Editorial Assistant/Associate

Overview

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is seeking 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. The editorial assistant/associate will edit materials of varying lengths, styles, and research areas, ranging from short, informal promotional materials to extensive academic 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. It also requires the ability to maintain quality in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Editing experience in a professional or academic environment is required, and an interest in public policy is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Edit, copyedit, and proofread research reports and AEI Press books covering a variety of public policy areas—including economics, education, foreign and defense policy, health care, poverty studies, public opinion, technology policy, and constitutional issues—to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency with AEI style and the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Manage the publication process for books and reports, from initial edits through publication, and coordinate with internal stakeholders as needed.
• Edit promotional and other public-facing materials—including event materials, newsletters, website copy, scholar biographies, infographics, and blog posts—to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency with AEI style.
• Work directly with authors, scholars, research assistants, designers, and other team members to ensure the quality of projects and meet deadlines.
• Edit graphics and tables and work with designers to make sure visuals are clear and accurate.
• Manage competing deadlines, balancing urgent requests with long-term projects.
• Perform administrative tasks to support the operations of the Editing Services department and AEI Press.

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.

Qualifications

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 communication skills and the ability to work well with high-profile authors
• Strong organizational and time-management skills

Desirable Qualifications:

• Interest in or experience with public policy
• Familiarity with WordPress, InDesign, and Salesforce
• Familiarity with the Associated Press Stylebook and Bluebook

BenefitsAEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and three personal/floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; medical and dependent care FSA; a tuition-assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403(b) retirement plan with a 12 percent contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits at https://www.aei.org/jobs/benefits/.

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including scope and responsibilities of the position; a candidate’s full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; and internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $50,000–$60,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.