Editor In Chief, Aerospace America

Editor In Chief - Aerospace America

Lead a modern digital news platform covering aerospace, defense, and emerging technologies.

Aerospace America, the flagship media outlet of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), is seeking a visionary and experienced Editor in Chief to lead its digital-first journalism strategy. This role centers on driving the development, expansion, and impact of our online news platform, which serves as a trusted source of in-depth reporting and analysis for aerospace professionals, government stakeholders, industry leaders and the next generation of aerospace leaders. While overseeing the digital editorial strategy is the core responsibility, the Editor in Chief will also manage the production of our quarterly print magazine, ensuring it complements and elevates the content published online. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking editor with a strong background in digital publishing, a passion for aerospace and related fields, and the editorial judgment to lead a team in producing accurate, engaging, and timely content across multiple platforms.

About AIAA: The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world's largest aerospace technical society, uniting nearly 30,000 members and 100 corporate members across 91 countries. AIAA drives innovation and collaboration in aviation, space, and defense by fostering connections between industry, academia, and government. To learn more, visit .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the digital-first editorial strategy for Aerospace America's online news platform, delivering timely, high-quality content across web, newsletters, and social media to inform and engage a global aerospace audience.
• Create and manage a digital editorial calendar aligned with AIAA's mission, institutional priorities, and advertising goals, while remaining agile in response to breaking news and industry trends.
• Produce compelling, relevant content tailored to AIAA members and a wider readership that includes policymakers, government agencies (e.g., Congress, DoD, NASA), industry stakeholders, and the public.
• Recruit, manage, and mentor a team of full-time editorial staff and freelance contributors, fostering a collaborative environment committed to journalistic excellence, accuracy, and innovation.
• Ensure consistent editorial standards and voice across digital platforms, with an emphasis on clarity, depth, and engagement in both news and feature formats.
• Oversee the quarterly print edition of Aerospace America, ensuring it complements and amplifies the digital platform through thoughtful design, long-form journalism, and special features.
• Drive strategic development of editorial initiatives, including digital exclusives, features, multimedia storytelling, and special projects focused on emerging aerospace technologies.
• Represent Aerospace America and AIAA as a visible editorial voice, serving as a speaker, panel moderator, podcast guest, and media liaison to elevate the platform's reach and credibility.

Accountability:

• Stay informed on cutting-edge aerospace technologies, policy, economic, and regulatory trends affecting the industry.
• Attend industry conferences, develop valuable contacts, and contribute to the growth of AIAA's presence in the aerospace community.
• Contribute to the magazine's budget and ensure all materials are delivered within budgetary constraints.
• Manage external writers, art resources, and contributors while ensuring editorial quality and alignment with the magazine's mission.
• Approve final pages before publication and ensure content meets high editorial standards.
• Produce special reports and supplementary materials that address key issues in the aerospace community.
• Monitor reader feedback and competitor publications to continuously improve editorial strategy and increase readership.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including the Deputy Publisher, Marketing, Sales, and Web Strategist, to enhance Aerospace America's role in achieving AIAA's content strategy and objectives.

Position Dimensions:

• Lead or participate in team projects and meetings, ensuring collaboration and synergy across various departments.
• Travel regularly to network, report on industry developments, and represent Aerospace America at industry events.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to leverage Aerospace America as a tool to achieve AIAA's strategic content goals.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in journalism, communications, or a related field. Strong background in science and technology journalism preferred.
• At least 8-10 years of progressive experience in magazine or newspaper editorial roles, including 5 years in a leadership position.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage a variety of audiences.
• Proven expertise in managing editorial teams, freelance writers, and external contributors.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, and budgeting.
• Deep knowledge of the aerospace, defense, and technology sectors.
• Ability to manage deadlines under pressure and adapt to rapidly changing events.
• Strong online and social media presence, with excellent networking and communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and current desktop and online publishing tools.
• Experience with both print and online publishing.

Additional Requirements:

• A passion for aerospace and technology, with a commitment to providing high-quality content that informs and engages the global aerospace community.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, with a strong sense of leadership and initiative.

Why Join AIAA?

AIAA offers a collaborative and dynamic work environment, along with a competitive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision).
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, parental leave, and bereavement.
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 4% company match.
• Short-term & long-term disability coverage.
• Education benefits and professional development opportunities.
• A hybrid work environment (two in-office days per week, three remote).

AIAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and ensure equal consideration regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. Pre-employment screening, including background checks and credential verification, may be required.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about shaping the future of aerospace, we encourage you to apply! Submit your application through

Join us in advancing the aerospace industry through innovation, collaboration, and leadership!