Features Editor - Historical Society of Michigan

Posted on 4/14/24  

The Historical Society of Michigan (HSM) seeks a qualified individual to serve as Features Editor.

The Features Editor, working under the direction of the Editor in Chief, performs a variety of editing, writing, research, and support duties to aid in the publication of materials. This position also helps handle author communications, copyediting articles and preparing them for publication, photo acquisition, working with freelance graphic artists, and administrative tasks.

The position will also perform general editorial department responsibilities and other duties as assigned. Occasional travel within Michigan with an HSM vehicle may be required.

About the Historical Society of Michigan: The Historical Society of Michigan (HSM), the state’s oldest cultural organization, helps connect Michigan’s past to students, educators, historical organizations, and the public through educational programs, conferences, publications, awards, workshops, referral services, networking opportunities, and support for local history organizations. HSM is the publisher of Michigan History magazine, Chronicle magazine, The Michigan Historical Review academic journal, the Historic Michigan Travel Guide, and other publications.

Established in 1828, the Historical Society of Michigan is a member-supported educational

501(c)3 nonprofit organization. HSM is not collection-based and does not operate the state museum or archives housed at the Michigan History Center in downtown Lansing. The Center is a part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Job Duties:

• Editing, rewriting, and/or proofreading manuscripts from freelance authors and other forms of copy—making stylistic, structural, and grammatical changes as needed. May also confer with author and/or supervisor on content, form, style, etc.
• Maintaining correspondence with authors, photographers, and readers, and working with authors to ensure accurate, engaging content.
• Researching and writing short articles, with and without bylines, and blurbs as needed for magazines.
• Researching and locating images to accompany an article, as well as requesting permission to reproduce those images from individuals, organizations, etc.
• Shepherding 15 to 20 manuscripts and special sections through the entire editorial process every two months. Articles and sections range from 1 to 7 pages in length.
• Communicating with freelance graphic designers to assist in the creation of magazine layouts. This includes annotating the manuscript with applicable instructions and working within Google Drive to deliver and/or receive relevant article materials.
• Completing basic page layouts in Adobe InDesign for select sections using existing templates.
• Making text and layout changes and corrections within InDesign documents.
• Reviewing finished articles to make sure they adhere to HSM’s style and specifications.
• Reviewing queries and submissions for redundancy and compliance with each magazine’s guidelines and editorial focus.
• Administering permission forms for contributors.
• Assisting with spreadsheets and administrative duties.
• Attending weekly meetings as related to the position
• Creating promotional copy for HSM programs, conferences, and events as needed.
• Working closely with the Editor in Chief and other members of the Editorial Committee to ensure all magazine content is being produced on time.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reports to: Editor in Chief, HSM Publications

Location: This is an in-person position at HSM’s offices in Lansing with no remote work availability.

Salary: $35-37,000 per year based on experience and includes health insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan, vacation, and other benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2-3 years professional experience copyediting, writing, and proofreading.
• Bachelor’s degree, or pursuing a degree, in English, history, journalism, communications, marketing, or a related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with strong vocabulary, spelling, and grammar skills.
• Detail-oriented.
• Experience working with Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.
• Experience working with style guides and specification sheets.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Competency using Microsoft Office and Google Drive.
• High level of problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Interest in Michigan history and/or interest in nonprofit organizations a plus.
• Graphic design experience a plus.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, including minorities, women, and people with disabilities.

To apply please email a cover letter and resume to resume@hsmichigan.org. The position will remain open until filled.