Editor - Seasonal

The Morton Arboretum

About Us:

When Joy Morton established The Morton Arboretum in 1922, he envisioned a “great outdoor museum” of trees. Today, our living collections inspire visitors to appreciate, learn about, plant, and protect trees. The Arboretum champions the world's trees through plant collections, science and conservation, education, and outreach.

The Morton Arboretum's 1,700 acres hold more than 222,000 live plants representing nearly 4,300 taxa from around the world. Situated on the rolling Valparaiso moraine and bisected by the East Branch of the DuPage River, the Arboretum is planned and planted to nurture and display trees and shrubs in environments conducive to their growth.

The Arboretum conducts leading scientific research on tree health and tree improvement, collects and displays trees for study and enjoyment on the grounds, offers educational programming for adults and children, and presents nature-related activities year-round for people of all ages and interests.

Also on the grounds are the Visitor Center with The Arboretum Store and Ginkgo Restaurant and Café, four-acre Children’s Garden, one-acre Maze Garden, Sterling Morton Library, Plant Clinic, nine miles of roads, and 16 miles of trails.

http://www.mortonarb.org

Position Details

Editor - Seasonal
Job
Part-time
5/24/2018
Northern Illinois
Lisle, IL

Position Summary:

Responsible for managing and editing content for the Tree-mendous Tree Stories project, which is a platform for Chicago-area residents to share favorite stories about the trees that define our communities, our memories, our landscapes, and our lives.

Essential Functions:

  • Provide project coordination for incoming content for Tree-mendous Tree Stories. 
  • Read, select and edit submitted stories. Follow up and collaborate with authors as necessary to coordinate writing to sustain a style that supports the Arboretum brand. Express concepts and tell stories in compelling ways that reinforce the key messages of the Arboretum and its programs. 
  • Write and edit website content for the project. 
  • Assist other members of Marketing team by editing and proofreading communication material as needed; supporting the Marketing team’s efforts to inform the public about trees, plants, nature, and basic scientific topics related to them; invite engagement with trees, plants, and nature at the Arboretum; and illustrate the Arboretum’s mission and values. 
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in journalism, English or related field preferred. 4+ years professional editing experience required, with AP style preferred; storytelling experience a plus. Excellent writing, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills are required to meet varied and simultaneous deadlines. Demonstrated ability to provide feedback to non-professional writers in a way that affirms their engagement and improves their content. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google applications. Experience using a content management system preferred.

Success Factors:

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with creative teams and across the institution. Interest in trees, and dedication to the Arboretum and its mission. Ability to lead projects and work independently to meet deadlines. Well organized and detail-oriented. Skill in writing to different age, reading, and knowledge levels. Ability to develop a keen understanding of how effective communications build a brand and how a consistent voice builds trust and reinforces brand positioning and personality. Commitment to increasing diversity, inclusion, and accessibility through the stories we tell.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

  • Physical Demands: Operating a computer for prolonged periods. 
  • Work Environment: Office environment. Work is primarily performed indoors. 
  • Equipment: General office equipment 
  • Schedule: Average schedule is 16 hours per week with hours and activity levels varying based on project work.

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