As an integral part of the Smithsonian magazine editorial team, the editorial coordinator assists magazine staff with editorial and administrative duties, including handling contracts, invoices and payments; and researching and writing articles for print and web.
Major Duties:
Editorial
- Research and write online news briefs, digital features, print sidebars, and other short-form articles, often under tight deadlines.
- Participate in brainstorming sessions for editorial packages, historic anniversaries, and other timely story opportunities.
- Generate original story ideas for all Smithsonian website content verticals.
- Produce and publish articles within the magazine’s content management system.
- Fulfill research requests for editors, including online, library, and photography-related research.
- Assist with production of magazine content for the tablet app and Apple News+, including gathering editorial feedback for the digital production team.
- Occasionally fact-check magazine articles.
- Perform other duties and special assignments, as assigned.
Administrative & Operations:
- Handle correspondence with authors and researchers, including drafting, issuing, and tracking contracts and invoices, and ensuring timely payment processing.
- Collaborate with editors, photo editors, designers, the Creative Director, and Accounting to manage invoice processing and payments.
- Maintain shared, searchable digital files of contributor contracts.
- Track editorial spending for features, photography, and illustrations; compile and submit monthly reconciliation reports to accounting.
- Monitor contract rights and permissions and distribute monthly rights restrictions updates to database companies.
- Manage logistics and submissions for journalism and publishing award competitions.
- Create and maintain complimentary issue distribution lists for writers, photographers, and other contributors.
- Update the Regents’ masthead for each issue of the magazine.
Education, Knowledge and Skills Required
Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and 1-3 years of related experience, training; or equivalent combination of education and editing experience at a news gathering organization.
- Understanding of basic journalism practices and ethics
- Excellent general computer and online research skills, Mac experience preferred
- Excellent attention to detail
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Docusign and other Microsoft and Adobe products
- Prior experience with K4/InDesign / InCopy is helpful
- Knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation and how to use library reference material
- Ability to organize information in an established style of presentation so that it is clear and concise
- Ability to interact positively with Smithsonian staff and the public
- Experience and talent working both independently and in a team-oriented environment
- Ability to be flexible during times of change, shifting priorities, demands and timelines
- Ability to react to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently
- Ability to learn, understand and apply new technologies and tools
Salary: Up to $65,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
We offer excellent benefit programs including Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Annual and Sick Leave Accrual, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Program, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care)
Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Final candidate selection will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of a pre-employment background check and subsequent background investigation. Employees are required to serve a one-year probationary period and participate in Direct Deposit for salary payment. EOE. This is not a Federal Service position. Applicants must be U.S. employment eligible. No phone calls, please. Relocation expenses are not paid. This is not a remote/telework position.
