Editor

WATT Global Media•Rockford, IL

About The Position

The Editor contributes to and implements WATT Global Media’s editorial content strategy for Petfood Industry magazine, Petfood Forum, and related digital media and products, with the goal of increasing audience and client engagement. The role plans and develops content, edits and writes for print and online channels, contributes to multimedia products and events, and represents Petfood brands and products. The position works with the Editor-in-Chief and staff across WATT, as well as advertisers, subscribers, industry organizations, vendors, and event participants. It is performed in a Results-Only Work Environment and may require domestic and international travel of up to 20% of the time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or equivalent.
Five to eight years of experience as a reporter or editor.
Experience working on and leading projects with a proven record of achieving results.
Experience as an editor with web and print responsibilities.
Comfort appearing in and producing multimedia content, including video and audio recordings.
Ability to report and write accurately and efficiently with minimal editing.
Ability to meet print production deadlines in a fast-paced environment while performing other duties for events and web.
Knowledge of basic SEO and GEO language and best practices, and ability to apply them.
Proficiency with collaborative technology such as Trello, ShareFile, Teams, GoToMeeting/GoToWebinar, and Zoom.
Proficiency with social media tools such as Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Knowledge of a content management system such as Mindful.
Ability to train and work collaboratively with others and provide constructive feedback.
Critical thinking skills, including using logic and reason to assess alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches.
Quality control analysis skills to evaluate the quality or performance of products and processes.
Time management skills and ability to achieve results on schedule in a self-directed environment.
Ability to operate office equipment, machines, and a computer.
Ability to walk, bend, stoop, lift, and carry up to 15 pounds; may need to stand for up to eight hours while participating in events; requires close vision.

Nice To Haves

Background covering animal nutrition, business, or science.

Responsibilities

Create the magazine editorial calendar and select highlighted topics that engage the audience and clients.
Track and analyze audience engagement using GA4 and digital magazine platform statistics, then adapt content strategy and development accordingly.
Work to continuously improve media products and trial and use artificial intelligence applications in alignment with corporate objectives.
Work with the Editor-in-Chief to prioritize and schedule magazine assignments.
Review copy and correct content, grammar, and punctuation errors in accordance with editorial style and formatting guidelines.
Write magazine and online features, a monthly Petfood Industry column, and regular digital content such as podcast episodes, video chats, and blog posts.
Promote content and products on social media.
Contribute to Petfood Forum event content, including identifying potential topics and speakers and reviewing abstract submissions.
Develop and moderate editorial and commercial webinars.
Represent Petfood brands and products at trade shows and conferences.
Identify and understand client objectives, inform sales staff of client needs, and suggest suitable WATT products.
Meet print production deadlines while handling event and web duties.
Work collaboratively with others, provide training, and give constructive feedback.