Developmental Editor / Senior Writer (Palo Alto, CA, or Washington, D.C.)

Who We Are

The Learning Policy Institute (LPI) is a national organization that conducts and communicates independent, high-quality research to shape education policies and improve learning for each and every child. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, LPI connects policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels with the evidence, ideas, and actions needed to strengthen the pre-k to grade 12 education system and address the complex realities facing public schools and their communities. Working with policymakers, researchers, educators, community groups, and others who care about improving public schools, the Institute advances evidence-based policies that support empowering and equitable learning for all children. For more information, visit www.learningpolicyinstitute.org

The Position

LPI seeks an experienced Developmental Editor / Senior Writer to join its team of research, policy, communication, and operations staff in advancing the organization’s mission to foster education equity for all children. This position may be based in either our Palo Alto, CA, or Washington, D.C., office and will be expected to work in person once it is safe to do so (LPI staff currently work remotely).

Reporting to the Director of Strategic Communications and working closely with research and policy content experts and the Communications’ Publications Team, the Developmental Editor will provide early- and later-stage editing guidance to research reports, books, briefs, and other research and policy related content, editing for clarity and precision of communication about research findings, logical structure and flow of manuscripts, and appropriate presentation of tables, graphs, and other data elements. They must be able to closely read and understand research and help authors ensure that findings are communicated clearly, accurately, and in a manner that can be easily understood by the intended audience. LPI is a learning organization, and the Developmental Editor will be able to provide feedback and guidance to help writers strengthen their proficiency in academic writing. They will also write short-form content such as briefs and fact sheets drawn from existing reports and executive summaries. LPI’s Communications Team produces between 25 and 35 reports, briefs, and related products each year.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in report and academic content writing as well as expertise and a demonstrated ability to edit academic manuscripts in accordance with accepted publication standards. They will also have a high level of self-motivation and personal accountability, extremely strong time management skills, ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively, flexibility and adaptability in the face of change, and be passionate about helping researchers successfully communicate their work. They will also have strong communications skills and the ability to give in-depth constructive feedback that enables LPI writers to expand their writing skills.

Major Responsibilities

•  Collaborate with research and policy experts to develop research and policy content.
• Ensure that content is well-structured, consistent, accurate and uses narrative that accurately reflects findings from the data.
• Provide actionable feedback based on the above and LPI’s style-guide and brand messaging.
• Collaborate with the Research Director, Communications’ Director, Deputy Director, and Publications Manager to move content from peer review to production and publication.

Qualifications

•  Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in education, English, journalism, or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in formal writing and editing for publication, ideally in education and research.
•  Strong attention to detail and the ability to understand and present content in a logical, accessible manner.
• Experience in performing at a high level in a deadline-driven environment, moving seamlessly across simultaneous projects, balancing priorities, and delivering on-time feedback.
• The ability to communicate and collaborate through iterative versions with the aim of helping researchers improve their writing.
• Strategic-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and listening skills.
•  Dedication to high standards and quality.

Dispositions

• Flexible and able to make mid-flight changes.
• Innovative and focused on solutions and problem-solving
• Highly organized and adept at working in a fast-paced environment
• Highly collaborative, with demonstrated success working across teams.
•  Passion for equity and the right of all children to have the opportunity to learn, especially historically underserved students.
• Self-starter mentality and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
•  A demonstrated commitment to excellence.
•  Ability to execute and exhibit good judgment.
•  An optimistic outlook

Working at LPI

The Learning Policy Institute is deeply committed to its staff’s health and well-being and strives to embody the organization’s values within the organizational structure. LPI offers competitive compensation and benefits; prioritizes and provides financial support for professional development; supports diversity, equity, and inclusion work internally; and values a collaborative culture. LPI is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply but must be eligible to work in the United States for any employer.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume and short writing sample. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Candidates invited to continue through the interview process will be asked to complete a job-related task/performance assessment.