Senior Editor
Senior Editor
About ASLA
The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing about 15,000 members in 49 professional chapters and 82 student chapters. The Society has a staff of 50 and annual revenues of $12.9 million. Landscape Architects plan livable communities that foster active lifestyles, design parks and streets that manage stormwater runoff, plan cutting-edge transportation corridors that are safe for all users, and help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters. ASLA’s mission is empowering our members to design a sustainable and equitable world through landscape architecture.
Founded in 1910, Landscape Architecture Magazine (LAM) is the award-wining monthly magazine of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). It is the magazine of record for the landscape architecture profession in North America, reaching more than 60,000 readers who plan and design projects valued at more than $140 billion each year.
Nature of Position
Landscape Architecture Magazine seeks a dynamic, creative Senior Editor to be a key team member in the growth of the magazine’s print and online publications. The Senior Editor will work closely with the Editor in Chief, the publication team, and stable of freelance writers and artists for both print and digital content. The Senior Editor is integral to bringing together journalistic storytelling and detailed illustration to highlight the impact of landscape architecture on communities and global sustainability.
The Senior Editor will develop story ideas, work with journalists, write and edit copy, and participate daily in the collaborative and creative work of the team while upholding an editorial vision that adheres to the highest standards of quality and journalistic excellence. The Senior Editor will be part of a fast-paced team that produces ambitious, thought-provoking stories that encompass the range of issues, projects, and ideas in the landscape architecture profession including those that overlap with climate change impacts, environmental justice, DEI, and global sustainability initiatives. The ideal candidate will be a team player who is thrives in a fast-paced environment, with excellent written, interpersonal communication, technology, and public speaking skills who is approachable and adaptable. A passion for design and the environment is essential.
Responsibilities
- The Senior Editor’s primary responsibility will be to develop, assign, and edit, in tandem with the Editor in Chief, all copy published in print and online for Landscape Architecture Magazine.
- Lead editor for the magazine’s current web presence, determining what stories will go online and implementing SEO strategies for growing readership leading up to the full launch of the magazine’s website in 2024.
- Writes headlines, table of contents, captions, social media posts, articles and all other copy as needed. Grasps complex technical concepts and translate them into snappy copy tuned to diverse audiences and platforms.
Proven Professional Experience/Qualifications
- Demonstrated publishing and editorial experience (5+ years’). Print is preferred but both online and print publication experience will be considered.
- Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, history, environmental studies, design, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
- Experience in with membership associations is preferred.
- Excellent organizational skills, high attention to detail, good judgment, and business acumen.
- Experience balancing short and long-term project deadlines, and addressing changing priorities, while remaining flexible.
- A quick learner who is familiar with issues and trends in the design industry, the environment, and business development.
- A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is a must.
- Demonstrated history of creative and critical thinking.
This position is based in Washington, D.C., with a hybrid option. A set in-office schedule of two days a week with and one full week during production is a requirement.
Starting Salary: $85,000/year
ASLA offers an attractive and competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; company paid STD and LTD; a generous 401(k) plan; a comprehensive wellness program; and flexible schedules. Interested applicants are requested to submit a cover letter and resume to HR@asla.org. Please include “Senior Editor” in the subject line of your e-mail.
ASLA is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and maintaining an inclusive culture. We value the talents our diverse associates bring to the organization and are wholly committed to provide a culture free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions at ASLA are based on business needs and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, past or present military service, or any other status protected by laws or regulations.
About ASLA
The American Society of Landscape Architects is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing more than 15,000 members in 49 professional chapters and 82 student chapters. The Society has a staff of 50 and annual revenues of $12.9 million. Landscape architects plan livable communities that foster active lifestyles, design green streets that manage stormwater runoff, plan cutting-edge transportation corridors that are safe for all users, and help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters. Landscape architecture includes commercial developments, streetscapes, green roofs, parks, civic spaces, memorials, and residential communities, as well as large-scale land planning and design to protect watersheds, coastlines, and ecosystems. The Society’s mission is to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, communication, education, and fellowship.
ASLA is committed to hiring a diverse workforce and fostering a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture. ASLA values are dedication, excellence, integrity, leadership, and stewardship. The ASLA culture is collaborative, member-focused, accountable, responsible, and volunteer-supported. The organization embraces the “Baldrige Excellence Framework” – an integrated leadership and performance management system.
A leader in environmental sustainability, ASLA is headquartered in a state-of-the-art facility designed to achieve LEED Platinum and WELL Building Standard Gold. The Center for Landscape Architecture features a green roof, landscaped patio, flexible meeting/event space, collaboration spaces, and advanced lighting, air quality, and A/V systems. The building is located one-and-a-half blocks from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro Station serving the Red, Yellow, and Green Lines. ASLA has received awards for its employee wellness programs and is recognized as a Best Workplace for Commuters.
