Writer/Editor, Religion Research

Position Summary   

The writer/editor is a position within the Center’s Religion research team, which seeks to promote a deeper understanding of religion and spirituality. The Religion research team conducts surveys, demographic analyses and other social science research in the United States and around the world, studying people’s religious beliefs and practices as well as their views on related issues, including religion’s role in public life. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong data journalism mindset, with the ability to translate complex quantitative findings into clear and engaging narratives that are nonpartisan and non-advocacy. This position will be embedded within the Religion research team, where the writer/editor will work collaboratively to shape the team’s research agenda, including identifying key research questions; contributing to survey development; and synthesizing findings into accessible and compelling storylines. The writer/editor will also evaluate drafts of research reports to determine whether there are shortcomings in the analysis; edit, rewrite and reorganize drafts as necessary to improve flow and clarity; and work with researchers and designers to create appropriate charts and tables. In addition, the writer/editor will provide guidance and training to the Religion team’s researchers and serve as a writing resource. Following the release of reports, the writer/editor may help disseminate research to the public through the Center’s social media channels, videos, newsletters, and virtual or in-person gatherings, always adhering to the Center’s independent, nonpartisan, non-advocacy stance.  

The writer/editor will demonstrate great care in the use and presentation of data, as well as the ability to publish in a timely manner while ensuring the highest level of accuracy. This role requires a demonstrated understanding of research on religion and spirituality, as well as good editorial judgment and a clear, engaging writing style. Candidates with more extensive experience or exceptionally strong qualifications may be considered for appointment at the Senior Writer/Editor level.  

This position reports to the Director of Religion Research and works closely with the Center’s Religion research, editorial and communications teams. 

Primary Responsibilities   

Editing and Writing (90%)   

• Write and edit long-form research reports as well as shorter analyses (e.g., blog posts) based on surveys, demographic research, and other quantitative sources.   

• Edit or critique drafts produced by research staff, improving clarity, flow and accessibility for non-specialist audiences.   

• For some reports, develop an outline and assume primary responsibility for writing a narrative based on survey data, demographic data, focus group data, or secondary data from reputable sources. For other reports, draft a chapter, section or sidebar as assigned by the managing director or associate director.  

• Develop ideas for shorter, timely analyses or blog posts based on the Religion team’s past research to provide context for breaking news and emerging issues of public interest. Draft or edit those research products. 

• Contribute ideas for data visualizations, interactive features and social media packages (e.g., carousels and short videos) that enhance storytelling and reach additional audiences. 

• Collaborate on a weekly Religion newsletter that highlights the Center’s new research and curates the week’s top news stories related to religion. 

• Ensure that all publications meet the Center’s high standards for rigor, clarity, accuracy and impartiality.  

Related Responsibilities (10%)  

• Manage project timelines, communicating plans with staffers inside and outside the Religion team; ensure timelines are met.  

• Serve as a writing resource and mentor to researchers, helping them communicate effectively with non-specialist audiences.  

• Partner with the Center’s communications, social media, and digital teams to effectively disseminate research (e.g., by reviewing copy-edits, press releases, the weekly newsletter, social media posts, etc.).  

• Collaborate with research, editorial and digital teams to conceptualize and develop interactive Web presentations of data from research projects.  

• Support the Pew Research Center’s broader digital strategy to grow and engage audiences.  

Education/Training/Experience  

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in professional journalism, editorial work or a closely-related field is required. 

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, social science or a related field is required. 

• Demonstrated skill as a writer of data-driven narratives – someone who can work with quantitative research, conceptualize a storyline that strictly adheres to the data, and make it interesting, clear and accessible to a broad audience – is required. 

• Experience in studying demographic and survey data from a social science perspective is strongly preferred. 

• Experience with the latest digital journalism tools and creation of video and social media content is preferred. 

Knowledge and Skill Requirements  

• Superior editing and writing skills   

• Ability to translate quantitative research findings into non-academic, accessible prose and visuals  

• Ability to work well in a collaborative and team-oriented environment  

• Strong understanding of statistics and quantitative research methods  

• Interest in, and knowledge about, religion and spirituality in the U.S.  and around the world 

• Excellent editorial judgment and news sense  

• Ability to manage projects, balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines 

• Attention to detail and meticulous accuracy 

• Knowledge of the AP’s writing style  

FLSA Status: Exempt  

Typical starting salary: $82,000

Location    

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

Application procedure     

Click on the Apply button and complete required fields.  Both a 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.