[press release; comments below]
After 33 years of service at the American Philatelic Society, AP Editor Barb Boal has announced her plans to retire as of December 31. In addition to the traditional editor functions, Barb has done all the layout and most of the design of the magazine. She has been our principal contact with the printer, provided graphic support for shows and other departments, assisted with social media and marketing, and taught educational courses. Barb has guided us as the magazine has moved to full color, gone computer-to-plate, overseen the development of a digital version, and most recently was the impetus behind the development of a mobile application for the magazine.

Barb says, “It has been an educational and enjoyable time for me. I learned stamp collecting and printing from the ground up from the best — Bill Welch, Charlie Rupert, and Joe Criscuoli…. During the reprinting of Fundamentals of Philately, Norman Williams joked that I must be the only one to have ever read Fundamentals cover to cover!

“Over the past thirty-three years, I have been fortunate to work with collectors from around the world. In addition to the pleasure and pride that we receive in producing the AP for members, it has been recognized by its peers, winning three International Golds and being presented with the Álvaro Bonilla Lara Award.”

This position has the primarily responsibility for the Society’s full-color 100-page monthly publication, The American Philatelist. Working with a staff of three and an Advisory Board, the position reviews and selects editorial content including articles, columns, and letters to the editor. The individual lays out editorial content and prepares ads, creating digital Indesign files for the printer. Additional preparation is required for a mobile application and bonus online content. The Editor provides oversight for the quarterly Philatelic Literature Review and is the principal contact with the printer.

The Editor also provides graphics support for other departments, such as design of digital billboards; postcards and ads; cachets; logos and show cancels; and brochures. Support and input is also expected for the monthly e-newsletter.

The position requires editing skills, excellent graphic and layout skills, and Indesign proficiency. Philatelic knowledge is very helpful. Candidates should be self-directed and possess strong organizational and problem solving skills. A Bachelors Degree is required and supervisory experience desirable. Salary range is $55K to $65K, depending on qualifications. Position reports to the APS Executive Director.

If you are interested in the position or know someone who you think should be considered, resumes with a cover letter must be submitted to Executive Director Ken Martin, kpmartin@stamps.org, by October 15. Desired starting date is December 1 to allow for a smooth transition.

The American Philatelic Society, founded in 1886, is the national stamp collecting organization of the United States, with more than 31,000 members. For more information about the Society and its services, contact the APS at 100 Match Factory Place Bellefonte, PA; e-mail (info@stamps.org) or visit APS online at www.stamps.org.