The digital media content producer conceives, reports, researches, and writes a high volume of articles, primarily for AOPA ePilot and Flight Training newsletters, and operates effectively across formats, including online, print, audio, video, and social media. Coverage is tailored to address the concerns of AOPA members and younger audiences. The digital media content producer seeks to use audience members’ feedback as a guide toward future topics for AOPA publications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Writing (50%)

• Creates news and feature articles, both assigned and pitched, for AOPA ePilot, Flight Training, and other digital and print publications. Responsible for producing 100 or more bylined articles per year.
• Uses tried-and-true newswriting and storytelling techniques to engage and inform readers.
• Supports and advances the strategic goals of AOPA, its members, and the wider general aviation community.
• Engages the next generation of pilots by utilizing the latest media trends and methods, including social media and action cameras.
• Appears on camera and delivers voice-overs as needed.

Reporting (25%)

• Maintains industry, community, and government sources and contacts to assist with identifying newsworthy topics.
• Adheres to journalistic best practices to gather information through research, interviews, and observation while drawing on personal experience as a pilot, aircraft owner, and aviation enthusiast.
• Anticipates and adapts to changes in schedules and priorities to ensure that work is completed in a timely manner and in order of importance.
• Cover aviation events, remotely or in person, as assigned. 

Generating story ideas (15%)

The digital media content creator develops and writes a large volume of general aviation content aimed at informing and supporting AOPA members and the continued success and growth of the general aviation community. Topics range from breaking industry, safety, and legislative news to features and profiles of interesting aircraft, people, places, and other GA topics. 

Planning, editing, and production (10%)

Edits and proofreads content and assists with production of AOPA ePilot and Flight Training newsletters, and other digital and print content, as assigned. Works with the managing editor and other coworkers to plan and coordinate coverage of a wide range of topics, including ownership, safety, technical developments, and industry trends. 

**Although this job description aims to capture the majority of the position duties, other duties may be assigned based on business and departmental needs. 

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field
• Two or more years of professional journalism experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of journalism ethics, digital publishing best practices, and digital publishing software and systems.
• FAA private pilot certificate (or higher).
• Maintain proficiency in support of these objectives.

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• FAA instrument airplane or instrument helicopter rating
• Proficiency with digital photography and photo editing tools
• Demonstrated history of accurate, productive, and diverse reporting
• Demonstrated ability to engage online readers. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position works in an office setting.

Typical working hours are 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, including exposure to higher altitudes and confined spaces if in a general aviation aircraft.

This position requires some travel, up to 20 percent of the time, to various general aviation or industry-related events. Travel is by aircraft (general aviation and commercial) and by road or public transit.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands of this position are typical of a standard office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to:

• Sit for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.
• Use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Communicate effectively via email, phone, and in person, which requires clear speech, hearing, and vision.
• Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 15 pounds, such as boxes of materials or equipment.
• Occasionally, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms during the course of normal office activities.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The salary range for this position is: $68,000 - $75,000, depending on education and experience.  

BENEFIT INFORMATION: 

• Flight Training (earn your Private Pilot License for free) & Annual Flight Proficiency Program (so you can keep flying and remain proficient)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance is available for employees and their dependents on the 1st of the month following their start date
• Flexible Spending Plans
• Health Savings Plan with employer contribution (for eligible participants)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match, and annual discretionary supplemental employer contribution
• 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 (PTO): 17 days accrued during first year (accruals increase based on tenure)
• Paid Holidays: 12 holidays
• Personal days: 3 (prorated based on hire date)
• Volunteer day: 1 (prorated based on hire date)
• Work From Home Fridays
• Paid Parental Leave
• AOPA Membership
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program (earn medical insurance premium discounts)
• Gym Reimbursement Program
• Supplemental insurance options (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Discount on AOPA swag
• Business casual dress code