Copy Editor at National Geographic

July 15, 2021
Washington, DC

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY

National Geographic

National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 131 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Copy Editor will work collaboratively with both print and online editorial teams on a daily basis, maintaining quality, applying outstanding knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and English usage, and meeting tight deadlines. With guidance from the National Geographic Style Manual, the copy editor applies house style and makes other copy edits to assigned feature stories and department pages within the monthly National Geographic magazine. This includes detailed attention to the main text, captions, notes accompanying original art and maps as well as signing off on proof from the printer. The Copy Editor applies XML coding to articles for export to the web and reviews online versions. From time to time, the copy editors will copyedit digital stories, mobile platform stories and videos, social media posts, and special projects, such as awards copy.

Responsibilities:

  • Copyedit the text, captions, and accompanying art and map notes and source credits for feature articles and departments in National Geographic magazine.
  • Collaborate with the story’s assigned text editor on implementing style and other changes for clarity or readability.
  • Consult with the article’s researcher and other story team members, including the writer, design editor, graphics and map editors, as needed.
  • Copyedit the text in videos and interactives for mobile storytelling platforms.
  • Tag articles originating in the print magazine for export to the web; review the online versions of those articles before they are live.
  • Review printer-generated article proof for final sign-off.
  • Monitor internal discussion board for style questions.
  • Monitor an article’s production schedule to help ensure compliance with deadlines.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience with at least five years of relevant magazine or newspaper copyediting experience, ideally including at least one year working in an online publishing environment.
  • Outstanding knowledge of language, grammar, and usage.
  • Basic skills are required to double-check fractions, ratios, percentages, and temperature conversions.
  • Experience with print publishing platforms, including K4 or a similar workflow system, and InDesign/InCopy. Some knowledge of HTML helpful.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with others across all divisions of the magazine.
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, and maintain high-quality work amid competing deadlines, and to take initiative and solve problems.
  • Broad knowledge of subjects covered in the magazine, particularly science and natural history.
  • Appreciation of good writing.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.

For more information, or to apply, click here.