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Assistant or Associate Editor, Communications

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) is a nonpartisan research and policy institute that advances federal and state policies to help build a nation where everyone — regardless of income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ZIP code, immigration status, or disability status — has the resources they need to thrive and share in the nation’s prosperity.

CBPP combines rigorous research and analysis, strategic communications, and effective advocacy to shape debates, affect policy, and inform effective implementation both nationally and in states. It works closely with a broad set of national, state, and community organizations to design and advance policies that promote economic justice; improve health; broaden opportunity in areas like housing, health care, employment, and education; and lower structural barriers for people of color and others in communities that continue to face systemic barriers to opportunity. CBPP promotes policies that will build a more equitable nation and fair tax policies that can support these gains over the long term. CBPP also shows the harmful impacts of policies and proposals that would deepen poverty, widen disparities, and worsen health outcomes.

CBPP seeks an Assistant or Associate Editor to join the Communications team. This two-year term position offers an opportunity for an individual with some editorial experience to help CBPP advance its policy goals and mission while gaining additional skills and experience.

The Communications team is strategic, dynamic, and collaborative. It crafts and implements communications strategies to promote CBPP’s work with its key audiences — which include not only the media, but also federal and state policymakers, opinion leaders, national and state partner organizations, and the broader public. 

Responsibilities

  • Edit and proofread blog posts, fact sheets, policy backgrounders, and other publications for content, language, style, and grammar to make them more accessible and effective for an array of key audiences, including federal and state policymakers, opinion leaders, media, and the general public.
  • Work with colleagues across the Communications team and CBPP to advance the organization’s equity and inclusion priorities and initiatives, including collaborating with editorial colleagues to regularly update CBPP’s internal style guide to reflect evolving guidance and usage.
  • Draft and coordinate editing of weekly internal newsletter.
  • Edit and proofread translated products and other communications documents for CBPP’s Spanish-language website as skills allow.
  • Edit organizational materials, such as job descriptions and staff biographies.

Qualifications

  • Assistant Editor: bachelor’s degree with zero to one year of experience editing, preferably in a deadline-based environment.
  • Associate Editor: bachelor’s degree with at least two years of experience editing, preferably in a deadline-based environment.
  • A proven track record of producing outstanding written work — from original writing or editing — often on tight timelines. Experience editing materials on policy issues preferred but not required.
  • Excellent command of spelling, grammar, and usage.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Experience with project management a plus.
  • Ability to edit work in CBPP’s writing style.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to share and receive feedback constructively.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Enthusiasm for and commitment to working collaboratively with teammates and other colleagues as well as contributing to an equitable and inclusive team and organizational culture.
  • Experience editing materials in translation and/or Spanish-language fluency desired.
  • Proficiency in Office 365, particularly Word, a plus.
  • Commitment to CBPP’s mission of helping build a nation where everyone has the resources they need to thrive and share in the nation’s prosperity.
  • Commitment to advancing equity and inclusion through CBPP’s communications work.

CBPP is operating on a hybrid work schedule that includes at least two days per week in person at our Washington, D.C. office.

This position reports to the Editorial Director.

Terms of Employment: full-time, exempt. This is a two-year term position.

Bargaining Unit Status: this is a bargaining unit position.

Compensation: 

Salary commensurate with experience, with the Assistant Editor salary beginning at $55,860 and the Associate Editor salary beginning at $58,655; excellent benefits (including health insurance, vision and dental coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement, MERP, and DCAP), and generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedules.

Please upload a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please include a discussion of what draws you to the mission of CBPP. Final candidates can expect to participate in a short writing and editing exercise.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter here.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and welcomes diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, credit information, pregnancy or parental status, family responsibilities, personal appearance, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry or national origin, union activities, disability, or other status protected by applicable law.