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.
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
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‑going programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.

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