Description
The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) seeks an experienced, highly organized, and detail-oriented editor and writer to serve as Managing Editor of SIAM News, SIAM’s flagship news publication covering developments in applied mathematics, computational science, data science, and related fields.
The ideal candidate combines strong editorial experience with exceptional writing and editing skills and an interest in communicating technical and scientific topics to a broad audience. SIAM News articles often address sophisticated research but are intended to remain accessible and engaging to readers across the applied mathematics community, from advanced undergraduate students to experienced researchers.
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Managing Editor is responsible for the editorial direction, content development, and production of SIAM News, which publishes 10 print issues annually, as well as the ongoing development of content for SIAM News Online. This position plays a central role in identifying timely and engaging topics, recruiting contributors, editing both technical and broad-reaching scientific material, overseeing the production process, and expanding the reach and impact of SIAM News across print and digital platforms.
The Managing Editor works closely with SIAM News volunteers, SIAM leadership, conference organizers, authors, freelance writers, and staff throughout the organization. The position supervises the Associate Editor and collaborates extensively with SIAM’s Marketing and Communications team to promote content and strengthen the visibility of SIAM News.
This is a full-time, hybrid position based in SIAM’s Philadelphia, PA office.
Key Responsibilities
Editorial Leadership and Content Development
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of timely, relevant content for SIAM News and SIAM News Online by monitoring developments in applied mathematics, computational
science, data science, and related fields, including SIAM journal content, conference presentations, press releases, and broader scientific and technical news.
• Solicit articles from researchers, SIAM members, conference speakers, SIAM leadership, freelance writers, and other prospective contributors.
• Maintain ongoing communication with authors throughout the editorial process, from initial solicitation through editing, proofing, layout, and final publication.
• Edit and proofread print and online content for grammar, organization, readability, technical level, accuracy, and adherence to SIAM News editorial standards and house style.
• Write original feature articles, commentaries, interviews, announcements, and other content for SIAM News and SIAM News Online based on SIAM conference presentations, journal articles, panel discussions, organizational initiatives, and developments of interest to the SIAM community.
Print and Digital Production
• Oversee the complete production of 10 print issues of SIAM News each year, including editorial planning, copy preparation, proofing, layout, design, printing, and distribution.
• Supervise and collaborate with the Associate Editor on article editing, galley proofs, issue layout, online publication, and other editorial responsibilities.
• Review and revise galley proofs and final issue layouts to ensure editorial and production quality prior to submission to SIAM’s external printing vendor.
• Publish and format content for SIAM News Online through SIAM’s content management system as needed.
• Prepare mathematical equations, symbols, and formulas for print and online publication using LaTeX, MathType, and MathJax.
• Continually develop and expand SIAM News Online content to increase readership and engagement.
Audience Development and Promotion
• Develop and distribute a near-monthly member email that promotes SIAM News print and online content.
• Collaborate with SIAM’s Marketing and Communications team and Membership team to increase the visibility and reach of SIAM News through email, social media, press outreach, and other promotional channels.
• Coordinate with Marketing regarding display advertising, classified listings, and sponsored content in print SIAM News, as well as online and email advertising.
• Recommend and implement new approaches to increase the reach, impact, and financial sustainability of
SIAM News and SIAM News Online.
Conference Coverage and Community Engagement
• Travel to two to three SIAM conferences each year to report on technical presentations, panel discussions, and other topics of interest to SIAM News readers.
• Identify and recruit prospective contributors while attending conferences and other SIAM events.
• Build and maintain relationships with SIAM News Editorial Board members, activity group liaisons, conference organizers, SIAM leadership, researchers, and members of the broader applied mathematics community.
• Organize periodic virtual meetings with the SIAM News Editorial Board and SIAM activity group liaisons to identify emerging topics and potential article ideas.
Management and Administration
• Supervise, support, and provide editorial direction to the Associate Editor.
• Maintain organized tracking systems for articles in development, ongoing communications with authors and prospective contributors, deadlines, and upcoming content.
• Develop and manage the annual SIAM News expense budget and monitor expenditures (e.g., freelance costs) throughout the year.
• Coordinate with departments throughout SIAM to ensure that important organizational initiatives, awards, events, and community news are communicated effectively through SIAM News.
• Participate in regular staff and leadership meetings and remain informed about developments relevant to SIAM members and the broader community.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, a STEM-focused discipline, or a related field required, with direct experience in scientific/technical communication.
• At least five years of professional publishing experience.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and editorial judgment.
• Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to maintain accuracy, consistency, and quality across multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience developing, editing, and translating scientific, technical, research-based, or similarly complex content into clear, accessible copy.
• Strong interest in applied mathematics, computational science, data science, or related scientific and technical fields.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple articles, contributors, deadlines, and production schedules simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with researchers, authors, volunteers, staff, vendors, and organizational leadership.
• Experience managing or providing editorial direction to staff, freelancers, or contributors.
• Familiarity with publishing and content management workflows.
• Strong familiarity with Adobe suite, especially Adobe InDesign or comparable publishing software, preferred.
• Familiarity with LaTeX, MathType, MathJax, or other tools used to prepare mathematical and technical content preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel to approximately two to three conferences per year.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment.
Performance Expectations
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to:
• Have a general understanding and appreciation of applied mathematics, computational science, and data science and be an advocate for SIAM and its mission.
• Perform high-quality work within established deadlines.
• Interact professionally with employees, members, authors, volunteers, vendors, and other constituents.
• Work effectively as a team contributor while also managing responsibilities independently.
• Communicate and coordinate effectively across departments and with external partners.
About SIAM
The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) is an international community of more than 14,500 individual members. Almost 500 academic, manufacturing, research and development, service and consulting organizations, government agencies, and military organizations worldwide are institutional members.
SIAM was incorporated in 1952 as a nonprofit organization to convey useful mathematical knowledge to professionals who could implement mathematical theory for practical, industrial, or scientific use. SIAM continues today to advance the application of mathematics, computational science, and data science through research, publications, and community.
SIAM offers a competitive and comprehensive salary and employee benefits package. The pay range for this role is $95,000 - $115,000.
SIAM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
How to Apply
Please send your cover letter and resume to Aaron Zacharia (azacharia@siam.org) with the subject line “Your Name Managing Editor SIAM News Position.”
