Bugle Editor

Description

The Bugle editor works closely with the editorial team to create, procure, refine and deliver engaging, quality content highlighting the conservation, management and hunting of elk and other big game for Bugle magazine and RMEF’s other communication platforms including digital, email and social media. Responsibilities focus on producing polished content that explains, supports and emphasizes RMEF’s work in conservation, habitat, access, wildlife management and hunting heritage, as well as explores the ecology and natural history of elk and other big game. The Bugle editor also works with designers, writers, RMEF volunteers, interns and staff from other RMEF departments to generate compelling content that furthers RMEF’s mission.

This is an in-house position located at our headquarters in Missoula, MT, and is not remote. This position requires experience in journalism, with a focus on both print and digital communications.

Essential Functions

• Conceive, write, assign and edit features, departments and other content for Bugle and digital media platforms that highlight RMEF’s mission accomplishments, particularly those related to conservation, wildlife management, habitat improvement and land access; that explore issues relevant to RMEF’s mission and how they impact the management of elk and other wildlife, as well as hunting; and that celebrate the ecology and natural history of elk and other big game.
• Collaborate with the senior editor, designers and director of digital and print communications to ensure consistent, cohesive content across all channels.
• Work cross-functionally with department leads to prioritize the development of content highlighting RMEF’s mission work.
• Maintain a well-balanced slate of content related to conservation, wildlife management, habitat improvement, land access, and elk ecology and natural history for upcoming issues of Bugle.
• Cultivate contacts with and solicit story ideas from RMEF volunteers and staff; land and wildlife experts; federal, state and tribal agencies; the conservation community and freelance writers.
• Assign projects to writers, editors, interns and others. Ensure they keep focus, progress smoothly, use resources efficiently and frugally, are high-quality and meet established deadlines.
• Perform comprehensive research to glean, check and confirm information for articles, coordinating with wildlife and land professionals from nonprofit groups; universities; federal, state and tribal agencies; and other sources to best represent RMEF positions and work. Hone knowledge of elk ecology and management. Stay abreast of conservation, wildlife management, natural resource and hunting issues, as well as political and organizational sensitivities related to these issues.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Supervision Of Others

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
  
  

Education And Experience

Bachelor’s degree and/or experience and proven ability in journalism, creative writing or related field. Strong emphasis on natural sciences is helpful. At least three years’ experience as editor of a magazine devoted to wildlife conservation, natural history or hunting, and experience with the creation of digital media content, is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of and belief in RMEF's mission, goals and policies; including the biological, sociological and political elements that shape them.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Ability to hear, accentuate and clarify a writer’s voice; strong comprehension of style and grammar.
• Firm understanding of what proficient writing is; ability to detect and correct problems.
• Extensive knowledge of wildlife and natural resource conservation.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, manage priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to set and fulfill short- and long-term goals within specified timeframes.
• Strong interviewing skills (able to establish good rapport with diverse individuals, eliciting profound, clear and thorough information).
• Must demonstrate a personal interest in/commitment to hunting and natural resource conservation.
• Must demonstrate excellent computer skills with various key applications and programs.
• Must demonstrate strong copy-editing skills with adherence to established style and attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of social media platforms.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a positive team environment.
  
  

Physical Demands

Must sit for extended periods of time; use a computer terminal extensively; reach forward and to the side; bend from both standing and sitting position. Some travel is required and may include plane, car, boat, horse and foot.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of the job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements.