Publications Editor

Job Summary 

The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Publications Editor is an experienced editorial professional, modern storyteller, and advocate for California’s native plants. Reporting to the Senior Director of Public Affairs, the Publications Editor will work with other staff, editorial board members, designers, and subject matter experts to:  

• Concept, develop, and edit CNPS publications content.
• Ensure CNPS publications adhere to the highest editorial, stylistic, and journalistic standards.
• Help more people appreciate the value, beauty, and significance of native plants.
• Identify and give voice to the diverse topics and people of the native plant movement.
• Provide current and prospective members with inspiring and relevant information that builds and sustains their support for the CNPS mission.
• Grow CNPS brand‐awareness.
• Translate complex scientific concepts into meaningful take‐away messages for people who love native plants but have many other issues competing for their attention.
• Shape the messages to help foster a growing community of Californians dedicated to protecting our native ecosystems and restoring our connection to the natural world.
• Manage Publications Program contractors.

What You’ll Do 

Flora Magazine Managing Editor – 70%  

Oversee all operations of the organization’s quarterly magazine. 

• Work with Senior Director of Public Affairs and other CNPS staff to plan each 48‐page issue.
• Oversee and ensure Flora magazine conforms to publications budget.
• Engage a diverse team of staff, volunteer, and freelance contributors.
• Oversee coordination with designer, contributors, copy editor, and printers.
• Write ~40% of each issue’s content; edit 100% of content.
• Explore fresh approaches to content and design.
• Work with Public Affairs colleagues to evolve publication for the digital environment.
• Expand reach of CNPS publications through content promotion and syndication.
• Oversee publication advertising and distribution.
• Identify and pursue publication grant opportunities, sponsorships, and awards.

Artemisia Journal Manager – 20% 

Manage an independent contract editor to oversee all aspects of the Society’s bi-annual scientific publication. 

• Coordinate editorial board and attract and retain diverse contributors, with assistance from staff and editorial board.
• Manage journal budget.
• Identify opportunities for the digital environment and strategic use of Artemisia content.
• Supervise the work of an independent contractor to plan and produce two 48-page issues per year.
• Oversee contracts, and work with the Contract Editor to coordinate designers, illustrators, proofreaders, and other Artemisia contributors.
• Develop and manage online system for author submissions and respond to reader queries.
• Edit entire issue.
• Reduce barriers to participation for diverse authors and editors.
• Oversee publication advertising and distribution.

CNPS Press and Book Projects – 10% 

• Work with Senior Director of Public Affairs to transition the organization’s book publication arm into an author grant program.
• Cultivate and manage the CNPS Book Grant Committee.
• Support fundraising for book grants program.

Physical Requirements  

This job can require prolonged sitting and use of a computer and mouse. These requirements are representative, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Additional Information  

• This is a full-time (40-hour week), remote position, based in California.  Preference will be given to applicants who reside within two hours (or about 120 miles) of Sacramento to facilitate attendance at team meetings.
• Work hours are generally Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with some flexibility.
• A valid California driver’s license is required.
• Periodic travel to locations throughout California will be required. Work travel is reimbursed.

Who You Are 

• At least 6 years of professional experience in digital or print publications, editorial project management, agency or corporate communications.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and compellingly in writing for a lay audience.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and translate scientific or other complex concepts.
• Demonstrated experience in Associated Press style, equally strong understanding of Chicago Manual of Style and MLA
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and Google suite.
• Experience in WordPress and Photoshop a plus.
• Strong grounding in the values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ); keen understanding of how those values intersect with your work as a writer and editor.
• Strong time and project management skills with the ability to remain flexible and juggle multiple projects at a time.
• Calm under deadlines and able to handle a rapidly changing environment.
• Experience working with designers and printers.

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; however, relevant experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis in lieu of a degree.

Nice to Have 

While CNPS recognizes that not every individual will exhibit all these characteristics, the successful candidate will possess at least one – and ideally more than one – of the following: 

• Experience with nonprofit associations.
• An interest in botany and conservation.
• Bilingualism (Fluency in more than one language commonly spoken in California).

What You’ll Get 

• A salary starting between $90,160.00 and 97,160.00.
• 100% of employee premiums for health (Kaiser or Anthem), life, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 6% matching contributions, eligible immediately.
• Flexible spending account (FSA) / health savings account (HSA), dependent care account (DCA) and transportation savings account (TSA).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Annual paid leave benefits include 13 holidays, 12 sick/wellness days, and 15 paid vacation days.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
• A CNPS-issued laptop, $750 home office stipend, and $60/month telework stipend.
• Attendance at biannual staff team building events.
• Complimentary CNPS Society membership.
• “Superhero to the planet” status (for your contributions to conservation).