Senior Editor - Transportation Research Board

Job Description Summary:

The National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Academy of Medicine work together as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding in matters of science, engineering, and medicine.

The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is a major division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine—a private, nonprofit institution that is providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The Board's mission is to provide leadership in transportation innovation and progress through research and information exchange, conducted within a setting that is objective, interdisciplinary, and multimodal. The Cooperative Research Programs (CRP) are applied, contract research programs that develop near-term, practical solutions to problems in the highway, transit, airport, freight, and hazardous materials transportation industries.

Performs substantive editing and copy editing, conferring with authors on treatment of material. Looks for inconsistencies of thought, development, and organization. Works with editorial and production staff and contractors to guide manuscripts through to publication. Ensures material conforms to organization's and unit's standards for style, content, and format. Rewrites text as necessary in compliance with editorial guidelines. Contributes original material where appropriate. Provides guidance and direction to writers, editors and editorial assistants. May participate in manuscript structure development and organization.

Incumbent applies in-depth professional level knowledge to independently solve a full range of complex, substantive problems. Assignments are broadly defined and require judgment and creativity to complete. Incumbent has authority to take whatever action deemed advisable or necessary, and is often responsible for oversight or management of other editors and support staff. This job typically reports to top editorial position or an executive in the division.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Evaluates and edits technical reports and other materials, helping to shape presentation and structure as necessary. Confers with author on treatment of material and negotiates highly complex and intricate revisions with authors.

2. Ensures all material conforms to organization's and unit's standards for style, content, and format.

3. Provides leadership and mentors editorial staff. May have supervisory responsibility for editors and editorial assistants, including hiring, training, and evaluation of work. Trains and develops employees to successfully perform current responsibilities and encourages development of staff for future roles. Forms effective teams and cultivates a work environment that fosters teamwork.

4. May oversee freelance activities, including finding and coordinating work among freelance editors.

5. Guides freelance editors and/or staff on editing and publishing options. Attends editorial and production meetings. Consults with marketing and production staff on production aspects. Answers complex editorial questions. Consults with staff about the progress of reports and other editorial projects.

6. May lead department operational activities by establishing and updating workflow, style templates, and database functionality.

7. May serve as managing editor for editorial/publishing projects smaller in scope or less frequently published, such as newsletters and/or quarterly magazines and journals.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Exceptional grammar and language skills, including familiarity with The Chicago Manual of Style. Ability to solve problems of substantial variety and complexity. Ability to undertake tasks broad in nature, requiring ingenuity and originality. Ability to serve as a resource to others in the resolution of complex problems and issues. Ability to operate independently, and exercise substantial latitude for independent judgment, discretion, and action. Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to e