Editor (Contract)

---

Job description

Reports to: Deputy Director of Editorial

Department: Communications Team

Location: Remote / Washington, D.C.

Summary

The Sentry is seeking an experienced editor to undertake developmental and line edits of

investigative reports, policy briefings, and other written materials. The ideal candidate will have

experience editing long-form journalism or academic work on illicit finance, international

relations, economic affairs, crime and corruption, and/or human rights matters. They will also

have experience editing with legal risk in mind.

Responsibilities

The editor will work with the Deputy Director of Editorial, investigators, and report authors, in

collaboration with other relevant staff, to help produce high-quality and high-impact reports and

written materials to engage a range of audiences, from experts and policymakers to journalists,

influencers, and the general public.

Duties will include:

Provide developmental and line edits on investigative reports, policy papers,

development proposals, and other written materials.

Ensure that all content meets The Sentry's editorial and style standards (AP Stylebook).

Strengthen the structure, sequencing, coherence, and clarity of content, ensuring that

main ideas and policy points are presented powerfully and concisely.

Implement and maintain The Sentry's voice across products written by diverse authors.

Check facts and quotes cited in public sources, flag assertions needing citation, and

provide research support when possible.

Evaluate, challenge, and bolster, as appropriate, the logic, coherence, and consistency

of facts and arguments presented.

Ensure the alignment of written products with agreed upon policy frameworks and

language, strategic objectives, and The Sentry's core mission.

Implement and maintain risk-mitigating legal phrasing.

Work with writers of varying skill and experience, providing constructive feedback and

one-on-one coaching to improve key writing skills including storytelling, structure,

readability, and persuasiveness.

Maintain strict version control on reports and other written products.

Maintain strict confidentiality when working on unpublished investigative materials.

Regularly engage with the Deputy Director of Editorial to receive direction and guidance

on editorial projects.

Retain feedback and develop specialist knowledge.

Communicate clearly and regularly regarding projects and availability.

Invoice for projects regularly.

Adhere to industry quality standards.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree

At least 5 years of relevant editorial experience

Superior writing, editing, and proofreading skills

Familiarity with AP Stylebook and Microsoft Word

Experience editing with legal risk in mind

Strong interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Effective organizational skills for working in a fast-paced, rapid-response environment

Ability to meet deadlines

Commitment to The Sentry's mission and goals

Additional Experience and Qualifications (not required):

International experience and foreign language skills, particularly French, Arabic,

Chinese, or Russian

Experience working with writers for whom English is a second language

Fact-checking experience

Graduate degree in a relevant field

Interested candidates should submit resumes and cover letters to .

Please include "Editor" in the subject line of your email. Qualified applicants will be asked to

complete an editorial task.

<!– job description page –>