Assistant Editor/Associate Editor

Job Description

Job Description

Picture yourself on a team where storytelling meets technical writing, traditional print meets a growing digital presence, and a creative license meets a high standard of quality.

The Angus Journal team is searching for an experienced Assistant Editor/Associate Editor in its St. Joseph, MO office. Be part of the American Angus Association’s long history in the beef business while joining a team that is blazing trails in multi-media communications and marketing. The Assistant/Associate Editor will write, edit and organize, gathering interviews, photography and videography for the dynamic publication geared toward registered Angus breeders across a variety of media platforms.

Angus Media, a subsidiary of the American Angus Association, is a media company, which exists to help inform the cattle industry and provide marketing outlets for those trying to reach Angus producers. Comprised of multiple media channels, including print services, web services, digital marketing, and advertising services. Angus Media houses two magazines, Angus Journal with a seedstock audience, and Angus Beef Bulletin with a commercial cattlemen audience. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Help Angus breeders stay informed through written print and digital articles, audio and video segments, and social media.
• Write feature and news stories, investigate leads and gather information for the Angus Journal and the AJ Daily . This includes photography and videography where appropriate.
• Manage regular columns including gathering and inputting pertinent information, writing summaries, working with columnists to meet deadlines, formatting copy and putting articles into production.
• Collaborate with editor for editorial planning.
• Help produce the Angus Journal, including inputting, fact checking, proofreading stories and proofing layouts.
• Assist editor and graphic artist in planning graphics for stories.
• Plan and execute Angus Journal social media strategy.
• Complete projects as assigned, which could include coordinating contest entries for Angus Journal -sponsored contests, photography assignments or real-time coverage of an event.
• Travel to attend newsworthy events, conduct story interviews and take photographs, etc., as assigned by the editor.
• Advance skills to strengthen the editorial team by learning Angus Journal style, keeping current on magazine editing philosophies and AP Style, practicing photography and videography, submitting work into critique contests, etc.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent writing skills for a variety of styles and mediums (feature, news articles, web, social).
• High-level attention to detail.
• Well-organized and capable of managing multiple projects while meeting regular deadlines.
• Knowledge of AP Style.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite programs. 
• Photography and videography experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Must be reliable, dependable and a self-starter.
• A positive attitude and a willingness to learn is a must.
• Willingness to take initiative and ownership is essential.
• Must be available to travel up to 20% of the time.
• In-office candidates are preferred, but remote candidates with significant industry experience will also be considered.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in ag journalism, ag communications, technical writing or related field. Animal science graduate with seedstock or commercial cow-calf background and proof of strong writing and photography skills would also be considered.
• At least two to four years of practical experience in a media environment through education, internships or employment is preferred.
• Must have a livestock or animal science background or experience.

Employees of the Association enjoy a strong benefits package including medical insurance, dental insurance, vision coverage, life and disability insurance and a 401K. Personal Time Off (PTO) is also included.

If you are interested, please submit a cover letter, resume, writing samples/portfolio and salary requirements.