Editorial Assistant

The Editorial Assistant is a member of the Editorial Team in the Communications Department. Under the guidance of the Senior Editor, the Editorial Assistant supports the team with substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading, formatting, and project tracking. This includes assisting in the preparation of quality documents through reorganization, rewrites of passages, and accommodating non-native English writers.

The Editorial Assistant adjusts quickly to shifting priorities and last-minute requests to meet team goals. They are responsible for tracking various projects, processing new editorial requests, and helping the Communications team stay on deadline.

Specific Responsibilities

Editorial (70%)

• Perform substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading of assigned documents, including technical documents, project reports, data analyses, project work plans, and blogs/news stories.

• Review queries and edits with the author and ensure that any changes made in a portion of the manuscript are reflected throughout the entire document.

• Be familiar with MSH and project-specific style guides, and participate in developing, revising, and implementing quality control mechanisms and guidelines.

• Provide full backstopping for the editorial team, including activity management and editorial services.

• Work with authors on document preparation and schedules, stay within budgetary guidelines, and meet all deadlines from the raw copy stage through publication and distribution.

Administrative (15%)

• Support the Senior Editor with processing new editorial requests, including following up with submitters on missing/incomplete information and flagging priority documents for immediate attention

• Maintain the project tracking database, including following up on upcoming and missed deadlines by authors or communications team members

• Maintain integrity of electronic files and hard copies of administrative and manuscript files.

Formatting (15%)

• Review and comment on draft designs for covers, posters, slides, etc.

• Format documents using existing Word and InDesign templates

• Be familiar with MSH and project-specific branding guidelines

Education

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS in English or related field preferred)

Experience

• At least two years of related editorial experience

• Preferred: Experience in health care/public health/global development

Knowledge and Skills

• Experience with all levels of editing (i.e., substantive, copy editing, proofreading) for technical documents, including project reports, data analyses, project work plans, and blogs/news stories

• Ability to accurately proofread and review documents for layout and formatting consistency

• Experience editing writing by non-native English speakers

• Basic formatting skills (Word, InDesign, PowerPoint)

• Administrative/project management skills

• Experience editing in other software programs, including content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal) desirable

• Proficiency in Google applications and file sharing

• Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style required

• English fluency required, including speaking, writing, understanding, and reading; proficiency in French and/or Spanish desirable

Competencies

• Proven experience in juggling multiple tasks and able to respond to changing priorities

• High attention to detail, organized, and able to maintain accuracy under pressure

• Comfortable working independently with some supervision

• Excellent interpersonal and customer management skills.

• Proven ability to interact professionally with culturally and linguistically diverse staff, clients, and consultants

Physical Demands

• Keyboard use, pulling drawers, lifting papers <10 lbs