Staff Writer

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the nation’s leading advocacy organization for children’s healthcare, is seeking a news reporter with excellent writing, editing, interviewing, interpersonal, diplomacy, and organizational skills, as well as familiarity with AP style and the ability to distill and communicate key points from scientific and technical information. This position will research and write columns and news stories for AAP Newsprint and online. As part of the Advocacy and External Affairs department at our Chicago suburb headquarters in Itasca, IL, this role will work remotely until at least January 18, 2022, with most likely a hybrid re-entry plan.

Some tasks include:

1. Research and write regular columns for AAP News’ monthly print edition.
2. Research and write other AAP News articles, including late-breaking news stories as needed.
3. Stage and post articles on the AAP publications platform using the Composer CMS tool, as needed.
4. Help promote content on social media using AAP News Facebook and Twitter handles.
5. Obtain graphics and images to accompany assigned stories and columns. Size photos for posting.
6. Write headlines and captions as needed.
7. Participate in proofreading monthly galleys.
8. Participate in monthly AAP News planning meetings. Propose story ideas for columns and features.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications needed:

1. Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related discipline or an equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience required.
2. At least three years of related news reporting and writing experience for a daily newspaper or monthly professional publication required. Prior experience writing about health care preferred.
3. Excellent writing, editing, interviewing, interpersonal, diplomacy, and organizational skills required, as well as familiarity with AP style and the ability to distill and communicate key points from scientific and technical information.
4. Must be able to produce content under tight deadlines, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, take initiative, work both independently and as part of a team, collaborate effectively with various internal and external constituents, and maintain a positive and cooperative team-oriented work environment with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. 
5. Strong technical acumen essential with proficiency in MS Office, knowledge of CMS tools, and the ability to learn and apply new technologies; experience with social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., WebEx, Teams) preferred.
6. Some evening/weekend work may be required.

The AAP offers an excellent work environment, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package. As a reaffirmation to our employee-focused culture, since 2005 the AAP has been named one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Chicagoland area. Additionally, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans that values the strength diversity brings to our workplace.