Editor

Island Institute is seeking an Editor to manage its publications and build a more robust presence in the digital realm. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is experienced in a traditional journalism role to enhance our printed publications with a new, digital-first strategy.

Island Institute is a Rockland-based nonprofit dedicated to boldly navigating climate and economic changes with Maine’s island and coastal communities, expanding opportunities and delivering effective solutions. Since 1984, Island Institute has published the annual glossy Island Journal magazine and since 1993, The Working Waterfront newspaper. The newspaper is printed six times each year with 35,000 copies of each edition, and an E-weekly from The Working Waterfront is sent to more than 7,000 email recipients.

The successful candidate will have experience in directing print publications, including writing news, feature, analysis, and opinion pieces; editing freelance writer contributions; assigning a diversity of stories and photography; and working with Institute staff as they write about the organization’s work. The Editor will be a member of the Marketing Team and should have experience managing social media and email newsletter publishing to broaden the reach of the organization’s news and feature content.

A recent reader survey confirmed that The Working Waterfront is a leading trusted voice on matters that affect Maine’s island and coastal communities. The Editor will work to sustain and expand that trust in partnership with Island Institute policy and program team leaders.

Island Institute has a history of storytelling that includes video, blogs, and in-person convenings, and the Editor will work with the Marketing Team to grow the reach of these mediums.

Qualifications:

• An undergraduate degree, preferably in journalism.


• At least 5 years’ experience managing a publication and creating written and digital content.


• Experience managing multiple writers, photographers and/or content creators to meet established print and email deadlines.


• Skilled in using various digital platforms to enhance storytelling and organizational visibility.


• Interest in shaping stories that inspire action and help community members solve problems.


• Professional interests that align strongly with the mission and vision of Island Institute.


• Proven integrity and judgment around the role of the press.


• Exceptional written communication skills; able to effectively convey the organization’s mission, priorities, and programs to diverse audiences in a variety of formats.


• Highly organized and detail oriented, with experience in project management software or platforms to track and share content.


• Outstanding verbal and interpersonal communication skills; able to speak about the organization’s work in an articulate, professional, and compelling manner (one-on-one and with groups).


• The ability to listen in communities and in partnerships to inform, develop and deliver thoughtful reporting.


• The ability to give and receive constructive feedback with colleagues and community partners.


• Comfort with technology, including social media platforms, information technology systems, and Office 365 applications.


• The ability and willingness to travel throughout Maine.


• Familiarity with the issues facing the coast of Maine and its working waterfront communities is a plus.

What we offer:

• A benefits program to include health, dental, vision, company provided life insurance, and a 403b plan with an employer match.


• A generous paid time off policy.


• 12 paid holidays and 2 paid floating holidays.


• Island Institute membership benefits.


• Hybrid work environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• The employee is required to sit, enter data using computer keyboard and mouse, stand, walk, bend over occasionally, and move about the office space as well as between building floors. There is no requirement to lift and/or move weights of more than 15 pounds. 


• The employee will be expected to travel on occasion by boat and ferry to various islands and remote coastal locations.  


• There will be times when working long hours in the evenings and weekends will be required. 


• The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal. 

Island Institute is a nonprofit organization, and an equal opportunity "at-will" employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities based upon an individual's ability and qualifications. We do not discriminate against people on the basis of race, citizenship, ancestry, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, mental or physical disability. 

The pay range for the position is $71,000-$99,000, and we anticipate that a new hire will start at $75,000, based on experience.

While there is no deadline for submitting your application, the application period will close when the position is filled.  Contact Susan Haversat at [email protected] if reasonable accommodation is required to complete the application.

Based in Rockland, Maine, the Island Institute is a nonprofit organization, and an equal opportunity "at-will" employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities based upon an individual's ability and qualifications. We do not discriminate against people on the basis of race, citizenship, ancestry, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, mental or physical disability.

For more information about the Island Institute and our work along the Maine coast, please visit www.islandinstitute.org.