Call for Expressions of Interest

Newsletter Editor (2026-2028)

Australian Society for Fish Biology

Position Overview: ASFB Newsletter Editor

Appointment: The Newsletter Editor is appointed by the ASFB Executive Council following an assessment of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and, if required, interview.

Term: An appointment of two year from the date of appointment will be oAered, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and ongoing organisational needs.

Remuneration and workload: Total remuneration is AU$6,000 per annum, paid in two equal instalments annually. The Newsletter Editor is responsible for producing two formal editions of the ASFB newsletter each year, as well as coordinating and editing a short monthly member update. Duties are expected to require approximately 100–120 hours per year, distributed unevenly across the year.

Location: Flexible / remote, the successful candidate will need to provide their own working space and equipment.

Reporting and Working Relationships: The Newsletter Editor works collaboratively with the ASFB Executive Council, the ASFB membership, Communications Manager, Conference and Workshop Coordinator/s, and ASFB Secretariat, and reports to the ASFB President.

Role Purpose

The Newsletter Editor is responsible for the planning, compilation, editing and production of the ASFB newsletter, Lateral Lines. The role ensures that newsletter content is accurate, timely, engaging, and aligned with the objectives, values and communication standards of the Society.

The Newsletter Editor also plays a key coordination role, working closely with the Communications Manager to ensure consistency and complementarity between newsletter content, social media outputs and the ASFB website.

Key Responsibilities

The ASFB Newsletter Editor will:

  • Plan, compile and produce two formal editions of the ASFB newsletter (Lateral Lines) per year

  • Coordinate, edit and distribute a short fortnightly or monthly update for ASFB members, focused on key notices, opportunities and Society activities (TBC)

  • Solicit, curate and edit content from ASFB members, Executive Council members and invited contributors

  • Ensure all content is clear, accurate, accessible, and appropriate for a professional scientific audience

  • Maintain consistent editorial standards, including tone, formatting and quality control

  • Work collaboratively with the ASFB Communications Manager to align newsletter and update content with ASFB social media and website communications

  • Liaise with the ASFB Secretariat to support timely distribution of newsletters and updates

  • Support the ASFB Executive by including governance updates, awards, conferences, workshops and other Society business as required

  • Ensure all content aligns with ASFB policies and the Society’s non-profit, non-aligned objectives

  • Identify opportunities to improve the relevance, clarity and impact of ASFB member communications over time.

Key Duties and Performance Expectations

The Newsletter Editor is expected to:

  1. Develop a clear understanding of ASFB communication objectives and relevant policies within the first month of appointment.

  2. Produce two high-quality formal newsletter issues per year in accordance with agreed schedules.

  3. Produce regular monthly member updates, ensuring consistency, clarity and timeliness.

  4. Manage editorial workflows, including content requests, editing, compilation, and approvals.

  5. Work constructively with contributors to refine and improve submitted material.

  6. Coordinate with the Communications Manager to avoid duplication and ensure alignment across communication platforms.

  7. Participate in ASFB Executive meetings as required (minimum of three per year).

Selection Criteria

Essential

  1. Eligibility to legally work in Australia - the ASFBs governance structure requires that our paid employees provide an Australian Tax File Number and Australian Bank Account for the salary disbursement, this is non-negotiable.

  2. Demonstrated ability to manage editorial workflows and meet fixed publication deadlines.

  3. High-level written communication and editing skills.

  4. Ability to interpret and present scientific or technical information for a professional but diverse audience.

  5. Strong organisational skills and capacity for independent, self-directed work.

Desirable

  1. Previous experience editing newsletters, reports or similar publications for professional or scientific organisations.

  2. Familiarity with basic layout, formatting or publishing tools.

  3. Experience working collaboratively with committees or volunteer-led organisations.

  4. Understanding of communications within scientific, research or natural resource management contexts.

Expressions of Interest

Expressions of Interest should include:

  • A brief cover letter outlining suitability for the role (no more than 1 page)

  • A short curriculum vitae (maximum 5 pages)

  • Examples of relevant editorial or written work, or a short statement describing the applicant’s approach to newsletter editing for a professional society.

EOIs should be submitted to the ASFB Executive Council via the ASFB President, Katherine Cheshire.