Summary
Description
The Managing Editor will be the project manager for the American Alpine Journal (AAJ) and Accidents in North American Climbing (Accidents), overseeing the editorial calendar and production process, and partnering with the editorial teams for both publications to ensure quality and timely delivery. Additionally, this individual will be responsible for launching a new annual publication from the American Alpine Club and serving as the Editor in Chief for the new publication. (More information about the specifics of that publication will be provided during the interview process.) This role is critical to the success of some of the AAC’s longest legacy initiatives and most valued member benefits. The ideal candidate brings significant journalistic and editorial experience, deep expertise in the history, players, and practices of all forms of climbing, project management skills, and a passion for the AAC’s mission.
As the Managing Editor, your responsibilities include:
- Editor in Chief – New AAC Publication
- Partner with the VP of Marketing and Communications and other staff to drive the development of a new publication, including concept refinement and determining a production calendar that meets the AAC’s needs.
- Identify stories that fit the publication concept, conduct outreach to potential writers and photographers, and partner with them to edit their stories.
- Manage the editorial calendar, layout, and production of the publication, ensuring timely delivery that meets AAC publication standards.
- Managing Editor – AAJ and Accidents
- Partner with the VP of Marketing and Communications, AAC Executive Editor, and Accidents Editor in Chief to follow a production calendar that ensures timely and quality delivery of these critical resources.
- Identify opportunities to improve editorial, layout, and production processes to enhance the products, increase efficiency, and increase transparency.
- Partner with the VP of Marketing & Communications and editors to oversee the publication process from story collection to distribution.
- Contributing Editor – AAJ and Accidents
- Serve as a contributing editor for the AAJ and Accidents, supporting the editorial team as needed.
- Additional Responsibilities
- Help to manage the AAC digital archive, including uploading new stories and completing corrections as needed.
- Contribute to the selection, editing, and delivery of monthly publication deliverables, including “The Prescription,” “The Line,” “The Cutting Edge” podcast, and more.
- Contribute to publication-specific social media content.
- Identify new potential opportunities for the AAC to expand the impact and delivery of its publication program.
- As assigned by the VP of Marketing and Communications.
An exceptional fit will have:
- Passion for the mission of the American Alpine Club and commitment to our values and vision.
- 6+ years of senior editing experience, ideally with a journalistic focus, as well as print book or magazine publishing experience.
- Proven editorial expertise in story development, editing, photo research and acquisition, and preparation for layout.
- Demonstrated ability to manage both paid contractors and volunteers, and to help inexperienced contributors maximize the value of their work.
- Proven project management experience.
- Extensive climbing knowledge and a strong understanding of climbing history.
- Preferred additional skills:
- Adobe Creative Cloud (specifically InDesign and Photoshop)
- Digital and web content management experience
Environment
98% Desk work – Typical office work on a computer utilizing G-Suite, Slack, Zoom, and other computer-based programs.
2% Travel and physical – This position may require limited travel, both by car and plane. Physical work is occasionally required to support programmatic efforts – inventory management of company hardware, event tech support, office tech support, etc.
Benefits
The AAC currently offers a comprehensive benefits package including employer-paid medical (with reproductive and gender-affirming care), HSA, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, a wellness program, a matching 401k retirement plan, a flexible work scheduling, pro deals, generous paid time off, and bonding leave. Benefits are reviewed annually and change as needed. Team members are notified when any benefit changes occur.
How to Apply
All who love the AAC mission are encouraged to apply, including people of color, Black, Indigenous, transgender, and non-binary people. Apply online. No phone calls or emails, please. Cover letters are strongly encouraged. Priority will be given to applicants who apply by July 20, 2025. Candidates will not be contacted prior to the priority deadline.
The AAC is an equal-opportunity employer. Your gender, religion, sex life, skin color, first language, marital status, and size and ability of your body do not factor into employment decisions here.
If you love our mission and are good at what you do, come as you are.
A note about applying: our position descriptions outline general needs for a role, but these are not set rules. If you meet more than two-thirds of the suggested skills, we encourage you to apply. Include any applicable experience, both paid and volunteered, that helped you build these competencies.
About the AAC
Founded in 1902, the American Alpine Club (AAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing climbers with resources that advance knowledge, inspiration, and advocacy. Through our rescue benefit and medical expense coverage, climbing and grief grants, campgrounds, and discounts, we are committed to empowering our members. We share knowledge and inspiration through the American Alpine Journal, Accidents in North American Climbing, and preserving climbing history in the AAC Library and Archives. Finally, we advocate for our members and the places we climb by breaking down barriers to climbing and seeking to preserve our climbing landscapes and public lands nationally and locally. At the AAC, we are connected through our passion for climbing. United We Climb.
