The American Student Dental Association (ASDA) was founded in 1971 and is the largest dental student organization in the United States. With a membership of more than 23,000, ASDA represents 86% of dental students from all 66 dental schools. ASDA’s mission is to protect and advance the rights, interests and welfare of dental students. The association introduces students to lifelong involvement in organized dentistry and provides services, information, education, representation and advocacy. ASDA representatives vote in the ADA House of Delegates, sit on most ADA councils and commissions and comprise one of the most respected student organizations in the nation.
ASDA is located off Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, with a staff of 14 and an operating budget of $4.5 million.
Position Overview
The Associate Editor will write, edit and proofread copy for ASDA’s print and electronic publications following established style guidelines. Participate in editorial board meetings, prepare agendas and minutes. Help manage the article submissions process and ensure deadlines are met. Perform administrative tasks such as mailing correspondence to authors. Some travel and weekend/overtime required.
Position Responsibilities
Provides editorial support for publications (Contour magazine, ASDA Blog, e-newsletters and annual student handbooks)
Develops content ideas and maintains editorial calendar for magazine
Provides developmental/structural edits for articles
Interviews members and subject-matter experts as needed
Writes feature articles, blog posts and e-newsletter content
Inputs blog post copy and images into WordPress
Proofreads magazine and student handbooks prior to print
Manages production of all monthly e-newsletters (Word of Mouth, New Leader, Polished Predental and Advocacy Brief)
Creates production schedules and ensures timely distribution
Collects content from contributors and assembles into master file
Proofs and tests HTML email; provides final approval before distributed
Brainstorms ideas to leverage publications content via multiple platforms (social media, etc.)
Writes and/or copy edits promotional emails, website copy, marketing collateral and other projects as assigned, adhering to ASDA house style guide
Supports work of the editorial board by assisting with author database, crafting meeting minutes and other duties
Manage ASDA’s stock photography licenses and inventory
Manage the publication section of the ASDA website
Coordinate magazine archive and distribution to authors
Fulfill other duties as assigned
Position Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications-related field.
A minimum of three years writing and editing articles in a publishing environment.
Knowledge of health care industry and association experience preferred.
Excellent writing, editing, fact checking and proofreading skills.
Demonstrated ability to develop content ideas and write feature-length articles.
An ability to proofread and input error-free edits.
Proficient in A.P. style.
Working knowledge of WordPress and social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat.
Detail-oriented.
Able to manage multiple projects at once, meet deadlines and effectively communicate with other team members.
About American Student Dental Association
The American Student Dental Association (ASDA) is a national organization that protects and advances the rights, interests and welfare of dental students. Founded in 1971, it is the largest dental student organization in the United States. With a membership of more than 23,000, ASDA represents 86% of dental students from all 66 dental schools. ASDA introduces students to lifelong involvement in organized dentistry and provides services, information, education representation and advocacy. Located in Chicago, ASDA has a staff of 14 and an operating budget of $4.5 million.
