Aviation Writer

Aviation Writer

The Aviation Writer creates a high volume of general aviation-related content for our magazines and website, informing readers of general aviation (GA) news and advocacy efforts, introducing them to interesting people in the GA community, inspiring them with ideas for how to get more fulfillment out of flying, and showcasing interesting aircraft and products.

Ideation (15%)

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

Derives story ideas and insight from personal flying experiences.

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.

Reporting (30%)

Networks appropriately internally and externally to learn of news and developments.

Gathers information using standard journalistic reporting methods, including research, interviews, and observation. Topics include the aviation community, GA experiences and destinations, and what it's like to fly various GA airplanes.

Coordinates and travels with photographers and videographers. Sets expectations with sources and effectively communicates AOPA's content gathering needs and processes.

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.

Writing and content creation (35%)

Delivers pitched and assigned stories for print and online daily, weekly, and monthly as needed, using time and financial resources effectively.

Produces engaging, original content employing standard news writing techniques and a variety of story structures appropriate to the medium.

Checks facts appropriately to verify accuracy.

Editing and production (20%)

Collaborates with art staff to align design and photo choices with text.

Edits for accuracy and style.

Secondary functions include facilitating air-to-air photography, collaborating to tell stories on different platforms, assisting with digital or print production, taking photographs and operating action cameras, overseeing sweepstakes promotions, and reviewing freelance submissions.

Required job qualifications include a bachelor's degree, minimum of three years of multi-channel media experience, a sport pilot certificate or above, and knowledge of grammar. Preferred job qualifications include a major in English or journalism, experience living the general aviation lifestyle, and familiarity with major companies in GA and major issues affecting GA.

This position works in an office setting with typical working hours of 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break. Generally, a climate-controlled environment with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions when attending aviation related events and reporting on the general aviation community, including exposure to higher altitudes and confined spaces if in a general aviation aircraft.

This position requires up to 15% travel to various GA or industry-related events. Travel is by aircraft (GA and commercial) and by road or public transit.

Physical demands include sitting for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings, using hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment, communicating effectively via email, phone, and in-person, occasionally operating GA aircraft, standing, walking, and reaching with hands and arms during the course of normal office activities, and occasionally lifting or moving items weighing up to 15 pounds.

The salary range for this position is: $68,000 - $78,000, depending on education and experience.

Benefit information includes flight training, medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending plans, health savings plan with employer contribution, 401(k) retirement plan with a company match, 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, paid holidays, personal days, volunteer day, work from home Fridays, paid parental leave, AOPA membership, employee assistance program, wellness program, gym reimbursement program, supplemental insurance options, tuition reimbursement program, discount on AOPA swag, business casual dress code, free coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and equal opportunity employer status.