NGS Seeking the Next Editor of NGS Magazine – Contract Position
The National Genealogical Society (NGS) is seeking the next editor of NGS Magazine after the retirement of its long-time editor in mid-2025. The deadline to apply is 14 February 2025 at 5:00 p.m. (ET).
NGS Magazine is one of the Society’s premier benefits of individual/family membership. Each issue contains sixty-four pages of informative articles by experts in the field that provide researchers of all skill levels with specific guidance on conducting effective genealogical research. It also includes news and insights on items of importance to individual members and family history organizations. The editor is responsible for the content and production of four annual issues in January, April, July, and October. The editor manages the publication process from the initial concept to submitting the final layout to the printer.
The position reports to NGS’s executive director. The effective date for this position is 15 July 2025. The successful candidate will be responsible for producing the October-December 2025 issue.
Responsibilities and Deliverables: The editor’s primary responsibilities include:
- overall editorial direction, including maintaining an editorial calendar that ensures each issue’s articles reflect a specific thematic direction and soliciting authors
- overall production direction, including supervising the contract art director
- coordination with the other NGS components for news articles, the Society Forum column, and for genealogy education needs
- maintaining a procedures manual.
The magazine includes NGS News, feature articles, and three regular columns. While some unsolicited articles are submitted, the editor is responsible for soliciting feature articles and columns for every issue. The editor selects articles for publication, edits them for content, style, accuracy, and clarity, and ensures the production of a high-quality publication.
The editor engages volunteer writers, columnists, proofreaders, and other assistants as needed. A contract art director creates the layout and graphic design of NGS Magazine under the supervision of the editor. NGS staff handle advertising sales.
The editor consults as needed with an advisory committee, which assists in an editorial capacity on matters affecting the magazine. The executive director manages the contractor who works closely with staff, other contractors, and volunteers to fulfill the mission of the Society and pursue its commitment to ethical purpose.
Ownership of Work: All work created in this position is work for hire and the property of NGS.
Detailed Requirements: A detailed position description can be downloaded here. Please review these requirements and be prepared to address them in your cover letter and resume.
Consideration for Services: This is a remote, part-time contract position. Over the term of the annual contract, payment for services is estimated between $25,000 to $30,000.
To Apply: Send a resume and cover letter to Human Resources at [email protected]. The deadline to apply is 14 February 2025 at 5:00 p.m. (ET).