Application Guide
How to Apply for Director of Professional Development (Part-Time)
at Editorial Freelancers Association
🏢 About Editorial Freelancers Association
The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) is the leading professional membership organization for freelance editors, writers, and other editorial professionals in the US. It provides resources, networking, and advocacy to help freelancers build sustainable careers. Working here means supporting a community of independent professionals and shaping the future of editorial education.
About This Role
As Director of Professional Development, you will lead the EFA's education department, setting strategic direction and managing all aspects of the program, including asynchronous courses, webinars, and events. You'll oversee the annual virtual conference and four in-person mini conferences, and work closely with instructors on instructional design. This part-time remote role (30 hours/week) is ideal for a strategic, detail-oriented leader passionate about freelance editorial education.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing course proposals from instructors, troubleshooting a registration issue, meeting with the events team to plan the next mini conference, and analyzing enrollment data to inform marketing efforts. You'll balance strategic tasks like budgeting with operational duties like responding to instructor and member inquiries.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Editorial Freelancers Association Is Looking For
- Proven experience in education program management, including curriculum development and instructional design for adult learners.
- Strong event production skills, with experience managing virtual conferences and in-person events from planning to execution.
- Comfortable with both strategic planning (budgeting, goal setting) and hands-on operational tasks (registration, troubleshooting, payments).
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, especially when working with freelance instructors and volunteers.
📝 Tips for Applying to Editorial Freelancers Association
Highlight any experience you have with freelance or editorial professionals, either as a freelancer yourself or working with them.
Quantify your event management successes, such as number of attendees, budget managed, or instructor satisfaction scores.
Show familiarity with asynchronous learning platforms and webinar tools (e.g., Thinkific, Teachable, Zoom) in your resume or cover letter.
Emphasize your ability to work independently in a remote, part-time capacity while managing multiple projects.
Mention any experience with membership organizations or nonprofits, as the EFA is a member-driven association.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
In your cover letter, focus on: 1) Your strategic vision for professional development in the freelance editorial space, 2) Specific examples of instructional design projects you've led, 3) Your experience managing virtual and in-person events, and 4) How you balance big-picture planning with day-to-day operations.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore the EFA's current course catalog and webinar offerings to understand the existing education program.
- → Read the EFA's blog, newsletter, or annual reports to learn about their strategic priorities and recent initiatives.
- → Research the freelance editorial landscape, including common pain points and emerging trends in professional development.
- → Look up the EFA's leadership team and board to understand the organizational structure and key stakeholders.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on strategic planning without demonstrating hands-on operational skills.
- Ignoring the part-time nature of the role and implying you're seeking full-time work.
- Failing to mention instructional design experience, as it's a key requirement for this role.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Editorial Freelancers Association!