What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Editor position at Congressional Budget Office?
CBO’s Budget Analysis Division is seeking an assistant editor to support the production of hundreds of cost estimates, tables, letters, and related materials each year. Those products help Members of Congress, Congressional staff, researchers, journalists, and other members of the public understand the possible budgetary effects of legislation considered by the Congress.
This entry-level position is limited to a three-year term but has the potential to transition to a permanent position. It could be ideal for someone looking to launch a career in editing, journalism, or public policy.
The assistant editor will work mainly on tabular and narrative cost estimates and will provide support for the division’s SharePoint site. Training and mentoring will be provided by a senior editor. The assistant editor will interact extensively with the division’s staff as well as with other CBO staff members, including assistant analysts who gain work experience before pursuing postgraduate study.
Primary Responsibilities
- Producing, editing, and adapting Microsoft Word and Excel tables for presentation of the division’s data and analyses.
- Proofreading and revising formal cost estimates; checking and correcting grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting; and ensuring consistency with the division's conventions and with CBO's style book, A Guide to Style and Usage, which aligns with The Chicago Manual of Style.
- Supporting the division’s SharePoint website.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree, preferably in journalism, English, communications, or another field within the humanities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and SharePoint.
- A detail-oriented approach and a habit of reviewing one’s own work for correctness and completeness.
- Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- The ability to work on several projects simultaneously, to complete projects under tight deadlines, and to work occasional evenings and weekends.
- A commitment to maintaining objectivity within a nonpartisan organization.
Salary and Benefits
Salaries at CBO are competitive and commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers excellent benefits and a collegial, respectful work environment.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, a résumé, a proofreading or editing sample of no more than three pages, and contact information for three references online at www.cbo.gov/careers. Samples should demonstrate the ability to revise information clearly for a nontechnical audience and should show tracked changes. Incomplete applications will not be considered. To ensure consideration, apply by February 18, 2025. This position is covered by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 as made applicable to CBO by the Congressional Accountability Act, as amended.
Contact
Kate Green or Annita Gulati, Washington, D.C., careers@cbo.gov.
