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.

The Publications Editor provides editorial project management for books, reports, guides, and other print-based products published by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and USIP Press. The Editor works in collaboration with the Managing Editor, Director of Publications, and the Publications team to maintain the highest standards of quality for the USIP publication portfolio, ensuring exemplary products and consistency in style, branding, messaging, and dissemination. This is a full-time Personal Services Contractor (PSC) position is based in USIP’s Washington, DC headquarters and will report to the Publications Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES
* Review and evaluate manuscripts submitted for publication and communicate decisions to program staff and authors.
* Review draft (pre-submission) manuscripts and provide substantive editorial feedback to program staff and authors.
* Collaborate in managing the editorial and production workflow of projects accepted for publication, including guiding and reviewing the work of staff and freelance editors, proofreaders, indexers, and other contributors.
* Facilitate efficient functioning of publications by monitoring flow of assigned manuscripts and other content from receipt to final publication, inventories, submission to acceptance and acceptance to publication turnaround times, and editorial deadlines, and peer reviewer performance.
* Prepare author queries and resolve author questions in production phase.
* Evaluate work of development editors, copyeditors, and proofreaders; ensure all editing and proofing work conforms to USIP style.
* Edit reports and other printed materials for publication as needed, especially during peak periods.
* Proofread formatted manuscripts. Review, approve, and input proofreading corrections into proofs using Adobe InDesign.
* Prepare consolidated proof sets from formatted pages through final pages.
* Schedule, hire, and coordinate payment for editors and proofreaders.
* Collaborate in tracking and reporting on all stages of editorial development and production for projects in the publications pipeline.
* Ensure all work is delivered on time and within budget.
* Prepare financial reports for Publications Leadership and programs.
* Serve as a liaison to program staff and authors on all aspects of the publication process and workflow, including policies, guidelines, and style.
* Assist in identifying opportunities for the Publications Department to advance the strategic goals and objectives of the Institute.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
* A bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, international relations, or related or equivalent is required.
* Six (6) years of editing experience is required.
* Ability to multitask and meet aggressive deadlines, an enthusiasm for working effectively with other staff members in varying roles and in different departments.
* Experience in developing and launching editorial workflow solutions in the nonprofit space is highly preferred.
* Background in international affairs or peace studies is highly preferred.
* Experience in scholarly publishing is highly preferred, particularly related to international affairs.
* Deep working knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style.
* Exceptionally organized and detail-oriented, with an ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality and tight editorial and production schedules.
* Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
* Active learner with interest and ability to quickly learn from teammates and colleagues.
* Experience using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, InCopy, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Professional) and publishing content management systems is highly preferred.
* Must have project management experience.
* Must have a track record of exemplary management and leadership skills, including recognizing strong authors and editors and fostering 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.

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. USIP does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.