Editor II

The Features Editor creates a high volume of general aviation-related content across all AOPA media channels, with an emphasis on writing for print and online. An authoritative voice on general aviation, the Features Editor provides context about GA news and advocacy efforts, introduces readers to interesting people in the GA community, inspires them with ideas for how to get more fulfillment out of flying, shares wisdom on ownership and proficiency-related topics, and gives our audience vicarious access to a wide range of general aviation aircraft.

Working in coordination with photographers, videographers, and designers, the Features communicates the vision for a story and produces the right content for the right medium.

Pitches stories independently according to AOPA’s organizational priorities and the interests of our audience.

Derives story ideas and insight from personal flying experiences, aeronautical knowledge, familiarity with companies and communities within general aviation, and understanding of major issues affecting general aviation.

Participates in collaborative brainstorming, including expressing thoughts clearly, using active listening, and checking for understanding. Acknowledges and shows respect for others’ points of view; respects honest disagreement; provides and receives honest feedback with a positive attitude.

Exercises news judgment to evaluate potential stories, uses resources to determine the appropriate focus of a story.

Collaborates with Media staff and other departments on AOPA initiatives; identifies stakeholders and resources; identifies opportunities for collaboration.

Maintains contacts within the aviation community to learn of news and developments and gain access to new aircraft.

Gathers information using standard journalistic reporting methods, including research, interviews, and observation.

Cover a range of topics, including human interest stories about the aviation community, aircraft reports, places and experiences uniquely accessible by GA, and aircraft ownership and affordability. Maintain flying proficiency in support of these objectives.

Flies oneself and others in GA aircraft for travel and aircraft evaluation, referencing experience in a variety of aircraft to communicate the relative performance of aircraft of interest to AOPA members.

Coordinates and travels with photographers and videographers. Communicates a story vision to AOPA staff; sets expectations with sources and effectively communicates AOPA’s content gathering needs and processes. Uses financial resources effectively, reporting on multiple stories per trip where practical.

Adapts to change; maintains composure and reprioritizes as needed.

Anticipates challenges and plans for contingencies; identifies problems and proposes solutions in accordance with department priorities.

Executes air-to-air photography in coordination with AOPA’s Chief CFI by sourcing aircraft, identifying and screening pilots, identifying operational requirements (weather, safety considerations, favorable lighting conditions, etc.). May include formation flying.

Delivers pitched and assigned stories for print and online daily, weekly, and monthly as needed. Covers a broad range of subjects, including flying techniques, aircraft ownership topics, and aircraft reports.

Produces engaging, original content employing standard news writing techniques and a variety of story structures; includes relevant details; produces accurate and engaging stories and adapts tone, content, and approach to the medium.

Drives AOPA’s thought leadership with well-supported opinion.

Checks facts appropriately to verify accuracy.