Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR) is the leading provider of editorial content for leaders of nonprofits, businesses, and governments around the world engaged in social innovation. SSIR operates like a small media company within Stanford University, producing a quarterly paid-subscription magazine; a website that publishes new articles and podcasts daily; webinars; and conferences. Every year more than 2 million people around the world read SSIR articles, listen to SSIR podcasts and webinars, and attend SSIR conferences. SSIR is a part of the Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (PACS), an academic center within the School of Humanities and Sciences that brings together faculty, students, and practitioners to develop and share knowledge about philanthropy, civil society, and social change.

There are nine full-time employees at SSIR, five on the editorial side and four on the business side. The editor reports to the deputy editor, digital, and is primarily responsible for editing and producing four to five articles per week for SSIR's website. The job entails working with unpaid authors, who are academics and practitioner experts, not journalists. In addition to structural, line, and copy editing, the position involves: crafting headlines optimized for search engines, article summaries, and related social media updates; obtaining authors' bios; finding photos or artwork to illustrate an article; tracking the progress of an article with the team's editorial calendar; and completing any other tasks required to publish and digitally distribute an article. The editor is also responsible for: becoming conversant about the field of social innovation and its thinkers and practitioners; regularly reviewing and discussing article submissions; participating in a variety of SSIR and PACS meetings; generating ideas for content and website enhancements; contributing to analytical reviews of content performance; uploading content to the website as needed; contributing to SSIR conferences and webinars; contributing to the editing of online-only sponsored articles and quarterly sponsored supplements for the print magazine; and adapting to the dynamic demands of the online media environment.

Responsibilities include*:

• Research, plan, write, and edit original and complex publications for style and substance.
• Develop and publish sensitive policy statements and publications for internal and/or external audiences.
• Ensure editorial content adheres to SSIR guidelines.
• Oversee the work of other editorial staff or freelancers.
• Recommend changes and amendments to communications or publications.
• Work within deadlines and cost constraints of clients.
• Advise and collaborate with clients on editorial and publication methods.
• Communicate with writers, editors, photographers, vendors, contractors, and teammates through a variety of means, including Slack and project management software.
• Review the publication process.
• Help develop strategies that promote the effective delivery of publications to target audiences.
• May assist with performance evaluation, hiring, and staff management.
• May supervise professional or support personnel.
• Contribute to analytic reports on the performance of content and social media channels.
• Contribute to social media efforts.
• Contribute to the editing of online-only sponsored articles and quarterly sponsored supplements for the print magazine.
• Contribute to SSIR conferences and webinars.

* Other duties may also be assigned 

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant work experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of the principles, terminology, procedures, and best practices of communications, public relations, and editorial content.
• Extensive experience in planning and implementing complex publications/editorial projects.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize and coordinate materials from multiple resources.
• Demonstrated ability to edit complex stories for both style and substance.
• Exceptional attention to detail and thorough command of editorial and proofreading skills.
• Experience producing highly effective work within the deadline and cost constraints of clients.
• Extensive experience and understanding of job-required software applications.
• Demonstrated ability to apply ingenuity and creativity in solving complex problems.
• Demonstrated ability to apply discretion and judgment in evaluating implications of information release to internal and external audiences.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Strong knowledge of the best practices for user experience (UX) and the online presentation of internet-first essays, articles, and multimedia stories.
• Understanding of the multi-channel distribution of online content, from newsletters to websites to social media platforms.
• Adept with crafting headlines for search engine optimization.
• Ability to craft charts or other data visualizations.
• Familiarity with project management tools and multimedia editing (photo, video, audio) software.
• Demonstrated experience with content that bridges scholarly and journalistic approaches to creating, crafting, and sharing knowledge.

* Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Why Stanford is for you

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

How to apply

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application. Your one-page cover letter should say why you want this job, describe your background in editing, provide examples of relevant experience, and explain how your skills, knowledge, and experience can help SSIR.

Final offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and, where applicable, driving record.

Additional Information

Schedule: Full-time
Job Code: 4252
Employee Status: Regular
Grade: I
Requisition ID: 83568