Features Editor

Society for Science•Washington, DC

1d•$99,015 - $106,438•Hybrid

About The Position

Science News Media Group seeks an experienced and creative editor to manage longform journalism for our award-winning publication. The role includes working with colleagues across the newsroom to set a long-range strategy for the feature well, including thinking strategically about covers, innovating on formats and prioritizing the digital expression of print-first content. The Features Editor will guide staff writers and freelancers to develop and deliver must-read narratives across the fields of science that will connect readers with the most significant, must-know advances in science, medicine and technology while providing context, nuance and perspective on how science impacts people's lives, communities and the planet. Working with the Managing Editor, this role will set and enforce deadlines, aid in production work, adapt work from other departments for the magazine and work closely with the Design Team to ensure all assigned stories have top-notch visuals. Position Overview The Features Editor will play a key role in defining the longform strategy for Science News. In addition to prior experience working on consumer print magazines, the ideal candidate will have excellent editing skills at the big-picture level, a keen eye for detail in line edits and copy edits, and a strong sense of how visuals can work with text to help make science exciting and accessible for general readers. Science News Media Group is an editorially independent nonprofit news organization that has been covering news of science, medicine and technology for the general public since 1921. The magazine has a circulation of more than 120,000, and we drew almost 10 million unique visitors in 2025 to sciencenews.org . Science News consistently ranks as the most trusted and least biased science news organization in Ad Fontes Media's biannual analysis. We also publish Science News Explores , a website and print magazine with more than 30,000 subscribers that connects younger people and educators with science. Our parent nonprofit Society for Science is dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, access to STEM education and public understanding of scientific research. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization, the Society promotes the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire. Beyond journalism, the Society is best known for its world class science research competitions and outreach and equity STEM Programs founded to make sure that every young person can strive to become an engineer or scientist. You'll be joining a group of creative, inquisitive people who come to science journalism from a diversity of backgrounds, education and experiences, and who are passionate about our work as independent nonprofit journalists.

Requirements

Expertise in editing and producing longform journalism
Ability to plan and execute a strategy for features and covers 12 months out, balancing the need to cover a variety of topics in each issue with the goal of providing a cohesive reader experience
Strong work ethic and time management skills
Knowledge of the ethics and standards of a news organization
Organization and experience prioritizing across multiple projects
Exceptional communications skills
Ability to develop rapport with colleagues and freelancers
Interest in and familiarity with recent developments in science
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
At least 7 years' experience editing, including longform
Experience working on consumer magazines
Experience supervising and mentoring writers
Excellent teamworking skills
Knowledge of Adobe Suite products; InCopy preferred

Responsibilities

Set and maintain an editorial calendar for longform stories, most of which will appear first in print in our monthly magazine
Solicit pitches from staff writers and freelancers; develop, assign and edit compelling features that fit the Science News brand
Recruit and coach freelance editors who can assist with feature edits
Collaborate with the Design Team to identify or create photos, illustrations, charts, diagrams, infographics, etc. that adhere to the highest standards for accuracy
Collaborate with the Design Team to ensure that all features have layouts that enhance the storytelling
Collaborate with the News Team on adapting longer news analyses or explainers for print
Collaborate with the Digital Team to imagine and enact new strategies for longform pieces online, including innovative formats, interactives and other multimedia
Work with managers across the newsroom to balance staff workloads and set priorities
Guide features through fact checks and print production in InCopy
Assist with other magazine production tasks as needed
Edit web-first news stories as needed
Supervise staff writers