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OPN Associate Editor

Optica is looking for a OPN Associate Editor.

The OPN Associate Editor provides editing, copyediting and print/online production support for Optics & Photonics News, the flagship magazine of Optica (formerly OSA). The AE edits and occasionally writes front-of-book content (news and columns) for the magazine, edits occasional feature article content, writes and edits news stories on recent scientific research and career issues as assigned, manages the social-media effort for OPN, contributes to the social-media effort of Optica’s larger Publications Department, and contributes to other interdepartmental initiatives as assigned.

Primary Responsibilities

Front-of-book and departments editing

• Edit column/departments content for OPN length, audience, and house style; work with authors and OPN Creative Director to develop sources for visuals and images; follow through to article production.
• Drawing on online postings and other source material, assemble, edit to fit, and work with Creative Director on layout of monthly “Newsroom,” “Optica in Focus,” and “Calendar” sections.
• Perform occasional substantive edits or rewrites of 3,000-word feature articles, on topics related to optical physics and engineering, for OPN length, audience, and house style, as assigned by OPN Managing Editor.

• Top-edit and contribute to quarterly Optica Europe News newsletter as assigned by OPN Managing Editor.

         News stories for online Newsroom

• Drawing on press releases, scientific papers, and other resources as time permits, write news stories on recent scientific development in optics and photonics based on story assignment from OPN Managing Editor. Stage stories online for approval and publishing by OPN Managing Editor.
• Contribute to OPN online Careers channel by generating ideas for, writing and editing stories on career topics in collaboration with OPN Managing Editor.
• As assigned by OPN Managing Editor, edit and stage online news stories from freelance contributors for approval and publishing by OPN Managing Editor.

Social-media management for OPN

• Post stories from OPN and on other relevant topics on OPN Twitter account, Optica Facebook page, and other channels.
• Work with Optica communications team on social media scheduling and on OPN’s role in corporate social-media strategy. Track and report on activity.
• Make recommendations to OPN Senior Editor for social-media metrics, goals, tactics and strategy.

Book review editor for OPN

• Manage OPN’s book review process, including selecting and requesting books on relevant topics, communicating with book review panel and publishers and tracking requested books and reviews.
• Format and edit book reviews to stage for online posting.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Assist with issue editorial and production logistics, including quality review of articles and monthly issue proof book, selected correspondence, securing copyright, digital asset management, etc., as directed by OPN Managing Editor.
• Attend and participate in weekly OPN planning meeting and monthly art meeting.
• Other responsibilities as directed by OPN Managing Editor.

Education and Experience

• Four-year degree in English, communications or a related subject. A strong background in science and technology topics and culture is highly desirable. Candidates with a degree in a physical or biological science will also be considered if they have appropriate/relevant editorial and writing experience.
• Three to five years’ work experience. Preference will be given to candidates with experience editing and writing about topics for a scientific audience in news, feature or magazine formats, with relevant clips.
• Strong time- and project-management skills.

Skills and Abilities

• Solid, professional-level editorial, copyediting, proofreading, writing, and research skills.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines, coordinate details and work independently.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.
• Experience communicating/writing in multiple contexts, for audiences at multiple levels of technical sophistication.
• Strong interest in science and technology issues; demonstrated ability to quickly come up to speed on unfamiliar technical topics.
• Knowledge of print and web publishing.
• Solid skills with Microsoft Office suite required; hands-on experience with Adobe Creative Suite and web content management tools strongly preferred.
• Image- and multimedia-editing skills desirable.

About Optica

Located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC, Optica offers a competitive salary and benefits. Please send your resume and cover letter with salary requirements to resumes@optica.org.

Optica is an equal employment opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability, religion, maritial status, veteran's status, personal appearance, political affiliation, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, or any other basis prohibited by law.

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