Senior Editor for Science Policy

Comprehensive science policy journalism builds a critical bridge between policymakers, scientific researchers, and the public, simultaneously improving policy and research. Published by the American Institute of Physics (AIP) since 1989, FYI is an authoritative and respected source of federal science policy news and analysis. Our in-depth reporting is trusted by policymakers and prominent figures in the scientific community nationwide. At FYI, we seek to clarify policy activity and deliver nuanced insight into its impacts on the scientific community.

The FYI team is expanding and seeking an experienced editor with a keen sense for news and a deep understanding of policy to optimize our editorial process and bring a fresh approach to reporting on policy developments. We are also seeking to expand our influential readership of congressional staff, top federal officials, and leading researchers. Your work will inform national decision makers and scientists on the ground, empowering them to better navigate the policy landscape.

A Snapshot of the Work You’ll Do:

• Editorial strategy. Reporting to the Director of FYI, you will help shape and drive our coverage, enhancing our unique value for policymakers and the scientific community. FYI focuses on physical science programs across DOE, NSF, NASA, DOD, NOAA, NIST, NIH, and USGS.
• Writing and editing. You will write, edit, and publish in-depth content for multiple FYI news and information products, assembling a clear view of what’s going on in policy with relevant context through a research-based lens.
• Stakeholder engagement. You will build relationships within AIP and across our member societies, including by seeking out opportunities to represent FYI’s expertise in public forums.

Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits

• AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The FYI team works primarily remotely, with in-office collaboration at our College Park, Maryland, location as needed. Employees are required to reside in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C.
• The budgeted salary range for this position is $95k-105k with a comprehensive benefits plan, including 25 days of PTO, medical/dental/vision coverage, an annual retirement contribution of 10% of base pay, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and more.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required with at least seven years of experience in policy reporting, science writing, or policy analysis; time in graduate school can count toward years of experience;
• Demonstrated experience developing editorial strategy;
• Demonstrated ability to edit and write content on tight deadlines;
• Extensive knowledge of legislative and executive branch dynamics;
• Extensive knowledge of multiple science agencies is preferred.

What’s Attractive to the Right Candidate?

• We are stable and financially sound with an eye to the future. Now is an exciting time to join AIP and play a key role in expanding our editorial team to meet our strategic priorities.
• This is an opportunity to optimize and formalize FYI’s strategy, deepen audience engagement, and broaden our reach to advance understanding for the public good.
• Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to community service, institute-wide social opportunities, and ongoing learning and development, AIP is a rewarding place to work.

About Us
The American Institute of Physics is a 501(c)(3) membership corporation of scientific societies. Our mission is to advance, promote, and serve the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity. AIP operates as a center of excellence using policy analysis, social science, and historical research to promote future progress in the physical sciences.

Daily Responsibilities

• Shape the editorial strategy to ensure FYI systematically covers major science policy developments. FYI’s current products include in-depth bulletins, a synoptic weekly newsletter, and a set of web-based tools for tracking science budgets, legislation, and leaders.
• Identify story leads, policy trends, and topics that warrant in-depth reporting or research.
• Develop innovative processes to make FYI’s content more engaging through multimedia.
• Write news and analysis articles about legislative activity and science agency initiatives; edit articles and other content written by FYI team members.
• Cultivate sources and develop a deep familiarity with federal science agencies.
• Strengthen FYI’s reputation and public profile in the science policy community; seek out opportunities to represent FYI in external settings, such as moderating policy-focused sessions at scientific society meetings or appearing as an expert guest on podcasts.
• Contribute to the development and testing of prospective FYI products.
• Pursue opportunities for collaboration and content sharing with other AIP units, such as Physics Today magazine.

To Apply:
We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.

Simply email your resume to Lilly Khan at resumes@staffingadvisors.com with “AIP – Sr Editor for Science Policy #2022-2748 CW” as the subject of the email.

Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended an evidence-based approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. This position may require pre-employment screening potentially including a criminal background check, verification of academic credentials, licenses, certifications, and/or verification of work history.