Technical Editor

Overview

IDA’s Strategy, Forces, and Resources Division (SFRD) performs interdisciplinary research on nuclear strategy and policy; emerging technology; chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense; force readiness; human capital; risk and resilience; international arms markets; and strategy, policy, and organization. The Technical Editor provides substantive editorial support to SFRD’s research staff and Division Management. Responsibilities include detailed editing of presentation materials, reports, papers, documents, and other publications. The Technical Editor may also assist other research divisions in the editing and production of their publications.

Responsibilities

Uses manual and electronic means to edit and format text, illustrations, and tables in accordance with prescribed editorial and proofreading conventions. In addition to copyediting, provides extensive revisions, rewriting, or original writing as required. Recommends other improvements and advises research staff members on publication organization, format, and style.

Reviews publication content for compliance with task order statement of work and with IDA and other prescribed editorial standards to ensure the highest possible quality.

Provides guidelines on related publication matters such as copyright restrictions, Defense Printing Service restrictions on print quantities, procedures for public release of IDA publications, and procedures for disseminating released publications. Informs research staff members about the different types of IDA publications and recommends which type is appropriate for their work.

Schedules and oversees production activities from initial draft stage to final publication.

Provides training and guidance to administrative and lower level editorial staff on publication and graphic requirements, formatting concerns, and software applications.

May participate in peer reviews or in other management-directed document reviews.

May prepare release forms, transmittal letters, and other administrative forms and memos required for printing and distribution of publications.

May orient and advise new staff members on applicable procedures for security markings and publication classification.

May maintain division databases of formal and informal task deliverables and track status of task order deliverables for compliance with schedule.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

BA/BS or MA/MS degree.

Six or more years responsible work experience as a text editor with related experience in document production.

Demonstrated expertise with Microsoft Word is required. Expertise with a variety of word processing or desktop publishing software applications, PDF files, web-based applications, and graphics software is desired.

Excellent written and oral communications skills.

Team player who can also work independently.

Ability to interact effectively with personnel at a variety of career stages and from various academic disciplines.

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required.

About IDA

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a private, nonprofit corporation headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. IDA’s mission is to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science policy questions with objective analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise.

IDA embraces diversity and supports an inclusive work environment. Working here requires energy, commitment, flexibility, and teamwork. Whether you’re a graduate student ready to start your career, a professional looking for your next challenge, or a member of the military hoping to transition to the private sector while continuing to make a difference in the national security of your country, we offer exciting opportunities to learn and grow.

Sponsors rely on IDA for dispassionate, fact-based, and scientifically rigorous research and advice performed in a research environment free of commercial or shareholder interests where objectivity and the public interest are foremost.

The work produced by IDA is characterized by unquestioned objectivity and high quality. Because of our unique relationship with our U.S. Government sponsors, IDA enjoys unusual access to classified government information and sensitive corporate proprietary information.

Why Work at IDA?

Competitive salary and benefits, including diverse health insurance options, generous 11% contribution to retirement, 6 weeks 100% paid parental leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.

Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our Nation’s warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL).

Organization-wide commitment to diversity in the workplace and providing a working environment free from discrimination, by fostering a culture of active citizenship and implementing data-driven processes of continuous feedback and learning.

Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.

A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks through flex time, telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.

Easy access to local dining and shopping. Employer contributes $300/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.