Editorial Assistant/Associate

Overview:

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seek a full-time, in-person editorial assistant or editorial associate in the Editing Services department.

AEI’s Editing Services department works with scholars, authors, and staff to help communicate their ideas with maximum clarity and impact. The department is responsible for editing and coordinating the production of books, reports, and other research projects. In addition, the department edits shorter materials, including website copy, email newsletters, event materials, scholar biographies, and press releases. This person will edit materials of varying lengths, styles, and research areas, ranging from short, informal promotional materials to extensive, academic research reports.

This position requires exceptional editing and writing skills, including mastery of English grammar, familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style, excellent attention to detail, and strong organizational and communication skills. Editing experience in a professional or academic environment is required, and an interest in public policy is strongly preferred. Familiarity with the Associated Press Stylebook and Bluebook is a plus.

Project Goals:

• Ensure the quality of AEI publications, including reports, books, website copy, event materials, newsletters, and other internal and external documents.
• Communicate with internal stakeholders, including scholars, designers, and marketing teams, to ensure high-quality and timely production of publications and products.
• Help AEI books and other publications reach influential leaders and other target audiences.
• Explore ways to improve and build the Editing department. 

The above goals require the following responsibilities:

1. Editing AEI Books and Reports (65%)
   • Edit, copyedit, and proofread AEI reports and books, working with authors, scholars, and research assistants to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency with AEI style and the Chicago Manual of Style.
   • Manage the publication process, from initial edits through publication, including adhering to project schedules and updating internal reports to keep stakeholders notified of progress.
   • Post reports to the website using AEI’s content management system.
2. Editing Promotional Materials (25%)
   • Copyedit event materials, including invitations, summaries, and transcripts, to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency with AEI style
   • Copyedit AEI’s regularly scheduled email newsletters and other mass emails to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency with AEI style.
   • Edit website copy, press releases, scholar biographies, job postings, and other materials as needed.
3. Books (5%)
   • Manage ongoing projects related to the AEI library, including digital and physical archives.
   • Assist staff with book orders.
   • Assist with reprint permissions, inventory management, and other AEI Press–related requests.
4. Other Assigned Duties (5%)

Physical requirements and working conditions at AEI:

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close vision abilities due to computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phone, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or a related field and, at minimum, one to two years of experience as an editor
• Exceptional editing and writing skills, including mastery of English grammar
• Excellent attention to detail
• Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, especially Word
• Strong organizational and communication skills and the ability to work well in a team

Desirable Qualifications:

• Interest in or experience with public policy
• Experience in a think tank or on Capitol Hill
• Familiarity with WordPress and Salesforce
• Familiarity with the Associated Press Stylebook and Bluebook