Associate Editor

The American Academy of Pediatrics, the nation’s leading advocacy organization for children’s health, is seeking a mission driven Associate Editor with a strong AP Style background to join our team. This position will write and edit content for AAP News, the official news-magazine of the AAP, AAP News On Call, and other member news publications. In addition, this role will contribute to member-facing social media platforms and assist with the planning and editing of AAP News and other member news communications.

Reporting to the Director, Member News, some tasks include:

• Research subject matter, identify topic experts, interview sources, and write news and feature stories for AAP News print and online. Edit articles, columns, commentaries, and feature stories as assigned.
• Oversee content management and editing of AAP News On Call email newsletter, track submitted content, analyze metrics, and recommend updates to maintain/improve member engagement. Collaborate with others in public affairs for a strategic approach.
• Collaborate with relevant AAP staff to develop and guide member news social media strategy on new and existing platforms, creating posts and managing content for member-facing social media platforms. Monitor performance, oversee ventures into new platforms, and work with other staff members on training as needed.
• Work with other members of the AAP News team to maintain the aapnews.org website.
• Proofread AAP News magazine before it goes to press.
• Oversee content and management of annual awards section.
• Assist in writing headlines, subheads, captions, and pull-quotes for AAP News stories, features and regular columns as needed.
• Monitor other pediatric and medical publications and websites for story ideas to help identify articles that would be of interest to AAP News readers.
• Participate in monthly AAP News story and art conference, providing ideas for stories, illustration, video, and other multimedia opportunities. Participate in weekly public affairs content planning meetings.
• Stay current on relevant news publication and social media trends, applying best practices and available analytics to enhance content.
• Cross train with appropriate staff as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications needed:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications, or related discipline or an equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience required.
• At least three years’ related experience in editing, reporting, news writing, and publication production required, preferably for association publications, daily newspapers, and/or news magazines. Knowledge of AP style required. Experience writing on health-related topics and working in an association desirable.
• Excellent editing, writing, interviewing, organizational, project management, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills required, and the ability to distill and communicate key points from scientific and technical information. Must be able to produce content under tight deadlines, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, take initiative, work both independently and as part of a team, collaborate effectively with various internal and external constituents, and maintain a positive and cooperative team-oriented work environment with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Strong technical acumen essential with proficiency in MS Office and the ability to learn and apply new technologies; experience with social media platforms, virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Webex, Teams), and website maintenance/document collaboration platforms preferred. Some evening/weekend work may be required.

To learn more about the organization, see a full job description, and/or apply for the position, please visit: https://www.aap.org/employment.

The AAP offers an excellent work environment, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package. As a reaffirmation to our employee-focused culture, since 2005 the AAP has been named one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Chicagoland area. Additionally, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans that values the strength diversity brings to our workplace.

Reasonable Accommodation: Individuals with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation regarding the job application process may call 630-626-6297. Please note, only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will receive a response.