At Optica, you will work with some of the brightest minds in the industry and make a real impact. We empower visionaries! Join a team dedicated to extending the boundaries of possibility in optics.

With an inclusive culture built on collaboration and creativity, you will thrive in a supportive environment. Our commitment to innovation and excellence means that you will be challenged and supported in your professional growth and development.

Optica’s premier magazine, Optics & Photonics News (OPN), provides in-depth coverage of recent developments in optics and photonics to more than 24,000 members. The Senior Editor and Content Director is wholly responsible for the magazine and oversees its editorial strategy, direction, content and production as well as its accompanying web and digital edition. This role is also responsible for OPN contributions to the quarterly Optica European Newsletter and for ensuring that all OPN content, regardless of format, meets high editorial standards and is published according to schedule and for preparing the content.  To achieve this, the Senior Editor and Content Director leads a small editorial and creative staff, writes some original content, and works with staff, Optica volunteers and freelancers to acquire and edit content for the various products.  Additionally, as a senior member of the Publishing department, this position participates in activities associated with the strategic management of the division.  If you are a dynamic individual with exceptional editorial and communication skills, a keen attention to detail, and a desire to run an extraordinary magazine, this is the job for you!

Primary Responsibilities

• Determines OPN’s overall editorial content, direction and strategy.
• Creates and implements comprehensive strategic plans for OPN that cover the website, print issue, digital edition, email newsletters and social media.
• In partnership with OPN Managing Editor, acquires and assigns all OPN content, both for the print and online editions.  Solicits articles from contributors, providing guidance on article style, substance and format.
• Identifies article ideas and issue-based themes in collaboration with the OPN Editorial Advisory Committee, which is comprised of scientists and contributing editors.
• Determines and manages all editorial deadlines, in partnership with Managing Editor.  Manages staff scheduling to ensure magazine is printed and mailed on time and that the web content and digital edition post as scheduled.
• Identifies and monitors metrics on an ongoing basis to assess readership, web traffic and reader satisfaction.  Develops and implements plans to address new trends identified as part of ongoing analysis of metrics.
• Works closely with authors during the writing, reviewing and editing processes.  Writes copy as needed.
• Assigns articles to freelance authors and manages their contracts, deadlines, writing processes and invoices.
• Performs substantive editing and rewriting as needed on OPN content or delegates such tasks to Managing Editor.
• Oversees composition, production, including proofreading, layout approval and deadlines for all OPN content.
• Develops and monitors OPN’s annual budget, ensuring that all financial targets are adhered to.
• Works with OPN Creative Director in developing overall design direction and strategy as well as monthly layout.
• Oversees and promotes OPN’s online content, including research and industry news stories, career stories, image galleries, video and online supplements, and occasional blogs and polls, and works with Managing Editor to develop content or delegate its development.
• Monitors social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn), and supervises Managing Editor and Associate Editor in maintaining OPN social media presence.
• Coaches and supervises Creative Director, Managing Editor and Associate Editor and develops performance measures. Delegates tasks to staff and ensures appropriate workflow.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Participates with senior-level publications staff on various projects related to the strategic direction of Optica Publishing Group.
• Acts as staff liaison to OPN Editorial Advisory Committee.  Prepares agenda and leads annual meeting of the committee.
• Works closely with OPN Editorial Advisory Committee Chair on matters of strategic importance to OPN.
• Writes, assigns stories to other OPN staff and oversees creation and dissemination of content for the Optica European Newsletter.
• Works closely with Publishing Marketing, Conventions & Meetings, Communications and Membership staff to promote Optica activities and events through OPN.

Qualifications: 

In order to be successful in this role, you’ll need to, at a minimum, have the following:

• Four-year degree required. Masters or PhD preferred.  Background in physics, engineering and/or science journalism strongly preferred.

• Five to ten years’ experience managing magazine or newspaper staff, and writing or editing for a magazine or newspaper.  Background in journalism, science and technology strongly desired.
• Ability to effectively interact and manage ongoing relationships with multiple stakeholders, including Optica’s officers and volunteer members, C-level staff, senior staff, and freelance and staff contributors.
• Excellent oral and professional-level writing, research, editing, proofreading and project management skills required.
• Ability to create and adhere to budgets as well as to effectively manage freelancers and vendors.

Join us in making a difference:

Optica offers competitive salaries and great benefits, including performance bonuses, health, vision, dental, life insurance, flexible spending, short- and long-term disability, wellness benefits, 403(b) retirement plans with 10% employer contribution, pet benefits, PTO, paid holidays, and paid year-end break between 25 December through 1 January.

Our office is conveniently located across from Dupont Circle metro station. We offer a hybrid work schedule and remote work for certain positions.  To learn more about Optica and the open positions visit us at: https://www.optica.org/about/

optics (äp-tiks) noun. The branch of physics concerned with the behavior and property of light, including interactions of light with matter and the construction of instruments that use or detect light.

photonics (f?-tä-niks) noun. The engineering and technology of generating and controlling light. Photonics underpins the technologies of daily life, from smartphones to laptops, medical instruments, light technology, and even the Internet. The 21st century will depend as much on photonics as the 20^th century depended on electronics.

Apply now and help transform the future through optics and photonics.

Send resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to resumes@optica.org.

About Optica

Optica (formerly OSA) is dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving, and dissemination of knowledge in optics and photonics worldwide. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students, and others interested in the science of light. Optica’s renowned publications, meetings, online resources, and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical, and educational achievement.

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