Newsletter Production Editor

Ecological Farmers of Ontario's (EFO) efforts have always centred on facilitating knowledge sharing between farmers, encouraging supportive community, and increasing environmental benefit around ecological farming. One of our cornerstone programs in working towards this goal has been the publication of our bi-monthly newsletter, entitled Ecological Farming in Ontario. Among other things, it contains feature articles on practical farming concerns and production methods, lists upcoming educational events and important news, and plays a vital part in connecting members (and increasingly, supporters) of the ecological farming community throughout the year. Each issue is 20 pages in length (folded size 8 ½" by 11"), and is distributed via Publications Mail to our membership (currently around 500 individuals and farms).

As part of a broader 3 year initiative we have identified the need to revitalize our newsletter. Our key objectives are: to improve the depth & diversity of content for a broader audience of growers; to better engage new and increasingly experienced ecological farmers to share their technical knowledge and experiences through the newsletter; and, to revise/update its content, layout, format, and production so it remains an effective, sustainable means of sharing information.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a motivated, organized, and enthusiastic individual to assume the role of Newsletter Production Editor (PE), a part-time position requiring 4-6 days of time per issue, for 6 issues a year (Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sept/Oct, and Nov/Dec).

The PE will work with our staff and a volunteer editorial board of 4 to 6 Content Editors to gather content for each issue. Content Editors will be responsible to the PE, and for contributing/submitting at least 1 article on their specific subject area for each issue. Staff and other volunteers will be responsible for contributing the majority of the other regular content features, with the PE managing submissions and assisting with content generation as requested/needed. The PE will both report to, and be supported by, lead staff.

Responsibilities:

• Managing submissions and assisting with content generation as requested/needed
• Finalizing content for each issue; formatting and inserting content and images into the layout of the newsletter
• Overseeing copy editing and proofing
• Preparing all files for print, and ensuring that files/proofs are dispatched in a timely and efficient manner
• Liaising with the printer as needed before press
• Compiling issues in accordance with agreed schedules
• Participating in managing and soliciting advertising accounts
• Liaising with content editors, staff, and authors
• Contributing to the effective management and constructive evaluation of the newsletter through participating in occasional staff and committee meetings

Additional Possibilities:

At the same time as bolstering content, we will be updating the design and layout of the newsletter to better reflect the new look and feel of our printed outreach materials and web site, and to reflect the warm, positive community of EFO. Updating the layout is a one-time project and can be undertaken by the new Production Editor under a separate contract if they possess the necessary skill set/experience to work with us on this, or it could be contracted out to a graphic designer. The redesign will consider our new logo, web site, ad copy and working budget.

Also, in the future, there is the possibility for expanding the PE role/combining newsletter production tasks with other EFO communications and outreach responsibilities to create a "Communications and Outreach Coordinator" position, which could be a more regular part-time position, or eventually a full-time role within EFO. This would be dependent on the skill-set and interest of the Production Editor in taking on broader responsibility, and on organizational need for such a position.

Qualifications:

Characteristics:

• Ability to work in a non-traditional environment, flexible, adaptable, self-driven and organized
• Strong, proven ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment
• Excellent written and oral communication
• Solid relationship management skills
• Good attention to detail, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to review, understand and synthesize information and generate appropriate articles and news briefs

Qualifications:

• High standard of computer literacy in word processing and other relevant applications
• Experience with desktop publishing, electronic imagery editing and print production an asset
• Knowledge and/or experience related to ecological agriculture, and keen interest in the broad issues around sustainable farming and food systems
• Proven ability to manage projects, interact positively, and constructively communicate with colleagues and volunteers
• Some background in writing and editing would be an asset.
• Basic graphic design skills (or a good sense of aesthetically appealing layout and formatting) would be beneficial.
• Familiar with current social media applications an asset

Compensation: $4800/year

Term: Part-time; approximately 5 days for each bi-monthly issue, 6 issues a year; ideally beginning week of June 27th (or in early-mid July) and then ongoing. Flexibility in how work days/hours are distributed as long as pre-press deadlines are met.

Location: Guelph, Ontario (but will consider candidates who would work from home/remotely).

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter by June 21, 2011. We hope to begin interviews that week.