Managing Editor

The Aspen Institute • Washington, DC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Aspen Institute’s Philosophy & Society Program seeks a Managing Editor to lead the editorial vision, development, and production of its primary publications. The role shapes ideas for public engagement and ensures that outputs meet high standards of intellectual rigor, clarity, and relevance. The Managing Editor oversees the full editorial lifecycle for individual pieces and in-house publications, from concept development through publication and dissemination, while managing an editorial board and junior associates. They partner with the Executive Director to define the publications agenda and ensure consistent, high-quality execution across formats. The position reports to the Executive Director of the Philosophy & Society Program. Candidates must be based in Washington, DC and meet the Institute’s regular attendance requirements; remote candidates will not be considered. The salary range is $93,000–$100,000.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 7 years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to shape complex ideas into clear, compelling written work.
• Excellent understanding of the rapid contemporary media environment and the skills needed to make compelling public arguments in it.
• Strong editorial judgment and attention to detail, with experience managing a team of writers or content creators.
• Ability to guide creators’ work from ideation through first draft to published essay.
• Experience managing multiple editorial projects simultaneously.
• Ability to build and maintain efficient workflows and production systems.
• Experience with multimedia or digital publishing formats.
• Ability to move between philosophical depth and public-facing clarity.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Understanding of how ideas reach and engage public audiences.
• Intellectual curiosity and generosity; commitment to rigor, clarity, and public impact.
• Flexibility and willingness to support evolving program needs.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours to support a high-paced work culture and publication rhythms.
• Must be based in Washington, DC and meet the Institute’s regular attendance requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with an editorial board, including working with and reporting to a masthead.

Responsibilities

• Work with the program’s Executive Director to define and execute its editorial vision and publications agenda.
• Translate the primary agenda into a vision and operational plan for a publication or podcast.
• Identify priority themes, contributors, and formats that advance publication goals.
• Develop a pipeline from idea generation through publication and dissemination, maintaining high-quality outputs.
• Lead editorial work for publications and podcasts, including strategy, idea development, editing, and public dissemination.
• Establish and maintain editorial standards across outputs.
• Edit essays and other work with stakeholders to strengthen arguments and writing.
• Work with staff to develop concepts into in-house publications or pitches for external publications.
• Make primary editorial judgments about content, structure, and readiness for publication.
• Design and manage editorial workflows, timelines, and production processes; coordinate projects and formats, track progress, and ensure timely delivery.
• Develop strategies to expand the reach and impact of publications; collaborate on placement, partnerships, and distribution.
• Explore and implement audio, video, and digital-first formats to engage broader audiences.
• Manage junior staff in support of editorial workflows.
• Collaborate with program staff, communications colleagues, and external partners to align editorial work with institutional goals.
• Support events and convenings by shaping intellectual content and outputs.
• Contribute to fundraising and publications-related partnerships, including tracking grant deliverables and reporting.
• Assist with fundraising and new-business proposals and represent the program externally as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior