Editor - Operational Evaluation Division

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is an independent, non-profit corporation that operates three federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). This position falls under our Systems and Analyses Center in Alexandria, VA. We provide objective analyses of national security issues and related national challenges to the Department of Defense and other federal government agencies.

Overview

The Editor provides editorial support to the research staff and Division management within the Operational Evaluation Division (OED). Responsibilities include detailed editing and writing assistance on memoranda, briefings, reports, articles, conference presentations, and other publications.

Responsibilities

• Content edit, copyedit, and proofread publications for clarity, concision, and quality in accordance with The Chicago Manual of Style and other prescribed editorial standards. In addition, rewrite material or draft new material as required in close coordination with research staff.
• Work with researcher staff to format text, illustrations, and tables in accordance with established publication templates. Assist in updating and otherwise managing these templates.
• Advise research staff on the organization, structure, format, and content of publications.
• Review banner markings, portion markings, and other security markings within publications for correctness, consistency, and compliance with IDA and other prescribed standards.
• Provide guidance on related publication matters such as copyright, permissions, and procedures for public release of publications.
• Help create educational resources for research staff on the publications workflow, graphic requirements, templates and formatting, software applications, and other topics.
• Assist in training new editorial and publication staff members.
• Assist research staff in preparing public release forms and other administrative forms required for distribution of publications.
• Assist other publications staff with all production activities from draft to distribution, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in English, Journalism, or a closely related discipline coupled with 4+ years progressively responsible experience providing editorial support in a scientific or technical work environment.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills and ability to interact effectively with all levels of personnel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and Adobe Acrobat. Experience with SharePoint, graphics software, digital publishing, and web/dashboard production software is desired.
• Comfortable working with limited direct supervision.
• Minimum of 3 days in office per week is required.
• Candidates selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information as required. Must be able to work with controlled and classified information in accordance with IDA and DoD security requirements.
• Successful completion of a background check is required.

Application Requirements & Next Steps

• Apply and submit resume.
• HR Screening call if selected to move forward.
• HR Manager screening call.
• In-person interview.

We are committed to creating a workplace that fosters inclusion and values the unique perspectives and experiences of every individual. Our commitment to inclusion extends beyond recruitment; it permeates our culture, policies, and practices. We strive to provide a respectful and supportive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute their best. Click here to view our vision, mission, and guiding principles.

At IDA, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive benefits package that ensures the well-being and security of our staff and their families. We provide a range of medical plans as well as stand-alone dental and vision coverage. Our retirement plans are designed to secure the financial future of our staff, featuring a generous contribution of 10% of base salary to our Qualified Retirement Plan after six months of service. We are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance with a flexible work environment, an Employee Assistance Plan, paid parental leave, 10 paid holidays, and generous paid time off. IDA encourages professional development and offers tuition reimbursement and other learning opportunities. Learn more about our robust benefit offerings here.

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $83,104 - $146,264. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.