Call for Editor – Acoustics Today
The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) is seeking a new Editor for Acoustics Today, which is the science and technology magazine of the ASA. Appointment as the Acoustics Today Editor will begin on January 1, 2025.
About Acoustics Today: Each issue of Acoustics Today is sent to ASA members in print form and is also freely available online at acousticstoday.org. The primary purpose of Acoustics Today is to provide timely scholarly articles, short essays highlighting important ASA programs, and other (including societal) material to ASA members that is interesting, understandable, and worth reading regardless of a member’s background. As of 2025, the magazine will transition to twice-yearly publication (Spring and Fall issues).
Responsibilities: Acoustics Today Editor reports to the ASA Editor-in-Chief. The primary responsibilities of the Acoustics Today Editor are to develop and produce issues and guide the scientific and editorial vision for the magazine. General Responsibilities include the following:
- Plans the content, solicits articles from prospective authors, and writes materials necessary to complete the content of the magazine;
- Attends ASA’s virtual committee meetings related to the position and ideally attends ASA’s twice-a-year meetings in-person to conduct the business of Acoustics Today as well as to generate ideas for future articles based on meeting presentations across all ASA technical areas;
- Works with authors on enhancements to their manuscripts, suggests rewrites, and develops content;
- Works with the ASA office to obtain or produce original content on news items, obituaries, editorials, and book reviews;
- Organizes by extending or condensing the magazine’s content so that it fits into the allotted pages;
- Responds to queries and correspondence regarding the editorial content of the magazine, including responding to authors of unsolicited manuscripts;
- In consultation with ASA’s Publications Office, sets the production schedule to ensure that the magazine is published by established publication dates;
- Coordinates with the ASA’s Publications Office and publisher regarding editorial, art, production, and distribution processes and works with the publisher’s advertising division to develop advertising materials;
- Coordinates with ASA staff on online features and improvements to acousticstoday.org
- Assists the ASA Treasurer and Executive Director to set prices for advertising and assists the Editor-in-Chief to prepare annual budget estimates as needed.
Qualifications: Acoustical Society of America and Acoustics Today search committee will select an Editor based on a range of criteria. Qualified candidates should demonstrate the following:
- Strong leadership skills
- Ability to think strategically and shift priorities based on the magazine’s needs
- Effective communication skills
- Editing skills and strong understanding of science communication
- Excellent collaborative capability
- Close connection with the acoustics community
- Broad view of acoustics
- Ability to lead outreach initiatives and understand the needs of the field
- Ability to formulate a clear vision for the magazine that meets the candidate’s measurements of success as well as those of the ASA
Term: Appointment as the Acoustics Today Editor will begin on January 1, 2025, for an initial 3-year term. There would be a training/transition period beforehand in 2024. Applications are due by March 15, 2024.
There is a stipend for this position. The Editor position is a contract position. The Editor will not be an employee of the Acoustical Society of America and is not eligible for fringe benefits.
How to Apply: Please submit applications to Liz Bury, Senior Managing Editor, at lbury@acousticalsociety.org by March 15, 2024. Applications should include a CV/resume and a letter that outlines interest, relevant qualifications, and vision and goals for the magazine.
About Acoustical Society of America
Established in 1929, ASA’s purpose is to generate, disseminate, and promote the knowledge and practical applications of acoustics. The Society has national and international members and 14 technical committees covering the following acoustical specializations: Acoustical Oceanography, Animal Bioacoustics, Architectural Acoustics, Biomedical Acoustics, Computational Acoustics, Engineering Acoustics, Musical Acoustics, Noise, Physical Acoustics, Psychological and Physiological Acoustics, Signal Processing in Acoustics, Speech Communication, Structural Acoustics and Vibration, and Underwater Acoustics.