Editorial Director

Leading Educators Careers

15h • Remote

About The Position

Ideas matter. But only when they reach the right people, at the right time, in a form they can act on. As the Editorial Director, you'll own the execution of Leading Educators' thought leadership writing and publishing—translating complex insights from our Chiefs and content-area experts into timely, compelling narratives that strengthen LE's credibility and influence in priority growth areas.
This is a strategic leadership role that sits at the intersection of editorial excellence, organizational strategy, and field impact. You'll work closely with senior leaders across math, literacy, advising, science, and AI to synthesize expertise into field-facing writing that shapes how educators think about instructional improvement. You'll lead the execution of major publications—from research reports and strategic briefs to executive bylines and keynote narratives—while establishing the systems, processes, and editorial standards that enable consistent, high-quality thought leadership production across the organization.
Beyond execution, you'll play a key strategic role in shaping which ideas are elevated externally and how they're framed. You'll evaluate opportunities based on strategic alignment and field impact, maintain a forward-looking editorial roadmap tied to organizational milestones, and partner with marketing colleagues to ensure publishing supports awareness and growth goals. You'll manage one direct report, coach leaders to articulate their ideas with clarity and conviction, and leverage AI tools to accelerate research synthesis, drafting, and repurposing workflows without compromising rigor or authenticity.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, publishing, strategic communications, or thought leadership roles, with demonstrated responsibility for shaping narrative direction and publication strategy
• Proven ability to translate complex subject matter into clear, compelling writing for senior decision-makers such as district leaders, state leaders, policymakers, or funders
• Demonstrated experience leading major publications, such as reports, briefs, research summaries, or executive bylines from concept through launch
• Strong editorial judgment, with ability to assess which ideas should be elevated, how they should be framed, and when they should enter public conversation
• Experience partnering with senior leaders and executives to ghostwrite, refine, and elevate their voice while maintaining authenticity and strategic clarity
• Proven experience building or refining editorial systems, workflows, and production processes that increase efficiency and consistency
• Prior experience directly managing at least one staff member, with demonstrated ability to set expectations, provide feedback, and develop talent
• Strong project management skills, with ability to manage multiple workstreams, deadlines, and collaborators across teams
• Experience using AI tools to support research, drafting, editing, or content repurposing, with ability to apply responsible and high-quality standards to AI-assisted work
• Exceptional written communication skills and meticulous attention to detail
• AI Fluency at the Practitioner level—actively using AI tools to improve work quality, identifying appropriate use cases, and exercising sound judgment about responsible AI application
• Ability to travel moderately for organizational retreats, programming, and professional development; must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States

Nice To Haves

• Experience in education, nonprofit, policy, or mission-driven organizations (preferred)
• Experience positioning executives as public thought leaders or contributing to earned media strategy (preferred)
• Understanding of how thought leadership supports partnership development and organizational growth (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Shaping organizational narrative, evaluating which ideas should be elevated externally, how they should be framed, and when they should enter public conversation to maximize field impact?
• Translating expertise into action, working with subject-matter experts and executives to synthesize complex insights into clear, practical writing that moves the field forward?
• Managing editorial excellence, establishing rigorous standards for voice, structure, evidence, and fact-checking while maintaining the speed and agility needed for timely publishing?
• Leveraging AI strategically, using AI tools to accelerate research synthesis, drafting, and repurposing workflows while maintaining high standards for accuracy, voice, and originality?

Benefits

• 100% paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for individual employees. Additional premium costs are covered 60% by Leading Educators for partners and dependents on medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 4% matching 401k plan, Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, childcare and commuter expenses, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Benefits are valued at or above $9,000 for employees.
• First three years of employment, full time staff accrue 22 days a year.
• Five additional days are accrued after the third and sixth year of employment.
• Leading Educators also offer 16 additional paid days off for various holidays, including three floating holidays staff may use at their discretion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed