Senior Editor, Humanities

SUMMARY

We are seeking an editorial team member who is committed to creating new, culturally informed curriculum materials that engage today’s students who are studying the range of content in the humanities.

The Senior Editor will use their editorial background and curriculum knowledge in combination with on-the-job training in editorial processes and project management to the development of new and innovative instructional materials for grades K-12.

The Senior Editor has significant knowledge of social studies, a general understanding of English language arts/early literacy, and experience developing materials that satisfy state social studies standards. The Senior Editor helps with the development of major components (digital and/or print) within a single-title program or series. On a limited basis, the Senior Editor works with supervisors to help build prototypes and helps manage in-house and development house staff. The Senior Editor also helps to ensure that the evolving product meets the objectives of the plan, and that the content is delivered on time, on budget, and with high quality. The Senior Editor position requires strong organization, time-management, and communication skills, some supervisory skills, and the ability to work independently.

To be considered for this role, please include a cover letter with your submission.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Uses editorial experience to contribute ideas during project planning
• With limited supervision, researches, writes, and edits manuscripts, and reviews and edits all page stages of product.
• Matches state objectives to relevant content in the core program.
• Applies knowledge of state objectives and testing blueprints to content and to the evaluation of a vendor’s work.
• Learns and follows established procedures and company policies.
• Seeks guidance or clarification from supervisor when objectives or directions are not clear.
• Ensures that completed assignments match project specifications.
• Meets deadlines for all assignments.
• Maintains positive communication with immediate supervisor regarding feedback on assignments and job performance.
• Refers all decisions with budget or schedule implications to immediate supervisor for advice and action, but makes recommendations when possible.
• Provides accurate status on all assignments.
• Monitors appropriateness of text material as to reading level, content accuracy and currency, freedom of bias, and teachability.
• Writes and provides art specs for artists/topographers and photo researchers. Participates in evaluation of sketches/art proofs and choice of photos.
• Helps to oversee work of outside developers.
• Participates in some planning of assigned projects; makes creative suggestions that reflect an understanding of the marketplace and an awareness of customer needs.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE 

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in curriculum development or the development of instructional materials for social studies, with at least some experience in K-5 curriculum development; experience managing projects preferred.
• Teaching experience strongly preferred.
• Must be knowledgeable in educational methodologies and instructional design within the social studies subject areas; similar knowledge in English language arts/early literacy (reading pedagogy and associated skills) strongly preferred.

Formal education or equivalent

• Graduate or undergraduate degree with majors or minors in any of the following: history, economics, English, education, anthropology, ethnic studies, geography, second language acquisition, or related fields.

OTHER SKILLS

• Familiarity with today’s youth, popular culture, and what motivates youth to learn, especially at the K-5 level but 6-12 is also desired.
• Proficient user of software programs including MS Word, Excel, and Power Point, and Google equivalents.
• Knowledge of differentiation strategies, scaffolding for MLL students, and UDL (content accessibility).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Actively pursues innovation by proposing and creating samples of future products.
• Proficiency with editing, grammar, and following a style guide, such as Chicago Manual of Style.
• Ability to set relevant priorities on a daily basis as the job requires multi-tasking.
• Ability to complete assigned tasks on time with the required level of quality.
• Ability to utilize constructive feedback to refine skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced changing environment. 
• Ability to work effectively with ambiguity.
• Ability to work with both an eye for detail and a larger understanding of project objectives and goals.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Self-confidence to actively participate in meetings and open forums.
• Knowledge of production processes for print and digital instructional materials.
• Ability to write original content, and to edit and rewrite content generated by others, to meet standards of accuracy, style, grade level, and market need.
• Knows how to translate knowledge of English language arts and literacy into social studies content that meets customer needs.
• Willingness to promote a sense of teamwork and work to reduce team barriers and conflicts.
• Ability to have a “customer focus” in working with teams to conceptualize marketable products.
• Proactive in anticipating, evaluating, and solving for issues to avoid disruptions in workflow.
• Willingness to volunteer for new tasks or initiatives, and the ability to follow through on those efforts.