Associate Web Editor, Science

Job Description

Job Ttitle: Associate Web Editor, Science

Company: Smithsonian Institution


Description: Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the
Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are
not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust
positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by
side. Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life
Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave,
Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and
Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health
& Dependent Care).CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation
• Complete a Probationary Period
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in the

U.S. is not required to apply.

• Trust applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of

this announcement.OVERVIEW
This position of Associate Web Editor, Science, is located in the Smithsonian Enterprises media group, and is
responsible for conceptualizing, creating and managing editorial content for the online platform for Smithsonian
magazine. The incumbent reports to the Digital Editorial Director.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform the role of lead science editor for Smithsonianmag.com, taking leadership of the science vertical,

supporting other editors on science coverage and meeting goals in terms of content production, audience
metrics, and revenue

• Work with freelance writers and editors: Assign stories, recruit new journalists to the site, negotiate contract

terms, edit content

• Craft stories that have compelling leads and sound story structure that inform and educate audiences while also

keeping them engaged throughout

• Collaborate with Smithsonian Institution on coverage of areas of special interest, including Life on a

Sustainable Planet, deep space exploration, and other relevant topics

• Conceive of, and write scripts for, shortform and longform videos that explain important topics of scientific

inquiry and spark the audience’s curiosity about the natural world. Collaborate with video team on fact-
checking and offering feedback on videos

• Monitor trending topics in the news and on social media, identify opportunities to increase traffic to

Smithsonianmag.com

• Publish content and photos into content management system
• Editing, fact-checking and writing additional material for stories in the magazine archives, with the goal of

increasing traffic from search engines

• Create and maintain an editorial calendar for science coverage
• Collaborate with print magazine editors on science coverage and identify opportunities for cross-pollination of

ideas and content

• Monitor audience metrics and adapt strategies for enhancing audience growth and revenue
• Work with advertising sales, e-commerce, and other revenue-generating areas of the digital media team to

create new concepts and ideas for monetizationTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The
requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations
may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or scientific field preferred. A minimum of four (4)
years of web editorial experience; publishing experience preferred
Experience required for this position is as follows:

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in Web and print journalism with interest in science, particularly climate

change, biology, space, earth science, and energy

• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, content management systems
• Excellent written, verbal, research, organizational and analytical skills necessary to carry out duties in an

efficient and effective manner. Prior experience working in publishing preferred

• Demonstrated ability to juggle multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed
equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the
interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and
should be included as part of your application package.Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in
termination after employment begins.How To Apply:
Please forward a resume, and cover letter to:Please include the position title in the subject line.
Applications received on or before August 05, 2025, at 5:00 pm (EST) will be considered. Resumes should
include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending
dates of job (month and year).What To Expect Next:
Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be made compared to the qualifications and
experience as it applies to this job. After a review of applicant resume is complete, qualified candidates’ résumés
will be referred to the hiring manager.Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact the point-of-contact listed in the “How To Apply”
section above. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To
learn more, please review the Smithsonian’sThe Smithsonian offers a number of exceptional benefits to its employees who qualify. Benefits include:Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and
Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan,
Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early
Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care)The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety
of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the
richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information:

Salary: $78500 per year

Location: Washington DC

Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2025 06:46:16 GMT


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