Vacancy: Commissioning Editor
About Al-Shabaka
Al-Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network was launched in April 2010 as the first and only independent, transnational Palestinian think tank. We bring together over 200 analysts from across the globe to produce critical policy analysis and craft visions for a liberated, self-determined future.
Al-Shabaka is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, registered in the State of California as the Middle East Policy Network. We are an entirely remote-based think tank with a core staff of eight team members based in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and the United States.
About the Position
Al-Shabaka is seeking a full-time commissioning editor. The commissioning editor is an integral part of Al-Shabaka’s staff, and oversees the editorial process of our publications from start to finish. Al-Shabaka publishes an average of twenty pieces every year, in both English and Arabic, with each piece varying in length from 500-3,000 words. While we occasionally contract additional editorial support, the commissioning Editor is primarily responsible for editing all of Al-Shabaka’s analysis.
The commissioning editor will specifically be responsible for the following functions:
- Commission and secure flow of topical, quality material from Al-Shabaka’s policy network, drawing on members’ areas of expertise and in line with Al-Shabaka’s strategic priorities and mission
- Edit material in the Al-Shabaka style, ensuring accuracy, flow, logic, topical hook, and maximum accessibility. Editing needs will range from structural to copyediting stages
- Coordinate peer reviews for our longer-form submissions
- Handle exchanges with authors and respond to unsolicited submissions
- Review and edit translated materials (English to Arabic or vice versa)
- Maintain Al-Shabaka’s publishing guidelines and style sheet
- Work with established contract editors on an as-need basis
- Chair Al-Shabaka’s editorial committee, which provides guidance on content and meets on a quarterly basis
- Transform pieces into a variety of additional formats, including executive summaries, policy memos, and op-eds
- Work with partners to get op-eds and other policy materials placed in the media and public sphere
Qualifications
Required:
- A commitment to Al-Shabaka’s ethos of centering Palestinian voices, perspectives, and expertise in the struggle for liberation, and alignment with our institutional values, vision, and theory of change
- A solid grasp of the Palestine question, current and historical, with a demonstrated ability to anchor policy analysis within a framework of Palestinian liberation
- A minimum of 5 years of professional editing experience, preferably in a research-driven or policy analysis-focused institution
- Strong proficiency in all stages of editing, including structural/developmental, line, and copyediting
- Interest in being a part of a close-knit, remote-based team, balancing independent work with collaborative involvement
- Attention to detail while managing multiple projects
- A postgraduate degree in a relevant field of study, or comparable editing experience in an alternative setting
- An excellent command of both written English and Arabic is required
Strongly Preferred:
- Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style is highly desirable
- Knowledge of SEO and SEO editing best practices
- Experience with op-ed composition and placement
- Comfort using WordPress
Logistics
This is a full-time and remote-based position. The candidate may be based anywhere that falls within time zones between the US East Coast and the Middle East. Occasional travel for work-related events may be required. Please note that Al-Shabaka cannot offer work/visa sponsorship.
Salary
The gross starting salary for this position is $52,500, non-negotiable.
Benefits
In addition to a base salary, Al-Shabaka offers its staff flexible scheduling, unlimited paid leave (with a minimum leave of 20 days annual for full time staff), and a subsidy of $5,000 to support health and technology expenses. Efforts to expand institutional support for staff are ongoing, based on available resources.
To Apply
To apply, please email a cover letter, your CV, and 2-3 samples of edited works to [email protected], with “Commissioning Editor” in the subject line. Cover letters and CVs should be provided in English, while at least one edited work must be English; supplemental submissions may also be in Arabic. All documents should be provided in .doc or .docx attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Deadline to apply is June 15, 2023. Interviews will be conducted late June/early July, and shortlisted candidates may be asked to conduct a brief editing exercise during the selection process. This position has an anticipated start date between mid August - mid September 2023.
Al-Shabaka is an equal-opportunity and affirmative action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or sexual orientation.
