Editor in Chief, Sky & Telescope (S&T)

July 16, 2024 

The American Astronomical Society (AAS), a prestigious scientific association whose mission is to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe as a diverse and inclusive astronomical community, has an immediate opening in their Cambridge, MA office for Editor in Chief of the popular astronomy magazine Sky & Telescope (S&T). This is a great opportunity to work with a progressive company with fantastic benefits and culture.

The position is in their Cambridge, MA office and is not remote. The S&T Editor in Chief reports to the AAS Chief Executive Officer.

Responsibilities:

  • Shape the editorial vision and direction of S&T in a rapidly changing print and digital media landscape.
  • Maintain a high standard for all S&T content.
  • Write and/or edit feature articles, columns, departments, and/or other astronomy-related content.
  • Ensure and oversee the rigorous and high-quality copyediting of each monthly issue and all online content.
  • Run weekly editorial meeting and lead and oversee Cambridge-based and remote S&T editorial and design staff (about 10 people).
  • Act as chief liaison between S&T and the AAS Board of Trustees and management.
  • Serve as an ambassador and champion for the S&T brand, including giving talks in person or virtually at astronomy clubs, star parties, and other astronomical events, including the annual Northeast Astronomy Forum (NEAF).
  • Share managing-editor duties with S&T Creative Director, including developing annual production schedule with magazine printer, creating monthly issue pagemaps, and otherwise ensuring each issue gets to the printer on time.
  • Work with Advertising Sales Director to review display-ad content/design for each issue, place ads in pagemap, and ensure ad creative delivered on time. Work with staff illustrator to create S&T and/or AAS house ads for each issue.
  • Assist in developing and promoting astronomical tours with S&T travel partners.
  • Oversee and/or advise special initiatives; ongoing examples include semi-annual Editorial Advisory Committee meetings, in-development digital archive of past issues, content-licensing arrangements, etc.
  • Provide AAS CFO with annual budget estimates for S&T magazine and online content.


Qualifications:

  • BA/BS or higher academic degree and a minimum of 10 years of editorial, managerial, and science-communication experience in magazine and website publishing.
  • Demonstrated editorial skills and expert knowledge of the magazine editorial and publishing process, including current best practices and models for expansion into the digital space.
  • Strong leadership and management capabilities, with passion, strategic vision, and focus on quality to lead a vibrant and close-knit team of about 10 editors, designers, and other publishing professionals.
  • Experience with, passion for, and understanding of astronomy, particularly amateur (hobbyist) astronomy.
  • Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and time-management skills, with demonstrated ability to execute responsibilities with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to maintain a professional and team-focused approach when working with colleagues, contributing editors/photographers, tour partners, and others in the publishing, science, amateur, and travel communities.
  • Demonstrated awareness of trends and policies in popular-science publishing, both print and online, and ability to maintain and grow this knowledge.
  • Must have knowledge of office software, including Word and InDesign, and the ability to learn additional software tools as required.
  • Must be physically based in Cambridge, Massachusetts office and have ability to travel as needed.


The American Astronomical Society offers a competitive salary plus an exceptional benefits package, including ten percent of salary added to a company pension after one year of service, generous sick and vacation time, 14 paid holidays, comprehensive medical with a choice of three plans, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability, parking and commuter benefits, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities. 

Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position. The chosen candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States and have appropriate work authorization documentation.

Please forward resumes to [email protected].

The AAS actively seeks diverse candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law. 

The AAS recognizes that candidates with non-traditional career paths, or individuals who are at earlier stages of their careers may have demonstrated experience in different ways. The AAS encourages applications from such individuals.  We welcome you to apply today!