Associate Editor (Contract) — Adventure Cyclist Magazine

About Us

As one of the largest nonprofit cycling organizations in the country, Adventure Cycling has an impactful voice in policies and programs that advance the safety and accessibility of cycling. Adventure Cycling serves through its members and the bike travel community. Our cycling community encourages and supports countless cyclists each year as they explore the beauty and history of America while tending to their mental and physical well-being. Adventure Cyclist, a quarterly print and digital magazine dedicated to bikepacking and bicycle travel storytelling, is a key part of that mission.

Role Overview

Adventure Cyclist magazine is hiring an Associate Editor on a contract basis. This is an independent-contractor role reporting to the editor-in-chief, covering editorial production for four issues a year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter). Work is scoped per issue, with the schedule flexing around each issue’s deadlines.

Location: Remote

Responsibilities

  • Manage the editorial process of and fully own the relationship with your assigned freelance writers — both professional and amateur — keeping every piece on deadline
  • Proofread, line-edit, and fact-check all text for each issue of Adventure Cyclist
  • Proof full issue drafts prior to publication
  • Write occasional short-form pieces as needed (DEKs, Parts Bin descriptions, sidebars)
  • Contribute to story and issue ideation

Qualifications

  • Previous experience as an editor, ideally at a magazine, across both long-form narrative journalism and shorter front-of-book pieces
  • Strong copy-editing skills, with working fluency in both Chicago and AP styles
  • A cyclist; experience with bikepacking or bike touring is highly desirable
  • Demonstrated ability to manage freelancer relationships and hit deadlines independently, without extensive day-to-day oversight

Pay, Schedule & Term

  • Pay: $3,500 per issue (approximately 40 hours per issue for a rate of $90/hour)
  • Cadence: Four issues per year — Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
  • Term: Contract begins Dec 15, 2026, with work on the Spring 2027 issue
  • Classification: This is an independent-contractor (1099) role, not an employee position — no benefits or insurance are included, and the contractor is responsible for their own taxes
  • Invoicing happens at the end of each issue’s production cycle

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and portfolio of work here. Application deadline: 11/18/2026

Equal Opportunity

Adventure Cycling Association is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.