Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) | Pilot

Role Summary and Strategic Objective

The organization seeks a highly motivated and experienced Digital Media Content Producer and Aviation Journalist to join its communications team. This professional role is central to developing, reporting, researching, and crafting a high volume of compelling aviation content, primarily for key digital publications such as AOPA ePilot and Flight Training newsletters. The Content Producer is expected to operate effectively across diverse media formats, including digital news platforms, print, audio, video production, and social media, ensuring all content is tailored to address the concerns of AOPA members and younger audiences.

This position requires the Content Producer to utilize audience feedback proactively as a guide toward future content development and journalistic planning for AOPA publications, supporting the continued growth of the general aviation community.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Writing and Content Creation (Approximately 50%)

• Creates news and feature articles, both assigned and pitched, for AOPA ePilot, Flight Training, and other digital and print publications.
• Responsible for producing a minimum of 100 bylined articles annually.
• Utilizes tried-and-true newswriting and storytelling techniques to effectively engage and inform readers across various platforms.
• Supports and advances the strategic goals of AOPA, its members, and the wider general aviation community through impactful journalism.
• Engages the next generation of pilots by leveraging the latest media trends and methods, including social media integration and action camera footage. The Producer may be required to appear on camera and deliver professional voice-overs as needed.

Reporting and Source Development (Approximately 25%)

• Maintains and cultivates reliable industry, community, and government sources and contacts to assist with identifying and validating newsworthy topics.
• Adheres rigorously to journalistic best practices to gather information through extensive research, insightful interviews, and observation.
• Draws upon personal experience as a pilot, aircraft owner, and aviation enthusiast to enrich reporting and content depth.
• Anticipates and adapts swiftly to changes in schedules and priorities to ensure work is completed in a timely manner and prioritized according to editorial need.
• Covers critical aviation events, remotely or in person, as assigned by the editorial leadership.

Story Generation and Planning (Approximately 15%)

• Develops and pitches a large volume of general aviation content aimed at informing and supporting AOPA members.
• Topics cover a wide range, from breaking industry, safety, and legislative news to features and profiles of interesting aircraft, people, places, and other compelling GA subjects.

Editorial Planning, Editing, and Production (Approximately 10%)

• Edits and proofreads content meticulously and assists with the production of AOPA ePilot and Flight Training newsletters, as well as other digital and print content, as assigned.
• Collaborates effectively with the managing editor and other departmental coworkers to plan and coordinate comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, including aircraft ownership, aviation safety, technical developments, and industry trends.

Required Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of professional journalism experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of journalism ethics, digital publishing best practices, and proficiency with digital publishing software and systems.
• FAA private pilot certificate (or higher) is mandatory. The candidate must maintain flight proficiency in support of job objectives.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• FAA instrument airplane or instrument helicopter rating.
• Proficiency with digital photography and photo editing tools.
• Demonstrated history of accurate, productive, and diverse reporting.
• Proven ability to successfully engage online readers through compelling content strategy.

Compensation and Professional Environment

Salary and Compensation

The salary range for this position is $68,000 - $75,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Work Environment and Travel

This is primarily an office-based position requiring typical working hours from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The role requires some travel, estimated at up to 20 percent of the time, to various general aviation or industry-related events. Travel is accomplished via general aviation aircraft, commercial flight, road, or public transit. Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, higher altitudes, and confined spaces (general aviation aircraft) is expected when covering events.

Comprehensive Benefits Package (Highlights)

The organization offers a robust and highly attractive benefits package, including unique programs specifically designed for aviation professionals:

• Flight Training Program: Eligibility to earn a Private Pilot License at no cost.
• Annual Flight Proficiency Program: Support provided to maintain ongoing flight proficiency.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): 17 days accrued during the first year (accruals increase with tenure), 12 paid holidays, 3 personal days, and 1 volunteer day.
• Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance available on the 1st of the month following the start date.
• Financial Planning: 401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match and an annual discretionary supplemental employer contribution; Health Savings Plan (HSA) with employer contribution.
• Work Flexibility: Work-From-Home Fridays and Business Casual dress code.
• Paid Parental Leave, Life Insurance, and Disability Insurance (company-paid).
• Wellness Program (including gym reimbursement and medical insurance premium discounts).
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and complimentary AOPA Membership.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to notifying all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor for further information.