Managing Editor

Position Summary

Western Resource Advocates (WRA) is hiring a Managing Editor to join our team. The Managing Editor will be responsible for managing WRA’s electronic and print materials and work in collaboration with teams across WRA to develop and execute content and publications that elevate our policy positions, influence media, educate decision makers, drive the narrative, inspire donors, and promote equitable change. The role will ensure our content leverages the organization’s key messages and is designed in line with our brand guidelines.  This position will manage publication projects, edit and develop content including op-eds, blogs, and other articles, and work to leverage these materials through communications plans with our key audiences.

About Western Resource Advocates

WRA fights climate change and its impacts to sustain the environment, economy, and people of the West. We respect the different needs of diverse people and partner with them to develop a shared vision for progress—one that advances communities while protecting biodiversity.

Our team of policy experts, scientists, economists, and attorneys has a 30-year history of working where decisions are made, sweating the details, creating evidence-based solutions, and holding decision makers accountable. This on-the-ground-work with policymakers and other advocates advances clean energy, protects air, land, water, and wildlife—and sustains the lives and livelihoods of the West.

Location

This position may work remotely in our seven-state region, in one of our six offices, or a hybrid of the two. Our seven-state region includes Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. WRA has offices located in Boulder, CO; Carson City, NV; Denver, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Salt Lake City, UT; and Santa Fe, NM. Access to a major airport required, as this position involves some travel.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage editorial projects from conception to completion, including brainstorming ideas, research, setting and meeting deadlines, writing content, getting feedback, making revisions, proofreading, and copy editing. 
• Initiate story, content, and publications ideas to help the organization reach its goals. 
• Write key stories, blogs, and articles, as well as outline, proofread, and copyedit reports, quarterly Fields Notes magazines, annual Impact Reports, fact sheets, presentations, other policy and donor materials, and weekly internal e-newsletter (the “Insider”).
• Independently incorporate changes, comments, and critiques from multiple reviewers using exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Conduct interviews with internal stakeholders to gather and craft informative and accurate materials.
• Maintain a clear understanding of WRA’s policy goals, strategies, and key messages, keep up to date on pertinent issues, and articulate this information appropriately and effectively.
• Assist with content and copyediting for social media campaigns, podcast episodes, email marketing, advocacy actions, and donor acquisition campaigns. 
• Identify topics with visual and audio elements to create stories that exploit those qualities for use in videos, podcasts, infographics, slideshows, and other media as appropriate.
• Ensure the standards of excellence are met in editing across all products.
• Continued research, education, and implementation on best practices for accessibility in writing
• Other projects, tasks, and duties reasonably related to the functions described above. 

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES:

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of this position, will be considered.  For example, the requisite experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities would include:

• Exceptional communication skills – written, verbal, interpersonal and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate articulately, persuasively, and effectively with varied audiences.
• Aptitude for translating complicated technical concepts into accessible written and spoken content. 
• At least ten to fifteen years of relevant experience in creating compelling content and developing and implementing communications strategies. 
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with excellent attention to detail and follow through.
• Ability to stay nimble and organized while managing multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Demonstrated track record of success in developing persuasive materials.
• Experience researching, analyzing, interpreting, and compiling technical information from divergent sources, and translating that information for different audiences.
• Highly detail-oriented and organized, with superior research, editing, and proofreading skills.
• A strong understanding of the politics and landscape surrounding the issues WRA works on across our seven-state region.
• Ability to work effectively with people of different backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles.
• Commitment to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into our marketing and communication practices and products
• Genuine passion for the mission and work of WRA.