Employment Opportunities

Magazine Editor

Position type: Independent contractor

Contract type: Annual, renewable

Hours: Part-time, up to 20/week during magazine production

Compensation: $7,500/issue, minimum of two issues per year

Hennepin History Museum is seeking an Editor to lead planning and execution of Hennepin History magazine and the museum’s digital content strategy. As Editor of Hennepin History, you will guide content planning and editorial production for the printed magazine and develop strategy for content in a variety of digital media to expand the organization’s reach. You will work with museum staff to shape the editorial calendar for the museum.

You’ll provide leadership and direction to writers — staff, contract and freelance — to produce compelling history journalism for museum members, museum guests, and donors. Articles must be fact tested and in line with historical method as Hennepin History is used as a research document currently and in the future.

As Editor, you’ll be a master storyteller, but you also have strengths in project management and are well versed in the process of print and digital production. You bring ideas, but also are adept at inspiring idea generation across the organization and among a stable of freelance writers. You are also a craftsperson, ready to roll up your sleeves to coach writers and elevate stories. You bring to the role a growth mindset, ready to pitch and execute ideas to find new readers. The magazine starts in 2024 with a commitment to publish two issues, but with aspirations to increase frequency and grow audience.

Essential job functions

  • Manage story assignments, adhering to deadlines and editorial standards
  • Build and manage a diverse roster of freelance writers
  • Edit copy for content, structure, fairness and accuracy
  • Able to manage multiple assignments, staff and topics simultaneously
  • Lead editorial planning process, soliciting and pitching ideas from museum staff, freelancers and the community
  • Coordinate with designers, proofreaders and printer to ensure on-time publication

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

  • College degree or equivalent
  • Preferred experience: 7+ years in journalism, including at least two leading teams
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Detail oriented, with the ability to multi-task
  • Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment
  • Problem solving skills
  • Experience with different social media platforms, and how to use them in an institutional setting
  • Passionate and curious about Twin Cities local history

 Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

  • Bachelor Degree, or higher, in History or related field
  • Familiarity with museum or historic site setting
  • Knowledge of desktop publishing
  • Experience working with graphic designers, printers and others in the print production process
  • Knowledge of Twin Cities local history

To Apply

Please send resume, cover letter and portfolio of representative work to:

editorsearch@hennepinhistory.org