Editor

Editor

FTE: 100%

Salary: $70,000 to $85,000

Location: Washington, DC

About Stimson

The Henry L. Stimson Center (Stimson), a nonpartisan global security think tank located in Washington, DC, seeks an Editor reporting to the Vice President of External Affairs. This role ensures that our practices support our mission-driven work, align with Stimson’s vision, values, strategic goals, standards of conduct, and operational objectives, and demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee well-being. 

We seek a highly motivated, organized, entrepreneurial, and collaborative individual committed to Stimson’s mission and core values. This person understands that any organization is only as good as the people working there and the relationships they build and sustain. This job will require building authentic relationships with staff and affiliates that facilitate the successful candidate’s ability to challenge, develop, and support them.

About the Program and Position Summary

The Stimson Center, a global foreign policy think tank promoting international security, shared prosperity, and justice, seeks a full-time Editor as a new addition to our Communications team. This role will work collaboratively with Stimson scholars, external authors, guest contributors, and across the Communications team to deliver impeccable written product and research materials to support our strategic goals. The Communications department provides strategic guidance and support on the development and delivery of research publications, events, video, media engagement, and digital tools that demonstrate Stimson’s thought leadership and analysis in timely, creative, and engaging ways.

The Editor role will work closely across both the Communications and Research departments to lead in the editing and fine-tuning of all Stimson written products, from research publications to website copy.

Responsibilities:

The Editor will primarily:

• Lead the editing and review process for all Stimson research products, including short-form commentaries and issue briefs, as well as longer-form policy papers and reports;
• Edit draft publications for grammar, style, and institutional alignment and sensitivity;
• Draft summary written products and derivative content that communicates the essence of Stimson’s research and analysis in short, pithy prose that is both accurate and accessible;
• Work in close collaboration with Stimson researchers and external authors to iterate on edits and stylistic suggestions to deliver the highest quality research products possible;
• Work in collaboration with the Vice President of External Affairs and the Deputy Director of Communications to update and improve our style guide, as needed;
• Collaborate across the organization to institutionalize an updated review and editing process that maximizes efficiency and ensures our commitment to excellence is reflected in every written product, both in print and online.

In addition, all members of the Communications team regularly:

• Manage the institution’s publication pipeline,
• Execute/assist with derivative communications products, including digital media and email newsletter copy
• Provide advice and guidance to policy teams on how best to reach target audiences,
• Collaborate with Development and the President’s office on special projects,
• Work closely with policy teams to plan and execute research product releases,
• Respond to ad hoc requests from colleagues,
• Supervise interns, and
• Provide backup and support to their fellow team members as needed.

Qualifications – required:

• Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years’ experience or equivalent education in writing, journalism, communications, international relations, or similar course of study.
• 2-4 years’ experience editing research products to ensure published (print and online) products demonstrate the highest standard of quality.
• Experience synthesizing complex and sensitive topics into short summary materials and teaser language for use across a range of platforms.
• Experience working directly with researchers on the iterative editing process to deliver products that are accurate and accessible, designed to speak to target audiences.
• Demonstrated interest in US foreign policy, international security, or any of Stimson’s programmatic work.
• Self-starter attitude and collaborative team spirit.
• Excellent writing, impeccable editing skills, and a keen eye for detail.
• Collaborative, collegial attitude.

Qualifications – preferred:

• Experience in editing for an academic journal, academic institution (university, etc.), or nonpartisan think tank.
• Background in foreign policy and understanding of regional dynamics, particularly Middle East and/or Indo-Pacific.
• Experience developing or updating an institutional style guide to set standards across an organization.

We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet all preferred qualifications.

Application requirements:

• Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter with salary requirements, resume, and two writing samples and/or examples of past work products.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Employee Benefits

15 Vacation Days, 10 Sick Days, 13 Paid Holidays, Medical and Dental Insurance, Retirement Match, Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Plan, Commuting, Wellness, Education Benefits, Parental Leave, and Bereavement Leave.

Stimson is an equal-opportunity employer that celebrates, supports, and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable laws.