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:

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, aeronautical knowledge, familiarity with companies and communities within general aviation, and understanding of major issues affecting general aviation.
• Participates in and facilitates 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 (25%) 

• Maintains contacts within the aviation community to learn of news and developments and gain access to new aircraft. 
• Gathers information using standard journalistic reporting methods, including research, interviews, and observation. 
• Flies oneself and others in GA aircraft for travel and aircraft evaluation, referencing experience in a variety of aircraft to communicate the relative performance of aircraft of interest to AOPA members.
• Coordinates and travels with photographers and videographers. Communicates a story vision to AOPA staff; sets expectations with sources and effectively communicates AOPA’s content gathering needs and processes. Uses financial resources effectively, reporting on multiple stories per trip where practical.
• 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 (25%) 

• Delivers pitched and assigned stories for print and online daily, weekly, and monthly as needed.
• Covers a broad range of subjects, including flying techniques, aircraft ownership topics, and aircraft reports.
• Produces engaging, original content employing standard newswriting techniques and a variety of story structures; includes relevant details; produces accurate and engaging stories and adapts tone, content, and approach to the medium.
• Drives AOPA’s thought leadership with well-supported opinion.
• Checks facts appropriately to verify accuracy.
• Planning, editing and production (35%)
• Plans, assigns, and edits content related to ownership and affordable flying for AOPA’s print and online media.
• Reviews freelance submissions as needed, responding to and providing feedback to authors, ensuring contracts and payments are submitted promptly.
• Contributes to the production of AOPA’s podcasts, which may include responding to listener feedback, coordinating recordings, and collaborating on an editorial direction.
• Collaborates with art staff to align design and photo choices with text. 
• Collaborates with Media staff and other departments on AOPA initiatives; identifies stakeholders and resources; identifies opportunities for collaboration.
• Edits for accuracy and style. 

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:  

• Executes air-to-air photography in coordination with AOPA’s Chief CFI by sourcing aircraft, identifying and screening pilots, identifying operational requirements (weather, safety considerations, favorable lighting conditions, etc.). May include formation flying.
• Collaborates to tell stories on different platforms, including social media and video.
• Takes photographs and operates action cameras in support of AOPA’s content gathering.
• May assist with the digital or print production process.
• May oversee a sweepstakes promotion, to include aircraft management and repositioning, coordination of maintenance and upgrades, budgeting, public appearances, and media coverage, to engage with pilots and generate excitement around membership.
• Represents AOPA publicly, presenting seminars or participating in other industry media.
• Although this job description aims to capture the majority of the position duties, other duties may be assigned based on business and departmental needs. 

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:

• Annual Flight Proficiency Program (so you can keep flying and remain proficient)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance is available for employees and their dependents 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
• Free coffee, tea, hot cocoa

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

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:  

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

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 and reporting on the general aviation community, including exposure to higher altitudes and confined spaces if in a general aviation aircraft.
• This position requires some travel, possibly up to 20% 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: 

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.
• Operate general aviation aircraft, including manipulating conventional controls and stepping up and bending during preflight inspection.
• Occasionally stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms during the course of normal office activities.
• Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 15 pounds, such as boxes of materials or equipment. 

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.