Senior Editorial Director

Position Summary

CFR is doubling down on the production of in-depth research reports by top foreign policy experts, and the Senior Editorial Director is central to that effort. The Senior Editorial Director leads CFR’s Publications team, ensuring that the organization’s research reports and other publications are as high-quality and high-impact as possible. The Senior Editorial Director also serves as a hands-on editor who edits or top-edits all reports, working closely with authors and other editors to improve argument, clarity, style, and structure.

This position is based in CFR’s New York or Washington, DC, office on a hybrid basis. CFR defines hybrid status as working at least four days a week on site, with Tuesday through Thursday considered institutional anchor days when all staff are required to be onsite.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

Edit or top-edit all CFR reports, working with leading foreign policy experts to strengthen the argument, structure, clarity, accuracy, and policy relevance of their work

Set and uphold CFR’s editorial standards for research publications, shaping the quality and voice of the think tank’s work

Oversee the CFR Publications team, supervising and mentoring staff and building a culture of editorial excellence

Work closely with CFR fellows and other authors throughout the editorial process, providing substantive guidance on framing, argument, and presentation

Set editorial priorities, working with the team to manage schedules, solve problems, and ensure the timely publication of research

Develop and improve editorial policies and processes, maintaining rigorous standards while adapting to changing technologies, formats, and audience needs

Manage and cultivate a network of freelance editors and designers

Make editorial judgments when major questions of quality, argument, or style arise

Represent the Publications team across the organization, building effective working relationships with Digital, Communications, and other departments to expand the impact and reach of CFR’s research

Guide fellows through the book-publishing process, advising them on proposals and publishers and connecting them with literary agents

Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, economics, history, English, journalism, or a related field.

At least ten years of editing experience, which may include work at a journal, magazine, nonprofit organization, academic institution, think tank, book publisher, newspaper, or online news site

Experience managing, mentoring, and developing editorial staff, including setting priorities, allocating work, and providing constructive feedback

Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. foreign policy and international relations, including familiarity with major contemporary issues and debates.

Related Skills & Other Requirements

First-rate editing skills, including the ability to strengthen argument, structure, clarity, and accessibility

Demonstrated ability to edit authors who are subject-matter experts, rendering complex work into clear prose while maintaining good relations

Excellent diplomatic and interpersonal skills

Exceptional editorial judgment and an ear for language

Deep knowledge of editorial standards and workflows

Strong project management skills, including the ability to juggle multiple publications simultaneously and meet deadlines

Familiarity with or openness to new technologies and publication formats

Required Application Materials

Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.

Compensation and Benefits

The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $165,000 – $195,000, depending on experience.

In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award-winning health and wellness program, an on-site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.

About CFR

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to broader, more informed participation in the foreign policy debate and lead to an enhanced understanding of the world and the United States’ role therein. To that end, CFR is dedicated to continuing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its work and workplace by building a more diverse membership and staff, producing and dispensing thoughtful analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues, and developing relevant, wide-reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.