Hoard's Dairyman magazine is seeking a managing editor.
About the company: W.D. Hoard and Sons published the first issue of Hoard’s Dairyman in 1885 with the goal of helping dairy farmers be successful. We carry on that legacy today by aiming to provide the most trustworthy research about dairy industry trends, news, and practices to more than 35,000 dairy farmers and the consultants who serve them.Our company includes Hoard’s Dairyman magazine, the Hoard’s Dairyman Farm, the Hoard’s Dairyman Farm Creamery, and two additional magazines geared toward helping farmers, Hay & Forage Grower and the Journal of Nutrient Management. W.D. Hoard, the 16th governor of Wisconsin, purchased the Hoard’s Dairyman Farm to demonstrate the practices covered in the magazine, and we believe we are the only agricultural publication with a working farm, which keeps us connected to our readers. Some of the milk from our Guernsey herd is made into cheese sold under our Creamery brand.
About the role: The managing editor position involves joining a team of editors, proofreaders, and a designer and coordinating with the marketing department to publish the national dairy farm magazine, Hoard’s Dairyman, and develop supporting online content. This position reports to the company president.
Responsibilities:
- Cover industry news and best practices for the print magazine (15 issues each year) and online channels (two e-newsletters each week, monthly webinars, weekly blog) with short- and long-form writing and some photography
- Lead coverage on specified subject areas and manage coordinating regular columns
- Build relationships with regular columnists as well as leading researchers and industry partners to secure factual, informative, and valuable articles
- Edit author submissions for clarity, grammar, and style
- Determine content and layout of each issue in coordination with marketing and art departments
- Ensure accuracy of every article published by working with editorial assistants, art director, and authors
- Attend industry conferences to stay up to date on latest dairy research and policy
- Connect with dairy farmers around the country through farm visits, farm reports, and responding to producer questions as they are received
- Oversee the editorial internship selection process and mentor the summer intern
- May host webinars, podcasts, and webcasts
- Assist in visitor tours of the Hoard’s Dairyman Farm
- Serve as the face of Hoard’s Dairyman with international partners
Required qualifications:
- Knowledge of agricultural communications/journalism, animal science, dairy science, or related field
- Experience in writing, editing, communications, and/or publishing
- Familiarity with the dairy industry and farm practices
Skills:
- Strong written communication abilities and knowledge of English language, including editing content for grammar and function
- Excellent time management and an ability to meet scheduled publishing deadlines
- Good customer service when speaking with readers, many of whom are dairy farmers
- Commitment to accurate information that moves the dairy industry forward
Work environment: This position is based out of our historic office in Fort Atkinson, Wis., two blocks from the National Dairy Shrine Museum and one mile from the Hoard’s Dairyman Farm. Fort Atkinson is located in southeast Wisconsin, 40 minutes east of Madison and 1 hour west of Milwaukee. This role includes regular travel to farms and industry events around the country. A company vehicle is provided.
Salary: Commensurate with knowledge and experience
Benefits:
- Company vehicle
- Comprehensive health (HSA option), vision, dental, long-term disability, and life insurance
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- 10 paid vacation days, 10 paid sick days, 6 company holidays
- Travel and accommodations to cover industry events
To apply, submit a résume and cover letter to publisher Brian Knox at bknox@hoards.com.
