BASIC FUNCTION:

The incumbent has initial responsibility for the daily editorial content and production of APTA’s flagship publication, Passenger Transport (Passenger Transport: APTA’s News Center website; Passenger Transport Express e-newsletter; and print issues of Passenger Transport magazine), to ensure the brand reflects and promotes the mission, priorities, issues, initiatives, news, developments, and work of APTA and the public transportation industry in an efficient, accurate, and timely manner.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Keep abreast of APTA and industry priorities, issues, initiatives, news, and developments;
  • Write, edit, proofread, research, and report;
  • Expand readership by keeping content fresh, valuable, and engaging;
  • Establish and maintain annual Passenger Transport editorial calendar;
  • Lay out web, email, and print formats;
  • Work with APTA’s Passenger Transport, Digital Content Manager & Graphic Designer;
  • Liaise with APTA’s ad agency;
  • Manage freelance writers and photographers, as needed;
  • Attend APTA conferences and events on behalf of Passenger Transport; and
  • Other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

  • Keep abreast of industry priorities, issues, initiatives, news, and developments;
  • Work across APTA departments to develop content that showcases the work of the association;
  • Work with Senior Director–Publications and Passenger Transport to develop annual Passenger Transport editorial calendar in alignment with overall APTA communications editorial calendar;
  • Develop and maintain contact with Public Information Officers at member public transit agencies and businesses, and other key personnel in public transportation to generate story ideas;
  • Work with member public transit agencies and businesses and other key personnel in public transportation for content for conference-edition print issues of Passenger Transport magazine;
  • Develop, research, and write original content;
  • Develop knowledge of production of all Passenger Transport formats;
  • Produce daily content for Passenger Transport: APTA’s News Center; build Passenger Transport Express weekly e-newsletter; create layout plans for conference-edition print issues of Passenger Transport magazine;
  • Work closely with APTA’s Passenger Transport, Digital Content Manager & Graphic Designer in production of web, email, and print formats;
  • In consultation with the Senior Director–Publications and Passenger Transport, oversee the work and administration of external vendors (freelance writers, photographers, printers, etc.);
  • Work with Digital Content Manager and Senior Director to strategize ways to keep content and formats fresh and reflective of current best practices;
  • Work with APTA social media staff to ensure cohesive and complementary dissemination of content;
  • Cover sessions and draft articles during APTA conferences. Provide supplemental photographic support as needed;
  • Liaise with APTA’s ad agency to place ads in all formats and to expand ad opportunities;
  • Develop an in-depth knowledge of, and serve as keeper of, Passenger Transport history and archived content;
  • Assist in editing and proofreading other APTA publications and materials as needed; and
  • Other duties as assigned.

MEASURES OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

  • Effectiveness in generating timely content that fully reflects and supports the mission, priorities, issues, initiatives, developments, and work of APTA and the industry;
  • Effectiveness in strategizing and creating and / or commissioning original content;
  • Accuracy of writing, copyediting, and proofreading to ensure exacting editorial standards are maintained;
  • Extent to which strict Passenger Transport production deadlines are met;
  • Effectiveness in meeting numerous competing priorities with efficiency and professionalism;
  • Effectiveness in applying the latest digital publication and communications practices to ensure the content, look, and operability of Passenger Transport is of the highest quality; and
  • Extent to which an efficient operation is conducted through proper planning, professional relationships with staff, and effective use of resources.

Qualifications:

  • Have at least 7-10 years of related experience;
  • Have a bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, or similar field (master’s degree is considered a plus);
  • Possess exceptional writing, researching, editing, proofreading, and digital publishing skills. Experience with graphics and video preferred;
  • Have a thorough knowledge of the print publication production process;
  • Be reliable, detail oriented, intellectually curious, nimble, and imaginative;
  • Be able to work closely with APTA’s Passenger Transport, Digital Content Manager & Graphic Designer, and other team members;
  • Possess good judgment and political acumen to serve the needs of a membership trade association;
  • Have excellent organizational skills; and
  • Be able to travel to APTA events approximately three times per year for three nights each.

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 $107,500 to $143,299.

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 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, resume, and writing samples 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.             

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