Editor in Chief

Job Title: Editor in Chief, Sierra Magazine

Department: Membership Growth

Location: Remote (requires occasional travel to Sierra Club offices or field assignments)

Reports To: Deputy Chief of Strategic Growth & Marketing

Supervises: Up to 6 direct reports

Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 800 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.

Scope: The Editor in Chief of Sierra Magazine leads the strategic and creative direction of the Sierra Club’s flagship publication as it undergoes a bold transformation. This role blends editorial vision with organizational leadership to deliver on a reimagined business plan that positions the magazine as a leading voice in grassroots environmental journalism and a powerful engine for increasing membership, generating revenue, and driving impact. 

To lead this transformation, the Editor in Chief must bring a rare combination of editorial excellence, strategic acumen, and change leadership. They should have a sharp editorial instinct, fluency in multiplatform storytelling, and a proven ability to grow and engage audiences. A deep commitment to equity, environmental justice, and movement building is essential, as is the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and inspire cross-functional collaboration. This leader must be capable of managing through ambiguity, motivating a high-performing editorial team, and driving innovation across formats and channels. With these strengths, they will ensure Sierra Magazine delivers on its full potential as the Sierra Club’s most visible and impactful storytelling platform.

• Lead Editorial Vision & Execution. Develops and executes the editorial strategy across print and digital channels. Anchors content in the magazine’s core pillars: advocacy-driven journalism, outdoors for all, conservation with a conscience, people-powered insight, and accessible truths. As needed, contributes to the writing, editing and development of content
• Drive Revenue & Engagement Goals. Collaborates with Communications, Advancement, Membership Growth, Green Ventures, and Digital teams to build the magazine’s momentum/capacity for revenue generation from digital subscriptions, member conversions, events, and mission-aligned advertising.
• Advance Strategic Partnerships. Works across departments—including Chapters, Outings, Creative Studio, and the Grassroots Network—to elevate community voices, drive localized content, and integrate storytelling with advocacy and engagement goals.
• Supervise Editorial Operations. Manages a team of editors, writers, designers, and freelancers. Oversees editorial calendar, budget, and production timelines. Upholds editorial standards and leads innovation in narrative formats and distribution strategies. Negotiates contracts.
• Champion Editorial Independence & Integrity. Maintains journalistic integrity while aligning editorial priorities with the broader mission and goals of the Sierra Club. Serves as a thought leader and public ambassador for Sierra Magazine.
• Expand Reach & Digital Transformation. Guides the transition from a legacy print product to a multiplatform storytelling brand. Leverages SEO, social media, email, and new digital formats (e.g., podcasts, newsletters) to grow audience and impact.

• Heavier seasonal workloads may occur. Occasional weekend and/or evening work required. Requires the ability to travel. Performs miscellaneous duties as directed.

• Visionary Editorial Leadership. Proven ability to lead editorial teams and multi-platform content strategy in a mission-driven or media environment, with a record of growing audience and impact across platforms.
• Strategic Collaboration. Skilled at building partnerships and leading cross-functional initiatives that align editorial content with organizational goals (advocacy, membership, fundraising, or revenue).
• Strong Management Skills. Demonstrated success managing teams, fostering inclusive and innovative culture, managing complex and competing priorities, and developing talent within editorial and creative environments.
• Digital & Print Expertise. Deep experience in both traditional and digital publishing, with fluency in digital storytelling, audience development, SEO, and data-informed decision-making.
• Environmental & Social Justice Literacy. A strong understanding of the intersections between environmental issues, climate justice, equity, and advocacy. Demonstrates a robust understanding of using storytelling for movement building.
• Committed to Evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening your understanding of systems of oppression and shifting behaviors as appropriate.
• Uplifting & Additive. You bring a constructive approach, can-do attitude, and authentic kindness. You see problems as opportunities for learning and growth.

• Experience leading a media transformation (e.g., print to digital)
• A track record of launching new editorial products (e.g., newsletters, verticals, podcasts)
• Experience with grassroots organizing, membership-based models and mission-aligned publications
• Experience with leading national print magazines and digital audiences

To Apply

The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.