Position: Publications Editor 
Reports to: Communications Director
Position Location: Washington, D.C.
Pay range: $85,000–$105,000 (Exempt, full time)

The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) is seeking an excellent editor with high editorial standards; the capacity to quickly grasp a wide range of economic and public policy issues; and digital engagement savvy, with an understanding of how research can be best shared on social media and beyond. 

The editor will be responsible for editing long-form content and bolstering our mission to further build engagement of EPI’s research and analysis. This includes helping to make EPI’s research more accessible and ensure digital and multimedia awareness is fully integrated into the publication process from report handoff to publication. 

Please note that EPI is a hybrid workplace with attendance in our Washington, DC, office required at least two days per week (currently Tuesday and Wednesday). 

The main responsibilities of the Publications Editor will be: 

Publications Editing (70%) 

Working with the other editor: 

• perform developmental editing, content editing, copyediting, fact-checking, and proofreading as needed, reorganizing and rewriting when necessary to ensure that EPI research products are accessible to general audiences yet authoritative with subject-matter experts, policymakers, and thought leaders. Shepherd publications through the production pipeline and maintaining a focus throughout the editing process on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Review editorial suggestions and changes with authors and research assistants.

• collaborate with research, media, government relations, and design staff to produce a suite of products presenting key research findings. Work with subject matter experts and communications colleagues to conceptualize and write/edit interactive maps and graphs, infographics, email petitions, and social media features. 

• write executive summaries, explainers, fact sheets, marketing materials, and other print and online content. 

• work with media relations and online staff to ensure that EPI’s messaging is consistent and mutually reinforced across all platforms. Coordinate closely with media relations staff to ensure seamless release of research products to media and other audiences. 

• work with development department and other departments to assist in production and publication of EPI promotional/outreach materials, which may include annual reports, brochures, and advertisements. 

Reports Overviews (20%) 

Working with other editor, create compelling overview pages for all key reports. These overviews will include one-line report summaries, key takeaways, researcher video, research quotes, and clear text on why readers should care about the findings. This position will ensure the goals of these overviews are achieved, confirming that:

• overview section content is accurate and engaging. 
• takeaways are short and concise. 
• researcher video clips and quotes reflect key research findings. 
• summaries are clear, concise, and easy to understand. 

​​​Related responsibilities. (Some experience in the following functions is desired but not necessary. Many of these skills can be learned on the job for someone who is willing to learn.) (10%) 

Social Media Content Support 

Work with social media team to: 

• provide input and guidance for social campaigns promoting all reports.
• ensure social media content aligns with research messaging and is accurate. 
• provide any updates to messaging if changes are made during the editing process. 

Video and Graphics Support 

Work with creative leads to:

• conceptualize and make recommendations for the most effective multimedia products, including videos, animated graphics, charts, etc., to promote all key reports, early in the editing process. 

• write and edit scripts for videos; make recommendations for best text, audio, and visual content; attend video recording sessions when possible; and provide content recommendations to creative team and edit any text in videos.
• conceptualize and make recommendations for effective graphics and interactive charts and edit content. 

Who You Are 

Ideally, you have a bachelor’s degree and more than five years of relevant experience. We do not expect that every candidate will have this full range of qualifications, but the following qualities and experience are highly desirable: 

• ​​Excellent written communication skills​​​ 
• ​​​High attention to detail​​​​ 

• Experience editing economic reports with a focus on progressive issues. 
• Experience creating various written materials and an understanding of how to shift tone, style and messaging as appropriate 
• Experience working with communications and research teams to find ways to promote research to digital audiences.
• A commitment to EPI’s issues. 
• Experience with and demonstrated commitment to economic justice, building power with workers and collective bargaining, and advancing racial and gender equity. 
• Familiarity with a diverse set of economic, gender, and racial justice policy issues and the political debates in which they are embedded. 

Salary and Benefits

• EPI is a unionized workplace with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). This position is in the bargaining unit and reports to the Communications Director. 
• The salary for this position ranges from $85,000 to $105,000, dependent on experience, plus benefits.
• EPI offers an excellent benefits package, including generous paid time off, a 9.25% employer-provided 401k retirement contribution, eight weeks of parental leave, and fully employer-funded medical, vision, dental, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance for individual employees. 

Location 

This position is based at the Economic Policy Institute in Washington, D.C.​​ As a condition of employment, EPI requires all staff to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination which meets the guidelines recommended by the CDC. Currently, the CDC recommends that everyone ages five years and older receive 1 dose of updated (2023–­2024 Formula) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. 

To Apply 

Candidates should send a cover letter highlighting their relevant experience and explaining their interest in working at the Economic Policy Institute, along with resume, 5 to 10-page writing sample, and editing sample to epijobs@epi.org with “Publications Editor” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

EPI believes that having a diverse and inclusive workplace not only strengthens the institute’s work but is also essential for understanding and creating economic policies that support all working people. We encourage applicants who bring lived experience and nontraditional backgrounds to apply to our positions.

EPI is an equal opportunity, fair chance, affirmative action employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior history of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, caregiver status, or other categories protected by law. 

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