Science Editor at The Planetary Society

The Planetary Society, the world’s largest and most influential space interest organization, seeks a multimedia-savvy individual who’s enthusiastic about science communication to serve as its Science Editor.

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and at least one example each of your writing and video work to [email protected]. This recruitment will remain open until filled; however, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as the application period may close at any time. The first round of application review will begin November 13th, 2023.

The Planetary Society offers a competitive salary and benefits package. We pride ourselves on our supportive work culture that is committed to a healthy and rewarding work/life balance.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Content and Engagement, the Science Editor will translate complex space science concepts into engaging and understandable web content, videos, and online courses, and ensure that all content is both scientifically accurate and optimized for online success. They will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of content creation, from ideation and rigorous fact-checking to production and final delivery, all while embodying and amplifying The Planetary Society’s mission and priorities.

Essential Position Responsibilities

Web Content Development and Management

• Ideate, research, write, fact-check, and edit educational web content about space science topics.
• Edit and manage articles written by others, ensuring content is scientifically accurate and optimized for online success.
• Serve as the main point of contact for freelance writers, editing their submissions, tracking assignments, and overseeing payments.
• Monitor space news and attend scientific meetings as needed to keep current on the latest news in the field.
• Continuously refresh web content to reflect updates, current knowledge, and best practices for improving visibility in search results.
• Ideate and collaborate on visual storytelling elements, including curating relevant photos and designing or commissioning graphics.

Video Development and Project Management

• Transform educational articles into engaging video content that aligns with and amplifies The Planetary Society’s mission, priorities, and content strategy.
• Collaborate with Visual Storyteller and Digital Community Manager to adapt written content into engaging, scientifically accurate scripts suitable for long- and short-form video formats.
• Oversee the educational video production process, from ideation to final production.
• Collaborate on selecting visual elements for videos, leveraging curated photos, infographics, and/or commissioned or in-house designed visuals.

Online Course Creation & Project Management

• Project manage the online course creation process, from initial research and writing to production and final completion.
• Lead the research, design, and scriptwriting of online courses, ensuring modules align with and support The Planetary Society’s course strategy.