Writer/Editor

American Counseling Association

. Write eight to 10 feature articles per year, approximately 1,500–2,000 words, for print issues of Counseling Today and online exclusives .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeAlexandria • Virginia • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $80,000 - $85,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong storytelling and editing capabilities across print and digital platforms, with expertise in AP style and content management. Proficient in managing the article lifecycle from research to publication while maintaining high editorial standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor’s Degree In JournalismFive Years Of Newswriting ExperienceExpertise In EditingProficiency In MS Office SuiteFamiliarity With Google Analytics

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Storytelling SkillsCopyeditingFact-CheckingResearch SkillsInterviewing Skills

Soft Skills

Interpersonal CommunicationTeam CollaborationAdaptabilityJudgmentProactivity

Tools & Technologies

MS Office SuiteAcrobat ProMondaySiteFinityWeb Analytics Platforms

Certifications & Qualifications

Formal Copyediting Certification

Industry Keywords

AP StyleEditorial ChecklistsContent CreationMental Health CommunityCounseling Today

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Write eight to 10 feature articles per year, approximately 1,500–2,000 words, for print issues of Counseling Today and online exclusives
Write short articles, approximately 300–500 words, for 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
Research and identify subject matter experts, develop story plans and interview questions, and conduct interviews
Attend the annual ACA Conference & Expo to cover sessions, write recaps and identify potential sources and contributors
Cultivate relationships with ACA leadership, members, potential sources and the mental health community
Support the editor-in-chief in reviewing story pitches, article ideas and member submissions
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
Support proofreading and promotion of content for advertisements, blogs, newsletters, web pages, social media, podcasts, webinars, video scripts and marketing collateral
Maintain and update ACA Style Guide and Associated Press Stylebook licenses
Coach staff and external contributors through the content creation process
Support page-proofing for Counseling Today
Support digital content strategy for the web and newsletters
Format and post digital magazine content to the website
Monitor mental health news, membership/reader data, website analytics and other metrics

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in journalism, English, communications or a related field
At least five years of progressive experience in newswriting
Expertise in editing; formal copyediting certification highly preferred
Strong storytelling (print and digital) skills
Ability to manage an article from inception to publication, including researching, interviewing, writing and editing
Ability to adapt style, tone and voice to write and edit a variety of materials across platforms
Excellent interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work successfully in a team-based environment
Expertise with AP style, house style guides, editorial checklists and plain language
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including the Review (Track Changes) function in MS Word and Acrobat Pro
Familiarity with project management tools such as Monday, content management systems such as SiteFinity, and web analytics platforms such as Google Analytics
Ability to exercise good judgment when there is ambiguity
Willingness to be proactive, resourceful and adaptable to changing priorities/workloads
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritize assignments and meet production deadlines
Must reside within the Washington, DC Metro area

Benefits

Comp & perks

Attendance at the ACA Annual Conference & Expo as needed