Editorial Assistant

Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research in the areas of U.S. politics and policy views; news habits and media; internet and technology; religion; race and ethnicity; international affairs; social, demographic and economic trends; science; research methodology and data science; and immigration and migration. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew Research Center’s work is carried out by a staff of about 180.

Position Summary

The Editorial Assistant assists with number-checking, fact-checking, copy editing, proofreading and quality control in a data-driven environment. The role includes checking and/or copy editing digital and print content including blog posts, research reports, newsletters, graphics, and social media posts. They work closely with researchers, writers, editors, graphic artists, web producers, and communications and social media staff to edit publications that feature research from multiple projects within the Center. This position reports to the Associate Director, Short Reads.

Primary Responsibilities

Closely reviews publications for numerical and factual accuracy, bias, and clarity using internal and external sources
Copy edits research blog posts, research reports, newsletters, graphics, social media posts and more
Looks for inconsistencies of thought, development or organization
Confers with authors regarding direction, tone and language
Provides guidance about style, grammar, word choice and other editorial matters at all steps of the research and production process
Provides other editing and writing services as needed
Incorporates feedback constructively

Education/Training/Experience

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in English, journalism, communications or related field; internships preferred
Experience with fact-checking and/or checking numbers and calculations
Familiarity with copy editing and proofreading
Experienced proficiency with current Associated Press style required
Experience demonstrating news judgment
Experience working with numbers and data trends; familiarity with data journalism concepts a plus

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

Attention to detail and accuracy, both in presenting numbers and in language
Ability to work independently to meet daily deadlines and turn around production of new content quickly Ability to work in fast-paced collaborative environment
Basic copy editing, proofreading and writing skills
Ability to edit work in the Center’s neutral, nonpartisan voice and style
Awareness of language trends in sensitive topics such as gender and race
Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as Associated Press style

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

The typical starting salary for this position is $58, 202

Location

Pew Research Center staff are required to be present in the Center’s Washington, D.C., office two core days weekly (Tuesday, Wednesday). Staff may work virtually from remote locations on other days in a typical work week.

Application Procedure

Click on the Apply button, and complete required fields.  Both cover letter and resume are required.

When requested, please upload a copy of your resume/cv, as well as a copy of your cover letter in the section labeled Resume/Cover Letter.  If the documents have successfully uploaded, you should see 2 attached files beneath the “Drop files here” box.  Please make sure you have uploaded a resume AND a cover letter before moving on to the next page.

Total Rewards

In addition to competitive pay, Pew Research Center’s employees enjoy a robust total rewards package that includes:

Affordable, comprehensive health care that includes medical, dental (including adult orthodontia) and vision benefits.
Generous paid annual leave plan, including a winter break between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
Employer-paid disability, life insurance and paid family leave plans
Up to a 12% employer 401(k) contribution, with vesting at the end of the first year.
A 37.5-hour workweek.
Health savings or flexible spending account options with employer funding component.
Flexibility to telework up to 60% for most staff