About Urban Institute:

At the Urban Institute, we believe in the power of evidence to improve lives and strengthen communities. As a nonprofit focusing on social and economic policy, our researchers and policy entrepreneurs open minds, shape decisions, and identify transformative solutions to the most pressing issues of our time.

Our Mission

To open minds, shape decisions, and offer solutions through economic and social policy research.

Our Values

Collaboration, equity, inclusivity, independence, and integrity

For more information on the Urban Institute, please visit https://www.urban.org.

The Opportunity:

The Urban Institute has built a cutting-edge in-house Communications team that translates research for broad audiences, leveraging a large portfolio of research and communications products. We seek an editorial specialist for Urban's robust pipeline of employment- and workforce-related content. The editor will be an essential part of a dynamic and highly productive editorial team and will report to a senior editor.

What You'll Do:

Copyedit Urban Institute research publications, including policy briefs, reports, and working papers.
Help track and prioritize editorial work for two or more issue areas, primarily dealing with employment, career and technical education, and the US workforce.
Help build and manage relationships between various policy centers' researchers and data scientists and the Communications team's digital communications, data visualization, editorial, and writing teams.
Format research publications in Word.
Uphold Urban Institute style and quality standards in print and digital products.
Work with other members of the Communications team to equip researchers with useful digital, presentation, writing, and other skills.

Who You Are:

Essential Skills

A keen, careful editorial eye that can spot minor errors and inconsistencies in long, dense publications.
The ability to work independently and manage changing day-to-day responsibilities (with the input of a senior editor).
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
A firm grasp of English grammar, usage, and punctuation.
The ability to form relationships and communicate effectively with a range of staff.

Technical Skills

A bachelor's degree in English, communications, or a related field or the equivalent experience.
2–4 years of experience in copyediting, proofreading, and publications production.
In-depth knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style; familiarity with Bluebook is also helpful).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel, as well as Adobe Acrobat.
Experience with and a commitment to using inclusive and respectful language.
Familiarity with accessibility standards for Word files and pdfs.

What You'll Experience

No matter your role with Urban, you will contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference for people and communities across the country. And whether you call the Washington, DC area or elsewhere home, you can expect to be part of a welcoming and hybrid workplace. We are committed to cultivating a community and working in a manner defined by collaboration, equity, inclusivity, independence, and integrity.

Urban's greatest asset is our people.

The salary range for this position is Min $53,167 – Mid $69,765– Max $85,176. Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal equity. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Salaries are just one component of Urban Institute's total compensation package.

Urban is committed to supporting our staff's physical, emotional, and financial well-being through a robust benefits package for yourself, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays, medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance, and transit benefits. Urban is unique in that we offer 403(b) retirement plan participation immediately after you're hired and a generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting. You'll also have access to a health advocate, personal finance coaching, an Employee Assistance Program, and educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This position has the opportunity to be fully remote.

All Urban Institute employees must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and comply with masking and distancing requirements, regardless of responsibilities or work location. New hires must also be fully vaccinated before starting work. Employees may request exemption from vaccination against COVID-19 based on either a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief that prevents them from being vaccinated. Where such an exemption is approved, Urban will discuss with each employee potential accommodation.

The Urban Institute has formally recognized the Urban Institute Employees' Union, which is part of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). Urban management and the Union work together in good faith and are motivated by a shared commitment to this institution. This position is included in the Union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining negotiations.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned. This posting is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Urban management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

The Urban Institute is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, veteran status, pregnancy or family responsibilities, matriculation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you have a physical and/or mental disability and are interested in applying for employment and need special accommodations to use our website to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@urban.org. Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.