and editing reviews; fact-checking; writing magazine content; playing a key role on press day; and working with the digital team to adapt print-first content for our website and social media platforms. The Assistant Editor will also provide administrative support such as tracking corrections, editing board reports and submitting our stellar journalism for awards.

Our ideal candidate has strong writing and editing skills, can handle a wide range of styles and topics, is aware of trends across all fields of science and is eager to learn more. We value strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and the ability to contribute to a fast-paced environment as an individual and as part of a team.

You’ll be joining a group of creative, inquisitive people who come to science journalism from a diversity of backgrounds, education and experience. We’re constantly experimenting to better serve our millions of readers, while also remaining true to our mission as independent nonprofit journalists.

Job Responsibilities

Fortify the print production process, ensuring we meet press deadlines

Proofread and fact-check articles

Write magazine content as assigned

Assign, and edit reviews for each issue; maintain an editorial calendar for reviews

Produce print-first content in a WordPress CMS

Provide administrative support to the Editor in Chief and Managing Editor

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Skilled journalist with an understanding of science and how to communicate it to the general public

Excellent editing and copyediting skills, including proficiency in AP Style

Organized and attentive to detail

Able to work collegially under deadline pressures

Knowledge of Adobe suite products including InCopy and InDesign

Familiarity with AirTable is a plus

Knowledge of WordPress

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; an advanced degree in science and/or journalism preferred

At least 2 years of editing experience required; experience in science, medicine or technology is a plus

Must be authorized to work in the United States

Supervisory Responsibility
No supervisory responsibility.

Position Type and Expected Hours
This is a full-time (37.5 hr/wk), exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday during normal office hours of the Society. The normal business hours of the Society are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, with core hours of 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST.

The salary range is $62,000-$64,350

Physical Demands
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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer and other office equipment.

Additional Eligibility Information
Society for Science has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for employees coming into the office and attending Society events. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons.

EEO Statement
The Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Society for Science is committed to equal employment opportunity. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, the Society does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, age and/or any other categories protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.

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