Description

Overview: The Wire Journal International (WJI) is seeking candidates to fill the role of the retiring editor-in-chief. The incumbent will stay on to ensure a strong transition and serve as contributing editor as needed. WJI has been the leading source for news for the global wire and cable manufacturing industry since 1968.

Applicants with trade publication writing experience will be preferred. Candidates with proven news reporting are also welcome to apply. The office operates on a hybrid schedule, and a fully remote candidate is possible, although willingness to relocate is a plus. Pay for the editor’s position will be competitive, depending on the level of experience of the chosen candidate.

WJI is published monthly with combined digital and print circulation of 7,000. It also has on-line content that appears on the Association’s website, www.wirenet.org.

WJI is a subsidiary of the Wire Association International (WAI), which is based in Madison, Connecticut. It is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) membership organization that serves the educational needs of the wire and cable industry. It also puts on Interwire, the largest wire and cable trade show in the Americas, and partners with other industry bodies to stage International Technical Conferences in Europe.   

WAI is far from being a staid, slow-paced organization. Its board of directors includes representatives from highly advanced manufacturers and suppliers that produce the essentials that society needs, from the basic products to wire and cable for massive data centers being built. The editor will be part of this focus, using AI to cover this exciting evolution.

Why is this a great job?

If you want to do more than just fill pages and have the freedom to chase a story wherever it leads, this could be your dream job. Sure, it includes the usual editorial legwork, but there are also real opportunities to pursue stories in directions that are most editorially satisfying. Beyond that, wire and cable remain essential to society, and this industry is not going to fade away.

The Editor is solely responsible for writing and editing articles, sourcing information from multiple sources, fact-checking, working with the graphic designer, adhering to the editorial calendar, staying current with industry trends, and working/collaborating with sales and production teams to deliver polished, informative content. 

Key Responsibilities

• Content Focus/Management: Set the editorial direction and strategy and develop content ideas relevant to the industry. Plan editorial content, working ahead to develop content to meet deadlines.   
• Editing & Review: Edit and proofread articles for grammar, spelling, punctuation, style consistency and factual accuracy. Copy is reviewed internally and by an outside proofreader.
• Attend Industry Events: The editor will attend selected industry events that include those put on by WAI as well as others, with some international travel.  
• Content Generation; Produce content from multiple sources (internal/external), determine the appropriate lengths and be flexible. Most WJI sections have a basic format that can be followed. See sample issue. The editor will place such content and have access to advice from industry experts that include WAI member volunteers. The editor will refine incoming submissions as need be. 
• Editorial/Production Oversight: Manage editorial schedules and deadlines, work with the graphic designer to coordinate design, photography, and production elements to plan layouts, and approve final proofs. 
• Industry Expertise: Monitor industry trends, research topics, and verify information to ensure the publication provides timely and valuable insights to its professional audience. 
• Audience Engagement: Develop content ideas that appeal to the targeted audience and ensure the WJI's brand messaging is maintained. 

View:  WJI December Issue

View: Annual Show Preview

Requirements

• Strong Language & Editing Skills: Excellent command of grammar, spelling, style, and readability. 
• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in fact-checking and identifying errors. 
• Industry Knowledge: The ability to gain a deep understanding of the wire and cable industry. Candidates do not need an engineering degree, but over time they should be able to talk to people in manufacturing about technical matters.
• Editorial & Project Management: Ability to manage content calendars and deadlines effectively. 
• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with writers, designers, and sales teams. 
• Research Skills: Ability to conduct in-depth research to support content and verify information. 
• Adaptability: Staying current with publishing trends and incorporating new ideas into the publication. 
• Location: While this position is hybrid, fully remote is a possibility.
• Other: Public speaking skills, a comfort level with electronics, knowledge of InDesign and the ability to take good photos are all pluses.

Required Samples: PDFs of three by-lined stories on different topics that reflect the candidate’s writing style and ability to do comprehensive reporting. One could be an editorial.