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Description
The Carter Center is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization founded in 1982 in Atlanta, GA, by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University. The Center has helped to improve millions of lives in more than 80 countries by waging peace, fighting disease, and building hope. The Carter Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. It seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.
The Carter Center collaborates with other organizations, public and private, in carrying out its mission around the world. Current information about the Center’s many programs and activities are available at The Carter Center.
SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Director of Storytelling, the Lead Writer & Editor creates or refines statements, speeches, op-eds, columns, and letters for the CEO, Board Chair, and other members of the Carter Center’s senior leadership team; identifies and prepares compelling hard news and feature stories for web, broadcast, social, and print platforms that are appropriate for institutional promotion to website visitors, mass media, social media followers, and donors; and has editorial authority over reports and other deliverables generated by programs, fundraisers, and the Communications office.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Reporting to the Director of Storytelling, the Lead Writer & Editor creates or refines statements, speeches, op-eds, columns, and letters for the CEO, Board Chair, and other members of The Carter Center's senior leadership team. Identifies and prepares compelling hard news and feature stories for web, broadcast, social, and print platforms that are appropriate for institutional promotion to website visitors, mass media, social media followers, and donors. Has editorial authority over reports and other deliverables generated by programs, fundraisers, and the Communications office.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Story Development: Identifies stories, reports, announcements, quotes, and messages for institutional promotion. Conducts interviews at headquarters or in the field, including overseas. Writes articles for newsletters; prepares talking points, drafts scripts for video, slideshows, and audio products. Is proficient in a wide range of storytelling styles and formats for web, social media, print, and broadcast outlets. Understands what story forms work best in which medium and repurposes stories for various platforms to help achieve the Center’s communications goals.
- Web & Publications: Researches, writes, and edits print stories for Carter Center institutional publications and the website or for dissemination to the media. Excellent composition, grammar, and AP style skills required. Translates programmatic and scientific writing into plain language for a general audience.
- Editorial Oversight: Elevates the profile of our senior leaders and program directors by providing guidance and editing on thought leadership pieces. Organizes and implements ambitious production schedules for projects in collaboration with Communications, program, and fundraising staff. Responsible for the editorial accuracy of products in all formats. Responsible for proofreading and copy editing all public-facing materials. Edits or assists in writing critical grant proposals and award applications. May attend program meetings or interview staff and directors to identify, research, and prepare stories. Writes and edits for all platforms and editorial formats: feature stories, profiles, Q&As, chronologies, quotes, speeches, video scripts, news briefs, op-eds, and other presentations. Meticulous attention to detail is required in all formats. Works directly with photo database, may write and log captions and photo credits. Organizes raw interviews (text, audio, video) and resource material.
- Strategy and Planning: Is an integral member of the Communications Office strategy and planning team and is expected to contribute ideas for new content and creative approaches for publications, the website, and social media. May participate in drafting messaging platforms and other strategic communications planning. Works closely with Director, VP, and other staff on editorial content and obtains all necessary approvals.
- Supervisory Duties: May supervise outside consultants, staff, interns, or volunteers. Plays a leading role in providing guidance, coaching, and mentoring to junior Communications staff members and backstops their work for quality assurance.
- Policies & Procedures: Ensures compliance with all organizational policies and procedures. Coordinates efficient office procedures in support of program activities.
- Professional Development: Maintains professional growth and development of self by identifying educational/training programs, professional organizations, activities, and resources to maintain knowledge of national trends and to promote leading edge expertise.
- Performs other related duties as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, writing, or related field.
- Five years of professional experience in public relations, writing, editing, or reporting, OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ten or more years of experience as a professional writer or editor.
- Demonstrated experience writing for websites, social media channels, newsletters, videos, and other vehicles for institutional promotion.
- Experience working under deadline pressure.
- Adept at juggling multiple assignments and adjusting priorities as needs change.
- Proficient in AP style.
- Excellent editing skills.
- Entrepreneurial story-gathering skills, energetic self-starter, multitasker with ability to prioritize many projects and to produce materials on deadline.
- Experience working in a nonprofit Communications department.
- Confidentiality and discretion.
- Willing to work occasional weekend and evening hours. Available for occasional travel internationally or domestically.
NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to The Carter Center on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs. Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines. All non-exempt employees must reside within the state of Georgia. The Carter Center reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
Additional Details
Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week advance notice is preferred.