Managing Editor, Science News

Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Job Category: Magazines,Academia
Job ID: 73244
Employment Type: Full time
Salary: per year
Posted: 09.18.2025

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Occupations:

Job Description:

Science News Media Group is looking for an innovative managing editor to lead our award-winning flagship print magazine, Science News, and advance our mission of connecting the public with accurate, engaging news of the latest in science, medicine and technology — a mission that is more important than ever before.

In January 2025 we debuted the next evolution of Science News magazine, with a complete redesign and a monthly publishing schedule. While still committed to providing daily content on our digital platforms, our goal is to build on our strengths as a legacy print publication with a premium print product that includes trusted reporting, compelling visual journalism and multiple opportunities for people to connect with science and its role in society in the ways that only a print magazine can.

Science News isn’t alone in recognizing this resurgence in the value and vitality of print in the digital era. In October 2024, The Atlantic announced it would resume monthly print publication starting in January 2025, a frequency it had abandoned over two decades prior, while other publications like Financial Times, Us Weekly, Sports Illustrated, Saveur and Ebony are relaunching print editions.

Our ideal candidate is a visionary editor who will play a key role in leading the evolution of the print magazine to meet the needs and interests of today’s readers, while also managing the magazine’s day to day editorial and production processes.

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 draw more than 10 million unique visitors a year to sciencenews.org. Science News consistently ranks as the most reliable and least biased science news organization in Ad Fontes Media’s biannual analysis. We also publish Science News Explores, a website and print magazine 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 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.

Position Overview

The managing editor leads editorial processes for the Science News print magazine, including planning coverage, managing production workflows, and ensuring that the magazine meets our high standards of accuracy, timeliness and accessibility.

As part of the editorial management team, the managing editor works closely with the editor in chief, executive editor, design director, digital director and news director to ensure that the magazine delivers news of the latest and most significant developments in science, while also helping people use science to better understand themselves and the world around them.  This includes coverage that explains the science behind major news events and provides context and perspective on complex issues in science and society through enterprising features.

The managing editor ensures that the magazine delivers compelling and innovative storyforms, including visual journalism, data driven journalism, and expanded opportunities for readers to connect with science through popular culture, history, reviews and puzzles.

The managing editor also works closely with colleagues in the news, digital and design teams and the Science News Explores team to develop and coordinate coverage and workflows across print and digital platforms.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the editor in chief, executive editor and other SNMG directors to develop and execute strategies to innovate in response to the changing needs of audiences and the news ecosystem
• Ensure that the print magazine provides readers with a premium experience that keeps them informed of the latest news in science, provides context on big issues in science and society, and delivers stellar visual journalism
• Manage editorial workflows
• Manage the print production process and meet press deadlines
• Ensure that the magazine meets the highest standards of accuracy, clarity, tone, style and accessibility
• Coordinate with the digital team to ensure that the digital print edition and print-first articles are published on time and with enhanced digital storytelling
• Develop and execute special projects and themed issues
• Maintain a roster of freelance editors and writers; assign and supervise their work as needed
• Manage the print budget in collaboration with the design director
• Work with the business team to coordinate advertising placements; review ads to ensure that they meet SNMG standards

Qualifications

• Highly skilled journalist with a deep understanding of science and how to communicate it to the general public
• Adept at developing and delivering monthly magazine content, including news coverage, features, perspectives, back of book and visuals
• Capable of conceiving and executing special projects and themed issues
• Organized and attentive to detail, with experience managing a print editorial calendar and production schedule
• Skilled at managing staff and freelance editors, writers and other contributors
• Able to work collegially under deadline pressures
• Excellent editing and copy-editing skills, including proficiency in AP Style
• Knowledge of Adobe suite products including InCopy and InDesign; familiarity with AirTable is a plus

Job Requirements:

Required Education and Experience

• BA degree or equivalent experience required
• At least 7 years of journalism experience, including print editing and production management
• Expertise in covering science, medicine and technology for the public
• Affinity for the mission of the Society for Science
• Exceptional communications skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to develop rapport with colleagues and external clients

Supervisory Responsibility

The managing editor supervises the research and special projects editor, the editorial assistant and other staff members as assigned.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee usually works in an office setting. Our office is located near the Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro stations in Washington, D.C. Society for Science is operating on a hybrid work schedule.  This position is based in the DC metropolitan area.

Position Type and Expected Hours

This is a full-time (37.5 hr/wk), exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday during normal office hours of the Society. The normal business hours of the Society are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, with core hours of 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST.

Salary

The salary range is $97,000-$110,000.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer and other office equipment.

Additional Eligibility Information 

Society for Science has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for employees coming into the office and attending Society events. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position please upload a professional resume and cover letter that articulates your vision for the future of print journalism.

Please apply through ApplicantPro: https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/societyforscience/jobs/3855379-560497

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover every duty, responsibility and activity that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement

The Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.  Society for Science is committed to equal employment opportunity.  In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, the Society does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, age and/or any other categories protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.