Assistant Editor, Documentary Magazine

The Assistant Editor supports the Editor in producing Documentary Magazine and online editorial content on documentary.org. This role involves developing, assigning, and editing stories, managing production schedules, coordinating with contributors, and maintaining publishing standards. The Assistant Editor also fosters relationships with filmmakers and industry professionals, represents the Magazine at events, and ensures timely, engaging editorial content that champions documentary storytellers and promotes an inclusive documentary culture. Key areas include editorial development, operational coordination, and occasional programmatic writing support.

This position requires residency in or relocation to Los Angeles. IDA is currently a hybrid work environment with two days/week in the office.

Responsibilities

Editorial

• Manage the production, with the supervision of the Editor, of all print issues and digital content of Documentary Magazine.
• Develop themes and story ideas, write and edit articles, assign and manage writers, source photographs and artwork, and proofread and fact-check copy to editorial standards.
• Write articles, blog posts, and interviews to assist Editor in maintaining a steady flow of timely, relevant original editorial content for Documentary Magazine and documentary.org.
• Serve as a visible and engaged representative for the magazine, and of IDA more broadly, attending festivals and other events when necessary and forming and maintaining positive relationships with filmmakers and industry representatives.
• Develop and maintain expertise in various areas of documentary filmmaking and proactively keep up with trends and major developments within the field.
• Engage broadly and proactively with the field, serving on juries and moderating panels and Q&A’s for both IDA and at other industry festivals, screenings, and events.

Program Support 

• Partner with programmatic staff across the organization to write and edit website and promotional copy that broadly supports IDA programs and events.
• Partner with staff across the organization to write, polish, and proofread external communications, including press releases, programmatic content, and editorial content, for all of the organization’s platforms.
• Collaborates with the IDA leadership and the IDA Board Advocacy Committee to draft letters, statements, policy documents, and editorial content in support of advocacy and emergency response campaigns, meeting sometimes urgent turnaround and deadlines, as needed.

Operational/Managerial

• Manage and maintain the production schedule of the print magazine, placing and scheduling the publication of online editorial content.
• Oversee customer service inquiries from the printer, distributor, subscription agencies, and subscribers. 
• Oversee shipment to various distribution outlets, online storefronts, festivals and markets, promoting the issue on different platforms and assisting with preparing the digital edition.
• Support the Editor and other IDA staff in business development and sales.
• Maintain magazine inventory, including receiving, storing, and coordinating shipping of  issues for events, partnerships, and trades.
• Manage the missing/damaged/RTS magazine issue notices.
• Work with Office Coordinator, Membership Manager, Advertising Manager to generate membership and subscriber mailing labels for the magazine printer.
• Work with Office Coordinator to process Documentary magazine subscription requests for institutions and schools.
• File invoices for payment, collect signed writer’s agreements, and process paperwork for the smooth operations of editorial contracts.

Education, Experience, and Skills    

• MFA and/or BA in Film/Video Production, Communications, Journalism, Film/Media Studies, English, or a similar field of study is highly desired (equivalent on-the-job experience will also be considered)
• 3+ years of experience working within documentary film production, publishing, journalism, digital media, or a related field
• Strong professional editorial experience in English, preferably with a film publication
• Expertise in documentary film across a wide range of sectors, from commercial offerings to film festival favorites
• Excellent writing skills and prior published writing experience
• Excellent reporting and interviewing skills 
• Excellent presentation and public speaking skills
• Working familiarity with The AP Stylebook and The Chicago Manual of Style
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office and Google G Suite applications, and ability to quickly learn and master new programs, apps, CRM, and databases
• Physical requirements include the ability to sit in a chair, look at screens, and type for 30 hours/week. Will also require the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, use a telephone for correspondence, and be on camera for virtual meetings.
• Knowledge of the press process and a keen eye for design

Desired Competencies

• Professional working knowledge of a second language other than English
• Strong attention to detail 
• Ability to manage time, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Takes initiative to think creatively and introduce new and innovative ideas
• Enjoys working with diverse multi-functional teams
• Professional, courteous, and diplomatic demeanor
• Commitment to an editorial ethos that reflects anti-racist practices and actions
• Able to apply equity and racial justice lens to IDA's communications, including a nuanced consideration of identities, geography, political and historical contexts, intersectionalities, and perspectives

This job description outlines the current scope of the role to the best of our ability, with the understanding that jobs evolve and change over time and that no job description can capture all of a job's responsibilities or detail everything that may be expected in a role.

The position will be open from September 9, 2025, until filled. Candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis. We encourage interested candidates to apply early. The preferred start date is October 2025.

Please fill out this form, upload your cover letter, resume, and 3-5 writing samples of your previous work (include a mix of articles/interviews alongside press releases, blog posts, social media campaigns, fundraising campaigns, advocacy appeals, or marketing materials). Applications without supplemental work will not be reviewed. References will be checked at the interview stage. Except for accommodations requests, no phone calls or emails, please.

To request accommodations for completing this employment application, please contact access@documentary.org or call 1-213-332-1660 x200.

International Documentary Association (IDA) is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work, and to building an equitable and just organization that, at every level, reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the community we serve and our society as a whole. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.