Managing Editor

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.

JOB BRIEF

The Managing Editor is a key driver of the Institute’s integrated online editorial and audience strategy. S/he is responsible for quality, consistency, and timeliness of all content for all audiences: internal, the general public and critical stakeholders including foreign policy elites and policymakers. The position is full-time, based in Washington, DC, will supervise staff, and reports to the Editor-in-Chief, Public Affairs and Communications (PAC).

CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS 02/04/2025 

TARGET SALARY

Grade 13 - $117,000 - 121,000

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Partners with the Editor-in-Chief to set the strategy, direction, and tone for editorial products, ensuring that all content is on brand, in keeping with the mission, of the highest editorial quality, and effective for specific target audiences and platforms.

• Edits USIP.org content, including analysis pieces, Q&As, blogs and other article formats.
• Collaborates with the Editor-in-Chief to determine editorial assignments for staff editors and contractors.

• Closely monitors the news cycle and develops ideas for USIP.org content to demonstrate USIP’s relevance and expertise on peace and security issues.
• Ensures that content is timely, compelling, accessible to the general public, and in partnership with Experts and Programs, covers diverse issues across the spectrum of USIP’s geographic and thematic areas of focus.
• Collaborates with the Editor-in-Chief and Program leadership to determine content and editorial priorities and maximize efficient content production processes.
• Collaborates with the Publications Managing Editor to determine how long-form publications can be leveraged for additional website content.
• Ensures content for USIP and external outlets comports with USIP’s nonpartisan mandate and with the priorities of the Institute’s strategic plan.
• Establishes and meets data-driven goals for raising the Institute’s website and other digital platforms’ search engine ranking, influence and profile with target audiences.
• Creates compelling content for multimedia stories in collaboration with Editor-in-Chief, Creative team, and Experts and Programs to advance the Institute’s mission with target audiences, and enhances storytelling through integrated use of video, audio, and superb editing.

 Performs other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, journalism, political science or relevant field or equivalent experience required with a Master’s preferred.
• 8-10 years of professional editorial and writing experience, with a focus on foreign policy and international affairs issues.
• Previous experience at foreign policy think tank or as a journalist covering foreign policy/international affairs, with a history of publishing articles on foreign policy issues, is strongly preferred.
• A comprehensive understanding of U.S. foreign policy, national security priorities, conflict resolution, international relations and trends in global politics.
• Broad understanding of content trends from peer institutions and foreign policy publications.
• Staff supervisory and freelance writer management experience.
• A track record of exemplary management and leadership skills, the ability to recognize strong authors and editors and foster an environment that inspires them to do their best work.
• Sound judgment in problem-solving while coordinating and managing a myriad of editorial activities and excellent analytical skills
• Mastery of the AP 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.
• Ability to multitask and meet aggressive deadlines, and an enthusiasm for working effectively with other staff members in varying roles and in different departments. 

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.
2.  Cover letter
3.  Resume 

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

"USIP is an equal opportunity employer.  It is the policy and practice of USIP to offer equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all qualified applicants and staff without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliations or beliefs, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected by law."