Aviation Freelance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY:

The Aviation Writer creates a high volume of general aviation-related content for our magazines and website, informing readers of general aviation (GA) news and advocacy efforts, introducing them to interesting people in the GA community, inspiring them with ideas for how to get more fulfillment out of flying, and showcasing interesting aircraft and products.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Ideation (15%)

Pitches stories independently according to AOPA’s organizational priorities and the interests of our audience.

Derives story ideas and insight from personal flying experiences.

Participates in collaborative brainstorming, including expressing thoughts clearly, using active listening, and checking for understanding. Acknowledges and shows respect for others’ points of view; respects honest disagreement; provides and receives honest feedback with a positive attitude. 

Exercises news judgment to evaluate potential stories, uses resources to determine the appropriate focus of a story.

Reporting (30%)

Networks appropriately internally and externally to learn of news and developments.

Gathers information using standard journalistic reporting methods, including research, interviews, and observation. Topics include the aviation community, GA experiences and destinations, and what it’s like to fly various GA airplanes.

Coordinates and travels with photographers and videographers. Sets expectations with sources and effectively communicates AOPA’s content gathering needs and processes.

Adapts to change; maintains composure and reprioritizes as needed.

Anticipates challenges and plans for contingencies; identifies problems and proposes solutions in accordance with department priorities.

Writing and content creation (35%)

Delivers pitched and assigned stories for print and online daily, weekly, and monthly as needed, using time and financial resources effectively.

Produces engaging, original content employing standard newswriting techniques and a variety of story structures appropriate to the medium.

Checks facts appropriately to verify accuracy.

Editing and production (20%)

Collaborates with art staff to align design and photo choices with text.

Edits for accuracy and style.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

Facilitates air-to-air photography by making appropriate connections with subject pilots and AOPA’s flight operations team.

Collaborates to tell stories on different platforms, including social media and video. Appears on camera in support of these objectives.

May assist with the digital or print production process.

Takes photographs and operates action cameras in support of AOPA's content gathering.

May oversee a sweepstakes promotion, to include aircraft management and repositioning, maintenance and upgrades coordination, budgeting, public appearances, and media coverage, to engage with pilots and generate excitement around membership.

May review freelance submissions as needed, responding to and providing feedback to authors, ensuring contracts and payments are submitted promptly; coordinates scheduling and coverage for a single series or topic.

**Although this job description aims to capture the majority of the position duties, other duties may be assigned based on business and departmental needs.

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree, minimum of three years of multi-channel media experience.

Sport pilot certificate or above.

Knowledge of grammar. Familiarity with AP and/or Chicago style. 

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Major in English or journalism.

Experience living the general aviation (GA) lifestyle.

Familiar with major companies in GA, and major issues affecting GA.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position works in an office setting.

Typical working hours are 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break.

Generally, a climate-controlled environment with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions when attending aviation related events and reporting on the general aviation community, including exposure to higher altitudes and confined spaces if in a general aviation aircraft.

This position requires up to 15% travel to various GA or industry-related events. Travel is by aircraft (GA and commercial) and by road or public transit. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to:

Sit for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.

Use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.

Communicate effectively via email, phone, and in-person, which requires clear speech, hearing, and vision.

Occasionally operate GA aircraft, including manipulating conventional controls and stepping up and bending during preflight inspection.

Occasionally stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms during the course of normal office activities.

Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 15 pounds, such as boxes of materials or equipment.

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. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 
This position is located onsite at AOPA’s Frederick, MD, office.   

The salary range for this position is: $68,000 - $78,000, depending on education and experience. 

BENEFIT INFORMATION: 

Flight Training (earn your Private Pilot License for free) & Annual Flight Proficiency Program (so you can keep flying and remain proficient) 

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance is available for employees and their dependents the 1st of the month following their start date 

Flexible Spending Plans 

Health Savings Plan with employer contribution (for eligible participants)

401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match, and annual discretionary supplemental employer contribution 

Company paid Short and Long-term Disability Insurance 

Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D insurance with the option to buy up  

Paid Time Off (PTO): 17 days accrued during first year (accruals increase based on tenure) 

Paid Holidays: 12 holidays 

Personal days: 3 (prorated based on hire date) 

Volunteer day: 1 (prorated based on hire date)  

Work From Home Fridays 

Paid Parental Leave  

AOPA Membership 

Employee Assistance Program 

Wellness Program (earn medical insurance premium discounts) 

Gym Reimbursement Program 

Supplemental insurance options (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity) 

Tuition Reimbursement Program  

Discount on AOPA swag 

Business casual dress code 

Free coffee, tea, hot cocoa