Managing Editor, Good Fruit Grower Magazine

The Washington State Fruit Commission is a non-profit organization that provides grower education, research, and promotional support of stone fruit across the United States and foreign countries. The WSFC was created to represent Washington Stone Fruit in a way that creates opportunities for the highest possible returns for growers, and to assure and support the long-term viability of the industry. To educate growers, retailers and consumers about production and benefits relative to tree fruit.

The Washington State Fruit Commission (WSFC) was founded in 1947 and tasked to promote the soft tree fruits of Washington State to markets around the United States and the world through promotion, market development, research, and education. Governed by a board of 17 directors, the WSFC is audited by Washington State and funded by grower assessments for domestic promotions and a federal grant for foreign promotions.

The WSFC facilitates education through grower meetings and symposiums and also by publishing the Good Fruit Grower magazine and working closely with other industry organizations to sponsor grower meetings. The Good Fruit Grower was established in 1946, and is eagerly read by orchardists and vineyardists worldwide. It covers the growing, packing, handling, marketing, and promotion of tree fruits (apples, pears, cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, prunes, and plums), as well as juice and wine grape production.

The magazine is published in Yakima, Washington; in the heart of one of the world's top tree fruit and grape growing regions. The Good Fruit Grower is internationally renowned for its timely, accurate, and in-depth reporting on key industry issues and its outstanding presentation. It has subscribers in every U.S. State and 43 countries. Readers call it the best in the industry and say they look forward to each issue. The Good Fruit Grower has an online version, a buyers guide, and books with cutting-edge information on marketing, horticulture, viticulture, pest and disease control, new technology, soil science, irrigation economics, sustainable agriculture, labor and trade issues, new varieties, postharvest issues, and news and features about industry people.

Position Overview:

The Washington State Fruit Commission (WSFC) is looking for an experienced and creative Managing Editor to steward the production of the Good Fruit Grower. The Good Fruit Grower is regarded as the best magazine of its kind and is a truly unique and captivating publication.

The Manager Editor plays a key role in managing the workflow of WSFCs regular publishing operations and maintaining a consistently high level of quality in all products. The Managing Editor will also bring creative and strategic knowledge to further developing the online presence of Good Fruit Grower, the social media strategy for the WSFC and the interrelated strategy between print, digital and online.

The magazine has 10 staff members between editorial, production and ad sales: including 2 Production Assistants, 2 Associate Editors, the Sales Representative, the Sales Secretary; and the Production Manager, Editor, and Sales Manager reporting to the Managing Editor. The Managing Editor position is an exciting opportunity to join a team of talented creatives at the Good Fruit Grower.

Qualifications:

The WSFC is seeking an experienced leader that can manage the Good Fruit Grower staff of professionals in a diverse and creative environment. The ideal candidate will have a track record of success in managing high quality publications; and knowledge of the agriculture/fruit growing industry. This is a diversified role that requires a take-charge, organized, enthusiastic person who can handle multiple assignments and deadlines.

Exposure to or direct work in with digital capabilities and social media will be incredibly helpful in this role as the WSFC is looking to strengthen its presence with the use of social media. Knowledge of Washington State and the Northwest will be considered, as the WSFC is looking to expand readership/circulation and sales growth.

Specific Requirements Include:

• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in journalism and/or advertising, with documented ability to manage staff and lead teams.
• Bachelors degree required in English/literature, journalism, advertising or other related field.
• Proven ability to build strong external relationships with a variety of volunteers, public leadership, partner organizations and other stakeholders.
• Track record in financial management.
• Proven success in building strong and productive work teams with a focus on mentoring and nurturing staff development.
• Strong analytic and strategic-thinking skills, with demonstrated ability to create, implement and monitor complex plans, and translate those plans into goals and concrete strategies.
• Career track record that shows stability with an organization and capacity to develop and nurture relationships culminating in overall success.

Compensation: This position offers a competitive salary with strong benefits. Relocation assistance may be offered. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.

To Apply:

The search is being managed by Ed Flynn, Vice President. To apply, candidates should submit their cover letter and resume and complete the online application. No applications will be accepted via email. Questions may be addressed to Whitney Wade.

Washington State Fruit Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria.