The Carter Center: Lead Writer & Editor, Communications

Job Posted 11/18/2024
The Carter Center
Atlanta, GA
United States
Category Non-Profit
Employee
Full-Time
Experience Required
Degree Required
Industry
Charitable / Not for Profit
Travel
No Travel
Job 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 and Editor creates, and edits of all kinds, with a particular focus on video scripts, website and social media copy, and feature stories. This position will also create or refine statements, long-form reports, speeches, op-eds, columns, talking points and other messages from the Carter Center’s senior leadership team. 

 

 

JOB DESCRIPTION: 

 

  • Story Development: Identifies stories, reports, announcements, quotes, and messages for institutional promotion. Conducts virtual and in-person interviews. Writes articles and scripts for video, slideshows, and audio products. Is proficient in a wide range of storytelling styles and formats for video, web, social media, and print. Understands what story forms work best in which medium and repurposes stories for various platforms to help achieve the Center’s communications goals. Sometimes serves as video producer, working with a videographer and/or editor to conceptualize stories, line up and conduct interviews, help identify and schedule time to capture necessary b-roll, write scripts, and provide feedback on drafts
  • Web & Publications:Researches, writes, and edits stories for Carter Center institutional publications and the website or for dissemination to the media. Excellent composition, grammar, and AP style skills required.
  • Editorial Oversight & Production: Responsible for editorial accuracy of products in all formats. Responsible for proofreading and copy editing all public-facing materials. May attend program meetings or interview staff and directors to identify, research, and prepare stories. Writes and edits for all platforms and editorial formats, with a digital-first approach. Meticulous attention to detail is required in all formats. 
  • Editorial Planning: Is an integral member of the Communications Office editorial planning team and is expected to contribute ideas and products to editorial calendars for video, print 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.

  • Polices & 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.
  • Other: Performs related responsibilities as needed.

 

Job Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, writing, or related field, and 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’ experience as a professional writer or editor with superb storytelling and editing skills.
A fast, creative writer/editor who understands writing for the digital world, possesses both a firm grasp of grammatical rules and an ear for dialogue, and knows how to take a story from concept to completion.
Demonstrated experience producing and writing for video, as well as writing for websites, social media channels, newsletters, and other vehicles for institutional promotion. 
Deadline driven.
Adept at juggling multiple assignments and adjusting priorities as needs change.
Proficient in AP style.
Comfortable conducting interviews.
Capable of finding a story with little prodding and an energetic self-starter and multitasker with ability to prioritize. 
Able to take one story and create multiple pieces optimized for different platforms.
Able to translate highly technical content for a general audience.
Willing to work occasional weekend and evening hours.
Available for occasional international and domestic travel.
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

Emory Supports a Diverse and Inclusive Culture

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.
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