Editorial Director

Description

If you’re concerned about the future of our planet and the 7 billion people that call it home; If you want to be a part of an organization that is having real and meaningful impact; If you have a passion for great copy; And if don’t mind hard work, this job is for you!

Conservation International seeks an experienced, energetic, self-starter to join its Marketing + Branding team in its world headquarters in Arlington, Virginia as the Editorial Director. He or she is responsible for guiding CI's message and tone, and developing high-quality, on-brand editorial content for a variety of marketing and communications channels and products.

The Editorial Director must understand CI’s mission and work extremely well and be able to translate complex, lengthy, technical information into accessible, concise, compelling content. He or she must be able to consistently deliver in a dynamic, fast-paced, demanding environment. The Editorial Director works on many collaborative projects and interacts with staff at all levels of the organization, from the CEO to colleagues and partners around the world, and therefore must have excellent interpersonal skills.

The Editorial Director manages one staff writer, but provides varying degrees of editorial oversight for the work of several other staff, including the Web Content Manager, the Social Media Coordinator, and the Blog Editor. The Editorial Director must be equal parts researcher, copywriter, editor and director.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, write, edit and proof content for a range of materials including CI web site, print materials, speeches, stewardship and fundraising appeals to the CI community, and more.
• Ensure core institutional and priority initiative content is accurate, compelling, branded and on-message.
• Develop, maintain and champion editorial component of organizational brand guidelines. Set editorial tone through formal and informal channels.
• Set editorial direction, including editorial calendar for the Marketing + Branding and News + Publicity divisions.
• Manage staff writer. Assign projects and oversee work to ensure accurate, compelling, branded content, and focus on priority projects that support Marketing + Branding goals.
• Write speeches and blog posts for Chairman and CEO; provide speech prep support.
• Stay abreast of CI initiatives, programmatic work and issues. Research and share compelling content and story ideas to support all marketing and communications efforts.

Working Conditions:

This position is based on Arlington, VA, but will require some domestic travel (3-4 trips per year)  and occasional international travel.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelors degree and 8+ years of relevant experience
• Superior writing, editing and proofreading skills
• Speechwriting experience
• Ability to convey complex, technical content in clear, concise, compelling language
• Ability to plan and execute outstanding editorial content on deadline
• Experience directing writing team
• Strong interpersonal skills; possessing cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects while maintaining clarity of focus and flexibility in the face of organizational change and ambiguity
• Commitment to working in a team environment with shared goals; sound judgment and integrity; willingness to try new approaches; and a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the mission and objectives of CI
• Understanding of and interest in environmental and/or development issues

Preferred:

• Masters degree
• International travel work experience
• Familiarity with AP style
• Familiarity with writing for the web, marketing and fundraising