Description

BACKGROUND

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is the world’s largest organization representing professional counselors in various practice settings.

Our vision: We are the preeminent advocate and resource for professional counselors and their clients in a world where everyone has access to mental health services.

Our mission: Advancing the counseling profession, mental health and well-being through education, advocacy, community, inclusion and research.

Our values: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Integrity, Proactive Leadership, Professional Community & Relationships, Scientific Practice & Knowledge, Social Justice & Empowerment.

All ACA team members are encouraged, supported and expected to demonstrate The Way We Work Values: Be Flexible, Be Creative, Be Empowered, Be Inquisitive, Be Collaborative and Be Respectful.

Job Purpose

The Writer/Editor creates original copy from concept to completion, including short- and long-form news and feature articles for Counseling Today’s print and digital portfolio. The Writer/Editor is a skilled storyteller and experienced newswriter who can write for mental health professionals (e.g., licensed counselors and counselor educators) and those interested in learning more about mental health (i.e., the public). The Writer/Editor develops internal and external sources, conducts background research to inform reportingand interviews subject matter experts. In addition, the Writer/Editor ensures the editorial integrity of key publications across the organization.

ACA’s bimonthly magazine, Counseling Today, has been the premier source of news and information about professional counseling since 1958. The print magazine presents news and in-depth features about mental health, research, effective clinical techniques, advocacy efforts, career guidance, ethical issues and counselor wellness. The Counseling Todayportfolio also includes a digital member blog and “online exclusive” feature articles.

In addition to the below list of responsibilities, the Writer/Editor will carry out assigned tasks that are consistent with the general responsibilities of this position.

Please provide three writing samples that demonstrate your ability to write clearly and effectively or include a link to an online portfolio featuring relevant work. You can submit these samples as “additional documents,” in addition to your resume when applying.

DIMENSIONS AND DEPARTMENT ORG CHART

No Direct Reports

Attendance at the ACA Annual Conference & Expo as needed

Key Responsibilities

Content Creation (60%)

Write eight to 10 feature articles per year (about 1,500-2,000 words) for print issues of Counseling Todayand online exclusives.
Write short articles (about 300-500 words) for several recurring departments in each print issue.
Research and compile listicle-style statistics, facts, news and event announcements.
Collaborate with editor-in-chief and production team to generate story topics for the magazine.
Research and identify subject matter experts to serve as sources, develop story plans and interview questions, and conduct interviews with sources.
Attend the annual ACA Conference & Expo to cover sessions, write recaps of selected sessions and identifypotential sources and contributors.
Cultivate relationships with ACA leadership, members, potential sources and the mental health community to inform story development.
Support the editor-in-chief to review and assess story pitches, article ideas and member submissions.
Support the editor-in-chief to monitor and maintain the Counseling Today email inbox, including logging manuscript submissions and corresponding with contributors.

Editing (30%)

Provide developmental editing, copyediting, proofreadingand fact-checking support for member submissions, online exclusives and member blogs.
Support the proofreading and promotion of content for advertisements, blogs, newsletters, web pages, social media, podcasts, webinars, video scripts and marketing collateral as needed.
Learn, maintain and update the ACA Style Guide and Associated Press (AP) Stylebook licenses.
Coach staff and external contributors through the content creation process and advise on questions about ACA style.
Provide support as needed in the page-proofing process for Counseling Today.

Content Strategy and Evaluation (10%)

Support the editor-in-chief to plan, develop and manage digital content strategy for the web and newsletters.
Support the web manager to format and post digital versions of magazine content for the website.
Monitor mental health news, ACA membership/reader data, website analytics and other metrics to ensure stories deliver member value.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in journalism, English, communications or a related field.
At least five years of progressive experience in newswriting.
Expertise in editing; formal copyediting certification highly preferred.
Strong storytelling (print and digital) skills.
Ability to manage an article from inception to publication, including researching, interviewing, writing and editing.
Ability to adapt style, tone and voice to write and edit a variety of materials across platforms.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work successfully in a team-based environment.
Expertise with AP style, house style guides, editorial checklists and plain language.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including the Review (Track Changes) function in MS Word and Acrobat Pro.
Familiarity with project management tools such as Monday, content management systems such as SiteFinity, and web analytics platforms such as Google Analytics.
Ability to exercise good judgment when there is ambiguity.
Willingness to be proactive, resourceful and adaptable to changing priorities/workloads.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritize assignments and meet production deadlines.

LOCATION AND FLEXIBILITY : Must reside within the Washington, DC Metro area.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The position is in an office environment and requires sitting and some standing and has a limited 10-15 pound lifting requirement. Requires the ability to operate computer equipment, telephone, and general office equipment to generate and transmit communications.

EOE

If you have any questions please reach us at recruitment@counseling.org.

American Counseling Association

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Writer/Editor