Position Summary 

The content associate develops digital and print content and provides editorial administrative support to the content solutions team, a smaller group within the broader marketing and communications department. This is a full-time position that reports to the senior editor and has no direct reports.  

The ideal candidate is a digitally savvy wordsmith eager to join a collaborative, mission-driven team working to create and implement its first-ever digital content strategy. 

Why work at APA? 

The American Planning Association is a nonprofit members association dedicated to equitable, sustainable communities and the urban planners who help create them.  

We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) with employer match; and a comprehensive PTO package, including 12 holidays. Staff work 35-hour weeks, with the opportunity for summer hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day. APA is currently launching a hybrid office that consists of two days in its Michigan Avenue office and three days remote. Employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19; please see below for more information. 

APA embraces diversity and equal opportunity in our employment practices. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our impact will be. 

Core Responsibilities  

• Content planning and creation: Develops, edits, and writes short- and long-form content for digital channels, print editions of Planning magazine, the APA podcast, and other communications vehicles. Researches the content needs of target audiences. Pitches enterprise and solutions-based stories in line with the content strategy.  
• Content delivery: Posts digital stories using Django and applies SEO best practices. Implements email and social media outreach campaigns.  
• Administrative duties. Maintains content and author management systems and completes associated duties (collecting copyright forms, paying disbursements, mailing author copies, etc.). Streamlines processes when possible.    
• Ambassadorship: Builds, maintains, and manages relationships with sources and outside contributors, including freelance writers.  

Critical Outcomes  

• Compelling written and audio content delivers timely news, celebrates advances in planning practice, and proactively addresses gaps in planning knowledge.  
• Social media and email promotional copy sparks reader engagement and connects content with new audiences. 
• Digital content published multiple times weekly at planning.org/planning. 
• Print editions of Planning magazine produced four times a year. 
• Administrative processes streamlined, with work completed efficiently and on time.  

Our Ideal Candidate... 

• Has exceptional editing and writing skills.  
• Is creative, curious, and adaptable.  
• Has experience in digital publishing and social media. 
• Maintains a diverse network of freelance journalists. 
• Has a planning education or a familiarity with/interest in related topics (infrastructure, housing, transportation, climate change, equity and justice, etc.).  
• Can coordinate multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.  
• Works well independently, without constant oversight. 
• Excels on a collaborative team.  

While we’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running in this associate-level position, we’re not set on years of experience. If you don’t have the exact qualifications above but know you’d be a great addition to our team, we still want to hear from you! Please use your cover letter to show how you’ve prepared for this role and what you’d like to do with it. 

How to Apply 

Browse our content at planning.org/planning, then send your resume; a cover letter with a short, relevant story pitch; and a portfolio or any published clips/editing samples (before and after for comparison) to ContentAssociate@planning.org. Applications must include a cover letter to be considered. 

The American Planning Association exists to elevate and unite a diverse planning profession as it helps communities, their leaders and residents anticipate and meet the needs of a changing world. Learn more at www.planning.org.

APA COVID-19 Vaccine Policy 

APA values the safety of our employees, our members, and our visitors. In support of these values, if you are selected for this job, you must show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except when vaccination is not medically advised or violates your sincerely held religious beliefs. If you are invited to join our team, you must comply with this policy. 

APA Dynamic Office Environment 

Beginning April 2022, APA is shifting to a dynamic work environment that will bring those of us in the Chicagoland area together in person two days a week. We’ll use this time to rekindle relationships, build new ones, and connect with each other formally and informally in a way we can’t do online. The other three days may be worked remotely or in the office.