BASIC FUNCTION:
The incumbent reports to the Vice President of Communications & Marketing and plays a key role in advancing APTA’s strategic presence within the public transportation industry across print and digital platforms. This position provides overall strategic direction for Passenger Transport—including the Passenger Transport News Center website, the weekly Passenger Transport Express e-newsletter, and conference-edition print issues—encompassing business policy, budgeting, editorial content, visual design, advertising, production, and day-to-day activities. In addition, the incumbent oversees the strategy, production, and dissemination of other APTA communications publications, with responsibility for related policy, budget, editorial, design, and production activities. This role also includes supervision of the Director of Publications & Senior Managing Editor, and the Passenger Transport Digital Content Manager & Graphic Designer.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Supervise the Managing Editor in setting the strategic direction for Passenger Transport, including the News Center website, Passenger Transport Express weekly e-newsletter, and conference-edition print issues.
- Develop editorial, design, and production policies for Passenger Transport and other APTA communications publications, including printing budgets and cost control.
- Manage the Graphic Designer in producing materials for Passenger Transport and other APTA publications.
- Oversee APTA’s Career Center operations, including classified advertising, circulation, and billing.
- Consult with APTA and public transportation industry leaders to identify and analyze emerging trends, assessing their impact and relevance, and communicating them to a broad audience.
- Build and maintain relationships with key personnel at transit systems, industry stakeholders, newsmakers, and news sources.
- Establish and manage relationships with external vendors (e.g., freelance designers, photographers, publishers, printers) and develop strategies for their effective use.
- Coordinate with production vendors at APTA conferences to ensure timely and accurate delivery, distribution, and display of publications on site.
- Cover sessions and write articles during APTA conferences; provide supplementary photography support as needed.
- Perform writing, reporting, and other editorial duties as required.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
MEASURES OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
- Successful achievement of Passenger Transport goals and deadlines, while maintaining high editorial and production quality to support advertising revenue and control costs.
- Member and subscriber satisfaction, demonstrated through the consistent delivery of timely, relevant, and engaging content.
- Timely and cost-effective production of other APTA communications publications, with a continued focus on quality.
- Effective support of APTA’s strategic goals and industry initiatives by disseminating clear, accurate, and impactful information on key transportation issues.
- Efficient operations achieved through strategic planning and effective management of staff and resources.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, with demonstrated excellence in writing, editing, and publication management.
- Proven experience supervising editorial and design staff, including oversight of an editor and graphic designer.
- Deep understanding of the full publication production process, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
- Intellectually curious, energetic, imaginative, and collaborative, with a team-oriented approach.
- Strong judgment and political acumen, with the ability to work effectively within a membership-based trade association.
- Outstanding organizational and project management skills.
- Willingness to travel as needed to support APTA meetings and conferences.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The American Public Transportation Association offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability insurance; paid time off; a 401(k)-retirement plan; professional development opportunities; and commuter benefits to assist with public transportation costs. The annual base starting salary is anticipated to be in the range of $129,000 to $171,999.
This position is based in Washington D.C. and currently operates on a hybrid work schedule. Employees are required to work in the office on two specific days, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with the flexibility to choose a third in-office day. The remaining two days of the work week can be worked remotely. Please note that this schedule may be adjusted at any time based on the Association’s needs.
Physical requirements and work conditions:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Performance of duties requires the use of hands and fingers to handle or feel. The job frequently requires the ability to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Persons interested in applying for this position should submit their cover letter and resume to the Vice President-Human Resources & Administration via email at aptajobs@apta.com.
APTA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
