This is a contract position and fully remote.
Position Description
Western Field Ornithologists seeks an individual with strong writing and editorial skills to publish the organization’s quarterly newsletter (winter, spring, summer, fall).
The newsletter editor works closely with staff, board members, and committee members to plan each issue. In addition to planning and editing the newsletter, the editor formats the eNews and works with the web design staff to post the content on the website. WFO Board meetings are held quarterly via Zoom, and the editor is expected to attend to report on the newsletter and to keep up-to-date about events and announcements to share with the WFO membership.
Core responsibilities include:
- Develop content and write articles
- Good interpersonal and interview skills
- Edit board and staff newsletter content
- Create and maintain an editorial calendar
- Attending board meetings
- Collaborate with staff, publications committee, and Board members to source relevant content
Desirable skills for the position include:
- Demonstrated newsletter and article development
- Previous experience as a journalist, editor, or content writer
- Broad knowledge of and interest in ornithology
- Strong writing and editing skills
- Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team
The Western Field Ornithologists’ newsletter is one of the primary ways WFO communicates with its members. It is delivered quarterly via email as the WFO eNews, and articles from newsletters are available on the WFO website. The newsletter’s main task is to inform members about WFO’s programs, including the annual conference, publications, student activities and scholarships, research grants, WFO-sponsored tours, and the annual Birdathon and other fundraising initiatives.
The position is anticipated to require approximately 10–15 hours monthly, at a rate of $25 per hour. The editor will report to the Board president, membership secretary, and Publications Committee.
Our aim is to have a new editor in place by October 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. Ideally there will be a period of overlap with the outgoing editor and the successful candidate to allow for training.
About Us
Western Field Ornithologists is an organization of amateur and professional field ornithologists that promotes the study of birds throughout western North America including Hawaii, the northeastern Pacific Ocean, and Western Mexico. The organization strives to increase knowledge, appreciation, and protection of birds and their habitats through annual meetings, field trips, and publications, primarily Western Birds, a quarterly, peer-reviewed journal that focuses on field-oriented descriptive ornithology.
Application Process
Interested candidates may apply by sending a letter of interest, a résumé, and two relevant writing samples to contact@westernfieldornithologists.org.
Please put the following in the subject line of your email: Newsletter Editor Application and “your last name.” The deadline for applications is August 31, 2024.
Western Field Ornithologists is committed to equity for all prospective contractors regardless of national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or age.
We thank all candidates for their interest. However, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.