Content Editor, Technology for Development

Focus of the Role

We are considering applications from candidates with an existing right to work in one of our existing locations in the UK, US, and Africa.

We are seeking a Content Editor, who will focus on technology and innovation, among other subjects.  You'll have exceptional editing and writing skills to join our busy communications team. The Content Editor will work closely with the Editorial team to deliver the Institute’s ambitious pipeline of publications, and to ensure the editorial quality and rigour of all written output.

Come and work for a growing, dynamic organisation alongside a group of smart, supportive and committed people.

Key Responsibilities

• Copy editing and proofreading all publications and written content to the highest level of editorial quality and in accordance with the Institute’s Style Guide
• Liaising with authors and policy analysts across the Institute to help shape, structure and deliver clear, impactful and engaging written content
• Offering substantive advice to authors diplomatically and constructively to ensure the intellectual coherence and integrity of the work throughout the editorial process
• Editing and crafting written content for multiple publication formats, including blogs, explainers, briefing, papers, reports, marketing and media materials
• Coaching authors and policy analysts in writing for these different formats, including honing Executive Summaries and maintaining narratives
• Assisting the Editorial Director in maintaining efficient editorial processes, including updating the publications pipeline, tracking and chasing copy, and enforcing deadlines
• Participate in planning and team meetings, representing the editorial team
• Working with brand and design teams to ensure final publications are visually engaging, including assisting with image briefs, conceptualisation of data visualisation and interactive storytelling components
• Supporting the wider communications and external relations team to deliver exceptional content
• Building strong working relationships across the Institute
• Due to the nature of the role, some additional hours outside of core business hours could be required

Person Specification

• Extensive copy editing, proofreading and subediting experience
• Excellent written skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively, and to turn analysis and research into clear and engaging narratives
• Experience of managing publications, tracking production of text and visual components, with a focus on delivering outstanding and consistent final products
• Fluency with content management systems and digital publishing
• Strong IT skills, with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Exceptional organisational skills and a proactive, flexible, can-do attitude
• Ability to multitask and prioritise workload under deadline pressure
• Proven ability to collaborate and work diplomatically, with the versatility and confidence to work across multiple teams in the business
• Copywriting skills desirable
• Be keenly interested in the work of the Institute, and share our mission and values
• Understanding of other media disciplines

In addition to the general skills listed above, the Institute is also interested in candidates with the following background:

• Editor with experience, exposure to or deep interest in technology.  Whether a global publication or consultancy, seeking to communicate the transformative power of tech to enable delivery and development at country level, especially in emerging economies
• Alternatively, editor from an international development, agency or consultancy background, with a passion for technology and how it can be harnessed to enable delivery in a digital age
• For this role, we are open to applicants based outside the UK

About The Institute

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) is a mission-driven not for profit organisation. We exist to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies. We work hard, every day, to make a difference. When governments work well they are able to create economic and social change in a way that promotes fairness, social justice and opportunity. We work relentlessly to support leader and governments with the challenges they face. Giving them practical solutions and actionable insights, that once implemented, can be transformative for their people  

We do this within two connected divisions: 

 Government Advisory 

Our Government Advisory teams work directly with political leaders and governments around the world to implement reforms that improve the lives of their citizens. It works with a variety of partners and its outputs cover a range of disciplines and projects across countries in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South Asia.

 Policy Futures 

Our Policy Futures work encompasses three broad areas: 

• Renewing the Centre: developing a bold and innovative domestic policy programme to help renew the centre ground of British politics; 
• Tech and Public Policy: exploring the policy challenges and opportunities presented by the technological revolution; and 
• Extremism Policy Unit: creating solutions designed to tackle the threat of extremist ideologies in the UK and around the world. 

As an organisation, the core beliefs we all embrace are: 

• Open and Progressive: you’ll believe in the value of teamwork 
• Bold and Pragmatic: you’ll approach everything you do with integrity and authenticity 
• Optimistic Changemaker: you’ll be focused on results 

TBI believes embracing diversity and inclusion make us a better place to work.  It’s our goal to reflect everyone in society and we actively welcome applications from individuals and groups who are under-represented in the workplace. We celebrate difference be it ethnicity, religion, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. We will only ever assess you on your abilities and fit for a role. We’re happy to discuss any adjustments you need to ensure a level playing field during recruitment and, if you\'re successful, discuss any adjustments you might need to thrive in your role.