Editor in Chief

Position Summary

This position is responsible for establishing the vision and overseeing all aspects of on-time publishing and distribution of AWS’ monthly member magazine Welding Journal in print and digital formats, the quarterly magazines Inspection Trends, Spraytime, and Welding Marketplace, and the Welding Digest blog. 

The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for our flagship publication's continued evolution and improvement to ensure value to membership, editorial growth, and supporting advertising growth. This position is in charge of strategically planning and developing magazine content, building relationships with potential authors, and interacting with authors on manuscripts. This includes ensuring that AWS organizational priorities are represented in the magazine content. The incumbent will direct and supervise the editorial team.

The Editor-in-Chief oversees the peer review and copyediting process and full-time/contract staff to improve the publication's content constantly. This position edits and manages the editing of all content in the magazine, and writes or assigns the writing of content, including feature articles, AWS activities, and blog posts, including coverage of AWS events.

Essential Duties

    Manages the production process from article development to layout, design, and print. Includes editing submitted articles; oversight of the review/revision/technical and copyediting of content by other staff/freelance editors; editing proofs and overseeing copyeditors’ editing of proofs; overseeing the layout of each magazine issue; interacting with the Managing Editor, Digital and Design on issue layout and related matters; managing page proofs in layout; and managing production tasks including preparing the print order, mailing lists, and follow-ups on posting the digital magazine.

    Ensures content meets the style, formatting, and general quality standards of AWS publications.

    Drives print and digital hybrid model strategy, focusing on delivering relevant content and making the magazines available on multiple platforms.

    Works closely with the Managing Editor, Welding Journal to establish and maintain a strong network of authors, contributors, and subject matter experts to generate relevant, innovative, high-quality editorial content that is mission-focused and of interest to our readers.

    Develops processes, systems, and production schedules to ensure on-time, on-budget publication of the magazines. 

    Collaborate with ad sales to foster expansion of revenue initiatives. 

    Manages relationships with service companies such as Clarivate JIF Index, Scopus, and third-party vendors and development partners.

    Participates in the evaluation and research of new publishing opportunities

    Collaborates with and supports marketing and cross-functional teams on ongoing initiatives and projects, including social media, newsletters, PR, e-commerce, and advertising.

    Stays current with evolving trends in association magazine publishing, including digital content strategies.

    Oversees the editorial review process and ensures that articles receive technical review by subject matter experts as needed

    Attends and covers AWS events and meetings to develop content and engage with potential authors of future magazine and website content, including writing features, blogs, and other content.

    Oversees reader survey and industry research, keeping abreast of reader’s needs and implementing improvements to the magazine based on survey results.

Direct Report(s)

    Four editors and one contract employee

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

    Strong organizational and detail skills, including setting and maintaining schedules and deadlines and handling concurrent tasks.

    Excellent strategic, management, and communication skills.

    Demonstrated expertise in managing complex projects with shifting priorities and involvement of multiple stakeholders with a positive attitude, meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.

    Proven ability to work with writers and copyeditors and work on various magazine issues in a deadline-oriented environment.

    Outstanding editing skills, including proofreading, copyediting, and substantive editing; experience with welding or technical content is preferred.

    Ability to deal tactfully with volunteer authors, peer reviewers, and association members; ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with high expectations.

    Creativity, adaptability, and decisiveness.

    Proven ability to work with vendors, including design and print.

    Demonstrated ability to understand and manage a budget

    Knowledge of the effective use of graphic design

    Knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style is preferred

    Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign software.

    Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products with database proficiency

    Nonprofit publishing experience is preferred

    Experience with Editorial Manager or other journal manuscript management platforms is preferred.

    Knowledge of website content management systems

Required Education and Experience

    B.A. or B.S. in English, Journalism, or Communications

    At least five years of experience in a leadership or management role

    At least three years of relevant print and digital publishing/magazine experience. A master’s degree in one of the above fields can substitute for part of the experience requirement.

    Experience working in an association and/or managing volunteers or building relationships with high-level external stakeholders or customers.

Special Requirements, Licenses, or Certifications

None. 

Working Conditions and Required Physical Abilities

When working on-site, this position is located in a quiet to moderately noisy indoor office environment. Must be available for travel to industry events and locales for original reporting assignments. * Bulk of work may be performed remotely; must attend on-site meetings.

Individuals in this type of position must have the use of sensory skills to effectively communicate with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, sit, stand, hear, use of fingers to handle, feel or operate objects and write. Must have the physical capabilities to move about the office and effectively use and operate various office-related equipment, such as but not limited to personal computer, calculator, copy and fax machines. Must be able to remain seated at a keyboard or desk for extended periods. Must be able to lift, carry, and/or push/pull articles weighing up to 20 lbs.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.