Writer/Editor

About the role

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is the world’s largest organization representing professional counselors in various practice settings. Its vision is to be the preeminent advocate and resource for professional counselors and their clients in a world where everyone has access to mental health services. Its mission is to advance the counseling profession, mental health and well‑being through education, advocacy, community, inclusion and research. Its values are Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Integrity, Proactive Leadership, Professional Community & Relationships, Scientific Practice & Knowledge, Social Justice & Empowerment. All ACA team members are encouraged, supported and expected to demonstrate The Way We Work Values: Be Flexible, Be Creative, Be Empowered, Be Inquisitive, Be Collaborative and Be Respectful.

The Writer/Editor creates original copy from concept to completion, including short‑ and long‑form news and feature articles for Counseling Today’s print and digital portfolio. The role requires a skilled storyteller and experienced newswriter who can write for mental health professionals (e.g., licensed counselors and counselor educators) and the public, develop internal and external sources, conduct background research, interview subject matter experts, and ensure the editorial integrity of key publications across the organization.

The position is located in the Washington, DC Metro area; candidates must reside there. It is an office‑based role requiring sitting, some standing, and the ability to lift up to 10‑15 pounds. It involves operating computer equipment, telephone, and general office equipment to generate and transmit communications.

Responsibilities

• Write eight to 10 feature articles per year (about 1,500‑2,000 words) for print issues of Counseling Today and online exclusives.
• Write short articles (about 300‑500 words) for several recurring departments in each print issue.
• Research and compile listicle‑style statistics, facts, news and event announcements.
• Collaborate with the editor‑in‑chief and production team to generate story topics for the magazine.
• Research and identify subject matter experts to serve as sources, develop story plans and interview questions, and conduct interviews with sources.
• Attend the annual ACA Conference & Expo to cover sessions, write recaps of selected sessions and identify potential sources and contributors.
• Cultivate relationships with ACA leadership, members, potential sources and the mental health community to inform story development.
• Support the editor‑in‑chief to review and assess story pitches, article ideas and member submissions.
• Support the editor‑in‑chief to monitor and maintain the Counseling Today email inbox, including logging manuscript submissions and corresponding with contributors.
• Provide developmental editing, copyediting, proofreading and fact‑checking support for member submissions, online exclusives and member blogs.
• Support the proofreading and promotion of content for advertisements, blogs, newsletters, web pages, social media, podcasts, webinars, video scripts and marketing collateral as needed.
• Learn, maintain and update the ACA Style Guide and Associated Press (AP) Stylebook licenses.
• Coach staff and external contributors through