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Maryland
Headquarters
421 Aviation Way
Frederick, MD 21701, USA

The Senior Aviation Writer creates and curates a high volume of general aviation-related content across all AOPA media channels, with an emphasis on supporting aircraft owners and affordable flying. An authoritative voice on general aviation, the Senior Aviation Writer 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 writers and videographers, the Senior Aviation Writer also plans coverage related to owning and maintaining aircraft and products across AOPA’s media channels.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Ideation (15%)
   1. Pitches stories independently according to AOPA’s organizational priorities and the interests of our audience.
   2. 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.
   3. Participates in and facilitates collaborative brainstorming, including expressing thoughts clearly, using active listening, and checking for understanding.
   4. Exercises news judgment to evaluate potential stories, using resources to determine the appropriate focus of a story.
2. Reporting (25%)
   1. Maintains contacts within the aviation community to learn of news and developments and gain access to new aircraft.
   2. Gathers information using standard journalistic reporting methods, including research, interviews, and observation.
   3. Flies oneself and others in GA aircraft for travel and aircraft evaluation.
   4. Coordinates and travels with photographers and videographers.
3. Writing and content creation (25%)
   1. Delivers pitched and assigned stories for print and online daily, weekly, and monthly as needed.
   2. Produces engaging, original content employing standard newswriting techniques.
   3. Drives AOPA’s thought leadership with well-supported opinion.
   4. Checks facts appropriately to verify accuracy.
4. Planning, editing and production (35%)
   1. Plans, assigns, and edits content related to ownership and affordable flying for AOPA’s print and online media.
   2. Reviews freelance submissions as needed, providing feedback to authors.
   3. Contributes to the production of AOPA’s podcasts.
   4. Collaborates with art staff to align design and photo choices with text.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

1. Executes air-to-air photography in coordination with AOPA’s Chief CFI.
2. Collaborates to tell stories on different platforms, including social media and video.
3. Takes photographs and operates action cameras in support of AOPA’s content gathering.

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

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism or related discipline, plus a minimum of five years of multi-channel media experience.
2. Private pilot certificate and instrument rating.
3. Advanced knowledge of grammar and AP and/or Chicago writing style.

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master's degree in English or journalism.
2. Experience living the GA lifestyle.
3. Experience with aircraft ownership and maintenance.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. This position works in an office setting.
2. Typical working hours are 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break.
3. This position requires some travel, possibly up to 20% of the time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to:

1. Sit for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.
2. Use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
3. Communicate effectively via email, phone, and in-person.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position is located at AOPA’s Frederick, MD headquarters. The salary range for this position is: $79,000 - $90,000, depending on education and experience.

BENEFIT INFORMATION:

1. Annual Flight Proficiency Program.
2. Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance is available for employees and their dependents.
3. Flexible Spending Plans.
4. Health Savings Plan with employer contribution.
5. 401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match.
6. Company paid Short and Long-term Disability Insurance.
7. Paid Time Off (PTO): 17 days accrued during first year.
8. Paid Holidays: 12 holidays.