Staff Editor, Journal, Sentinel, Herald

The First Church of Christ, Scientist•Boston, MA

8d•$87,428 - $113,656•Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff Editor is an experienced editor and seasoned Christian Scientist responsible for reviewing and editing articles, testimonies, and specialty pieces for publication in The Christian Science Journal, Christian Science Sentinel, and the Herald of Christian Science. This role requires a demonstrated ability to edit all content types across all publications, maintaining a standard of excellence while handling a high volume of manuscripts. The editor must ensure Mary Baker Eddy’s purpose for the periodicals is evident in the content, requiring a thorough familiarity with the Bible, the textbook, and Mrs. Eddy’s other writings, along with an active practice of Christian Science. The Staff Editor should also be aware of current trends in the movement and public thought, able to articulate the relevance of content and make connections within issues. This creative editor will also have experience or knowledge of issue team roles, collaborating on idea generation, planning, and development of supplemental content, and recommending other treatments of content in print, audio, and video.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent in experience.
Deep familiarity with the Bible and Mrs. Eddy’s writings to ensure Christian Science is correctly presented.
Solid understanding of literary English and its structure.
Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Skills to communicate with contributors graciously and effectively.
Creative problem-solving skills and high attention to detail.
Comfort working in a collaborative environment.
Proficiency in Google Suite, and current submissions, editing, planning and other content management systems.
Membership in The Mother Church and Primary Class instruction required.

Nice To Haves

3-5 years of professional experience in editing and writing, or an equivalent experience in a comparable field.
Audio and video background is a plus.

Responsibilities

Reads and evaluates manuscript submissions to determine suitability for publication and provides recommendations.
Writes special letters with feedback to authors of returned submissions.
Edits articles, testimonies, and specialty pieces for structural and metaphysical clarity, ensuring fidelity to Christian Science, accuracy, and accessibility.
Verifies all facts presented in articles and ensures verifications for testimonies and other demonstrations are complete.
Meets regular time-sensitive publication and production deadlines.
Writes for the periodicals at least twice a year.
Nurtures relationships with and guides authors and other contributors, strengthening the quality and spiritual depth of submissions.
Communicates why edits are needed in a way that enhances the contributor’s sense of being supported and encourages future submissions.
Communicates with authors in a timely manner, following department procedures.
Articulates editorial standards and expectations to internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborates with assigned issue teams to ensure issues address current trends in thought.
Writes explanatory or other spiritually-sound material to articulate the relevance of content to readers.
Plans issue content with an awareness of inventory and related considerations.
Edits special or timely content for assigned issues.