Editor/Writer

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace worldwide. We know that Peace is Security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.

We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts worldwide. Together we tackle the most challenging problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.

If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

Summary

The Editor/Writer works as part of the editorial team to assist in driving the Institute’s integrated online editorial and audience strategy. They will write, edit and proofread a range of materials designed to present the Institute’s unique work to a broad audience on multiple platforms. This position is full-time, based in Washington, D.C., and will have reporting lines to the Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief of the Communications team. 

TARGET SALARY

Grade 12 - $99,000 - 102,000

The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Offers are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.

Major Duties and Responsibilities  

• Edits USIP.org content, including analysis pieces, Q&As, blogs and other article formats.
• In collaboration with the Managing Editor, coordinates the production and editorial workflow for fact sheets, one-pagers, event invitations, press releases and other institutional collateral.
• Writes and edits material for USIP.org as assigned.
• Coordinates with the Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief to maintain a news and events calendar, determine editorial priorities and organize workflow, and work with the team on upcoming news opportunities and multimedia editorial packages on the Institute’s web site to grow the web audience.
• Assists the Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief in tracking production of USIP.org content and prepares editorial and production reports for USIP programs and leadership.
•  Helps to ensure quality, consistency, and timeliness of all content for all audiences: internal, the general public, and critical stakeholders including foreign policy elites and policy makers.
• Evaluates how available information can best be used to meet Institute strategies and objectives, helps identify opportunities for developing new information, and recommends strategies for presenting information.·     
• Ensure consistency of grammar mechanics and expression, formatting, logical organization and development, and general readability. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science, international relations or relevant field required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of six (6) years of experience in journalism, political science, international relations.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of foreign policy/international relations experience, writing and editing communications, such as newsletters, articles, web content; reviewing written documents for accuracy; and ensuring they meet current organizational style, policies and practices.
• A strong understanding of U.S. foreign policy, international relations and trends in global politics required; with a history of publishing article on foreign policy issues is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of best practices for digital publishing, including search engine optimization and headline writing.
• Mastery of the Associated Press Style Guide and strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, and Teams).

• Excellent communication (written and spoken), organizational, and time management skills, including cross-cultural, interpersonal skills; proven ability to engage effectively with authors/partners at the lowest and highest political, social, cultural, economic, and varying skill levels.
• Project and task management – capacity to work on multiple, diverse and complex assignments, creatively problem-solve, and prioritize effectively with minimal supervision or collaboratively.

• Ability to work as a team player in an extroverted and entrepreneurial environment.

CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS 12/13/24.

All applicants must be US citizens to be considered for positions with USIP. 

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.  

HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:
1.  Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary requirements.
2.  Cover letter
3.  Resume 

Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.  

No Phone Calls. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.  

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy and practice of USIP to offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, political affiliations or belief, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.