QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or a related field preferred but not required.
• 2+ years of editorial experience in magazines, publishing, or media. (Internships and freelance work considered.)
• Strong editing, writing, and proofreading skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities; able to juggle multiple deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable working across departments.
• Familiarity with AP style; experience developing and maintaining editorial calendars.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Experience working with freelancers and vendors.
• Proficiency in content management systems (CMS), Adobe Acrobat, and project management tools.
• Knowledge of regional lifestyle topics (business, weddings, community features, dining, culture) is a plus.

ABOUT THE ROLE

VistaMedia is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Associate Editor to join our Lifestyle team. This role will primarily support Lynchburg Living, Lynchburg Business, and Central Virginia Weddings. The Associate Editor will work closely with the Editor in Chief to manage day-to-day editorial operations, uphold brand standards, and deliver engaging, high-quality content.
This is an exciting opportunity for an editorial professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is eager to grow within a multi-publication portfolio.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Editorial Management
• Oversee and support the editorial production cycle for Lynchburg Living (6x annually), Lynchburg Business (6x annually), and Central Virginia Weddings (1x annually).
• Manage editorial calendars, deadlines, and workflows to ensure timely and accurate publication.
• Content Development
• Assign, edit, and proof content from freelance writers and contributors.
• Develop original content, including articles, sidebars, and supporting features, as needed.
• Ensure all content aligns with each publication’s voice, audience, and editorial standards.
• Freelancer & Vendor Coordination
• Maintain and expand a network of freelance writers, photographers, and other contributors.
• Negotiate rates and contracts in coordination with the Editor in Chief.
• Manage communication with contributors, ensuring clear direction and timely delivery.
• Collaboration & Workflow
• Work closely with design, sales, and events teams to ensure smooth coordination between editorial and other departments.
• Uphold consistency across publications by using established editorial processes and style guidelines.
• Editorial Cohesion & Growth
• Contribute to ongoing efforts to streamline workflows and strengthen cohesion across VistaMedia’s lifestyle portfolio.