Lead Editor

Written By Marissa Latshaw

About WWF&C and From the Ground Up

From the Ground Up is the core communications platform for Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands & Communities (WWF&C)—a collaborative conservation initiative advancing an integrated vision for New England that unites research, policy, and communications to conserve forests and farmlands, protect seacoasts and local food systems, and support the health and well-being of all living beings.

From the Ground Upis a free quarterly magazine that convenes “both/and” voices that embody this integrated approach—amplifying the work of partners and organizations throughout the region (and beyond) while contributing to the body of knowledge related to conservation in New England. Each issue contains articles, essays, poetry, and artwork that aim to encourage action through storytelling rooted in science and policy, interwoven with inspiring creative work.

Role Summary

The Lead Editor (LE) is responsible for carrying out the mission of From the Ground Up, and for ensuring that the publication supports the overall vision of Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands & Communities. The LE provides a long-term plan for the publication that reflects the balance of topic areas and points of view. The LE leads the editorial process and has final say on what gets published, ensuring quality and relevance. In addition, the LE acts as a voice for the publication, appearing in promotional materials and representing the publication in other media.

Key Responsibilities

  • Work with Editorial Board to set long-term plan for publication, balancing themes, topics, and voices;

  • Maintain long-term planning documents for six-member Editorial Board;

  • Lead weekly Editorial Board meetings;

  • Engage WWF&C steering committee in planning discussions and editorial updates;

  • Ensure the timely preparation of content for each issue, well in advance;

  • Guide cultivation of contributors to ensure balance and representativeness of all topics and diverse points of view;

  • Set editorial guidelines and communicates those to other editors;

  • With input from Editorial Board, make final decisions about what content to publish; and

  • Edit all content before it goes to copy-editing, to ensure that it is accurate, supported by relevant research, and balanced.

Measures of Success

  • Content expresses integrative approach to conservation;

  • Published content is balanced, clear, well-written, and beautifully presented;

  • All staff are clear on their responsibilities and deadlines;

  • Content goes to copy-editing with minimal need for further editing.

Qualifications

Required

  • Deep knowledge of, and commitment to, the mission of WWF&C, and the current conservation landscape of New England

  • Experience editing a mix of technical and popular content

  • Experience managing a small team of collaborators

  • Excellent writing skills

Preferred

  • Comfort using Airtable (or similar project management tools), Google suite, spreadsheets, and shared file systems

Details

  • Type: Contract position, with potential to expand as the magazine grows

  • Hours: 20 hours/week (remote)

How to Apply

Please email:

  • A brief letter describing your interest and relevant experience

  • Your resume/CV

  • Two writing samples: one for a semi-technical audience and one for a popular audience

  • An example of a document you have edited recently, showing markup

Subject line: Lead Editor — From the Ground Up
Send to: liz.thompson@fromthegroundupne.org

Marissa Latshaw
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Operations Manager