Writer Editor (Printed Media)

National Defense University • Fort McNair, DC

5d

About The Position

National Defense University (NDU) supports the joint warfighter through Joint Professional Military Education that develops leaders able to operate and think creatively in an unpredictable and complex world. This position is within NDU's Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS) and NDU Press, which publishes Joint Force Quarterly, INSS Strategic Perspectives monographs, the INSS Strategic Insights blog, and books. Through research, analyses, and publications, INSS advances NDU's mission and provides the Joint Force with decision advantage.

The Writer Editor edits defense strategy and policy articles, reports, and books for scholarly writing, including grammar, syntax, spelling, style, clarity, organization, and persuasive argument. The role works with academic, military, and civilian authors; prepares manuscripts and coordinates their production through design, layout, printing, post-production, and electronic publication; and oversees outsourced editorial work, including contractor schedules and performance.

The position requires U.S. citizenship, suitability for federal employment, and eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance. The employee must be willing and able to travel domestically and internationally, though travel is seldom required and is less than 20% of the time. A one-year probationary period may be required. Pay for first-time hires to the federal government will typically be set at step 1 of the applicable grade range.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Meet suitability requirements for federal employment and obtain and maintain required security eligibility; the position may require access to classified information.
• Register for Selective Service, or be exempt, if a male born after December 31, 1959.
• Be able and willing to travel domestically and internationally; travel is seldom required and is less than 20% of the time.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the GS-11 level within the federal service, demonstrating ability to perform the position's duties.
• Specialized experience with publishing practices and resources, including printed media, manuscript preparation, design and typography, and the printing process.

Responsibilities

• Edit articles, reports, and books on defense strategy and policy for syntax, grammar, spelling, style, clear purpose, coherent organization, and persuasive argument.
• Use editorial judgment to address needless repetition, inconsistency, and incongruity in writing.
• Work tactfully with academics, military officers, and civilian officials when discussing editorial changes.
• Prepare manuscripts and coordinate projects through design, layout, printing, post-production, and preparation of electronic editions.
• Prepare manuscripts for contract editing, proofreading, or indexing.
• Write specifications and statements of work for contracted work.
• Monitor contractor performance and adherence to schedules.
• Act as technical representative.

Benefits

• Retirement, Social Security, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
• Health, life, and long-term care insurance.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Flexible work schedules, transit subsidy, and enhanced telework opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits relating to health, pay, work/life balance, and growth and learning.

What This Job Offers

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