JOB SUMMARY:
The Senior Editor plays a critical role in advancing the Air Safety Institute’s (ASI) mission to improve general aviation (GA) safety through research, analysis, education, and outreach. The position provides editorial leadership and expertise across a diverse portfolio of content, including digital and print publications, video scripts, social media, newsletters, and promotional materials.
The Senior Editor shapes the voice, quality, and impact of ASI content by applying exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and project management skills. The position leverages a strong understanding of general aviation to develop clear, accurate, engaging, and accessible content that resonates with current and future pilots, strengthens audience engagement, and supports AOPA membership growth.
The Senior Editor also provides creative leadership throughout the content development process and maintains rigorous editorial standards across platforms. The position ensures ASI’s safety messaging remainstimely, relevant, compelling, and aligned with the organization’s mission and commitment to advancing aviation safety.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Content Leadership & Content Creation (60%)
Produces original, insightful, and engaging written safety content that provides fresh perspectives on general aviation safety topics.
Ensures all materials (publications, video scripts, research reports, newsletters, press releases, social media posts, etc.) are well-researched, accurate, aligned with ASI’s mission, and delivered promptly.
Provides editorial support for AOPA leadership through (and collaboration with) the AOPA media relations/corporate communications function to help inform public opinion about general aviation safety topics.
Writes monthly safety articles for AOPA PILOT and Flight Training magazines.
Contributes original ideas that derive insights from personal flying experiences, aeronautical knowledge, industry contacts, familiarity with companies and communities within general aviation, and understanding of major issues affecting the industry.
Exercises news judgment to evaluate potential stories and use resources to determine the appropriate focus of a story.
Administrative (20%)
Manages the ASI content release calendar and promotion frequency; maintains updated calendars tracking distribution of ASI assets across AOPA and ASI channels.
Strategic Planning & Project Management (10%)
Collaborates with cross-functional teams to innovate and execute new content strategies that inspire AOPA membership growth and revenue.
Participates in shaping ASI’s editorial direction and outreach initiatives.
Freelance Management/Mentorship & Development (5%)
Leads the recruitment, onboarding, and management of freelance writers who contribute to ASI’s work, ensuring their work aligns with ASI’s standards of excellence.
Provides clear guidance, feedback, and quality control to maintain the integrity of all editorial outputs.
Offers coaching and professional development to colleagues within the ASI team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and editorial excellence.
Representation (5%)
Serves as a key representative of ASI within AOPA and externally, contributing to cross-departmental initiatives and ensuring editorial goals are met.
Occasionally serves as a key representative and spokesperson for AOPA at external events, conferences, forums, and conventions.
**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 English, Journalism, or a related field OR significant professional experience.
5-10 years of experience in aviation writing, editing, and managing editorial quality, with a strong portfolio demonstrating leadership in content creation and editorial project coordination.
Minimum FAA Private Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating.
Proven ability to lead creative projects, mentor teams, and drive content innovation. Strong organizational and project management skills are essential.
Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy.
Demonstrates initiative, punctuality, teamwork, and a positive attitude toward constructive feedback. Self-motivated with a strong commitment to continuous professional development.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and comfortable adapting to new tools and technologies as needed.
PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
FAA Commercial Pilot/Certificated Flight Instructor
Master’s degree in Journalism or related field
Experience in all facets of journalism/corporate communications functions (including video production/writing, public & media relations, and ghostwriting)
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. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Generally, a climate-controlledenvironment with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions when attending aviation-related events, including exposure to higher altitudes and confined spaces if in a general aviationaircraft.
Some travel (5 - 10%) may be required 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: $78,000 - $88,000, 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
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
