Senior Editor

SSA Group at Los Angeles Zoo is looking for a talented Senior Editor to join our team!

Please note that for this position, we accept applications on an ongoing basis. There is no set deadline for submitting your application. We encourage interested candidates to apply at any time via our website at thessagroup.com, and we will review applications as they are received. This approach allows us to continuously consider potential candidates and ensures that opportunities remain open until the ideal candidate is found.

Job Title: Senior Editor – LA Zoo Publications
Location: Los Angeles Zoo, Onsite
Department: Publications
Reports to: Assistant General Manager - Extended Services

Who are we:
SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. With pillars of focus like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, SSA is transforming the cultural attraction industry.
SSA was built by families, for families, with a family’s sense of love and dedication. We don’t just rely on the best practices in our industry, we customize best practices for each partner to set the bar higher and higher, always. We do all we can to further the mission of our partners because their guests and the communities they serve deserve it.
JOB SUMMARY
The Senior Editor is responsible for writing, editing, and overseeing production and distribution of high-quality print and digital publications that support the Los Angeles Zoo's mission. This role manages various publications, collaborates with the Zoo’s internal teams and contributors, ensures consistent editorial voice that is in alignment with, and contributes to the Zoo’s overall communications strategy. Strong writing, editing, and science communication skills are essential. Photography skills are a plus.

KEY RESPONAIBILITIES

• Perform a variety of editing and writing duties, including, but not limited to, conducting interviews, research and write copy, soliciting, checking all facts and figures, selecting photographs and developing themes
• Oversee and produce publications including magazines, newsletters, newsmagazines, calendars, guidebooks, online copy, annual reports, brochures, maps, donor letters, event invitations, event banners, and direct mail pieces
• Serve as primary/senior editor for assigned publications and collateral materials designed to resonate with a wide variety of audiences
• Assist staff including subject matter experts, content creators and freelance writers in conceiving, framing, and developing high-interest, high-impact content—including blogs, magazine articles, podcasts, issue briefs, presentations, whitepapers, and infographics
• Provide a consistent voice, of the organization and content's intended scope, as well as high-quality standards
• Assist Communications Team with strategic content development for all print and digital applications
• Serve as department liaison with a wide variety of groups including Communications, Animal Care, Animal Health, Membership, Learning and Engagement, Events, and others.
• Provide insight and guidance to writers and contributors
• Ghost writes and performs editorial duties related to assigned publications
• Communicate in a constructive manner that encourages teamwork and shared outcomes
• Work closely with graphic designers on design and edits and monitors color checks
• Attend press checks as needed

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)

JOB EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of ten years of experience as a writer and editor
• Experience in producing a monthly magazine or newsletter

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree in English, Literature, Journalism, Humanities, Social Sciences, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field or equivalent specialized training

JOB REQUIREMENTS: SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Must have a high level of creative and critical thinking skills
• Strong working knowledge of all aspects of publishing including printing
• Possesses a strong science background including knowledge of natural history, zoology, and/or biology
• Computer software programs supporting writing and publications
• Communicate with a high level of effectiveness, verbally and in writing
• Able to work with minimal supervision

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Senior Editor supports the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ mission of saving wildlife, enriching our communities and creating connections to nature by overseeing and producing print and digital content for magazine articles and website content. Works with and reviews content from a wide variety of authors and experts throughout the organization. The Senior Editor has a strong command of the English language, a firm grasp of grammar and punctuation, and a broad range of writing and editing experience. This position collaborates with the Los Angeles Zoo’s Chief Communications Officer.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Full-Time, Exempt
• Final compensation determined by experience, education, and internal equity
• Flexible Vacation or Time Away From Work (TAFW) plan: no accruals; employees are encouraged to
• schedule time off as needed within business scope.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; employee
• premiums applicable.
• Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (eligible after one year of employment).
• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored; scaled-salary pay following
• submission and approval of leave
• Birthing Parent Plan covers up to (6-8) weeks fully paid leave, based on the birthing event
• (4) Week fully paid Parental leave following birth, adoption or foster event, can be coupled with Birthing
• Parent Plan to extend above timeline
• Up to 5 days Paid Bereavement Leave
• $75 monthly cell phone stipend
• Accrued paid sick leave provided in accordance with state law, state/location confirmed in job posting

SSA Group, LLC and its family of companies — including SSA Holdings, A&F Souvenir, and Behavioral Essentials — are equal opportunity employers. Employment for each position is offered through the specific affiliated entity that aligns with the business operation and location of the role. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in all hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, recognizing that a diverse team strengthens our impact.

All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").

San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.