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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Editorial Assistant

💰 $40,000 - $55,000

PublishingMediaContent CreationEditingCommunications

🎯 Role Definition

As an Editorial Assistant, you are the organizational and editorial linchpin of our content team. You will work closely with senior editors, writers, and other stakeholders to facilitate a smooth and efficient content production pipeline, from initial concept to final publication. This role requires a meticulous eye for detail, exceptional organizational skills, and a genuine passion for storytelling and quality content. You will be instrumental in upholding our editorial standards and ensuring every piece of content is polished, accurate, and engaging for our audience.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Publishing, Marketing, or Communications Internships
  • Freelance Writer, Proofreader, or Blogger
  • Recent Graduates (English, Journalism, Communications)

Advancement To:

  • Assistant Editor or Associate Editor
  • Content Editor or Digital Editor
  • Managing Editor

Lateral Moves:

  • Content Strategist
  • Social Media Manager
  • Marketing Coordinator or Communications Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Meticulously proofread and copy-edit a high volume of digital and print content, ensuring adherence to brand style guides (e.g., AP, Chicago), grammatical accuracy, and overall readability.
  • Conduct thorough fact-checking for articles, blog posts, and reports to ensure all data, quotes, and sources are accurate and properly attributed.
  • Assist senior editors in managing the editorial calendar, tracking deadlines, and coordinating content flow across various departments.
  • Upload, format, and publish articles and other content using our Content Management System (CMS), such as WordPress or a proprietary platform.
  • Perform initial reviews of submitted manuscripts, articles, and pitches, providing concise summaries and recommendations to the editorial team.
  • Communicate directly with freelance writers and contributors regarding assignments, deadlines, invoices, and feedback, serving as a primary point of contact.
  • Provide comprehensive administrative support to the editorial department, including scheduling meetings, preparing materials, and managing correspondence.
  • Research potential story ideas, industry trends, and competitor content to help generate fresh and relevant topics for our audience.
  • Assist in sourcing and formatting images, graphics, and other multimedia elements to accompany articles, ensuring they meet brand and quality standards.
  • Manage the flow of contracts and payment processing for freelance contributors, ensuring timely and accurate compensation.
  • Help maintain and update the house style guide and other internal documentation to ensure consistency across all content.
  • Monitor and respond to reader comments and feedback on published content in a professional and timely manner.
  • Assist in the preparation and distribution of email newsletters, including content curation, light copywriting, and performance tracking.
  • Transcribe interviews and audio/video content accurately and efficiently for use in articles and features.
  • Support the social media team by drafting compelling copy for posts that promote new content and engage our online community.
  • Participate in brainstorming sessions and editorial meetings, contributing creative ideas and constructive feedback.
  • Collate and prepare content for regular performance reports, tracking metrics like page views, engagement, and time on page.
  • Handle permissions and rights requests for images, text, and other copyrighted materials used in our publications.
  • Organize and maintain digital asset libraries, including articles, images, and contributor information for easy retrieval.
  • Support the planning and execution of special editorial projects, such as themed content series, gift guides, or annual reports.
  • Act as a gatekeeper for quality, flagging any potential issues related to tone, clarity, or factual integrity to senior staff before publication.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the marketing team with copywriting for promotional materials, landing pages, and advertisements.
  • Contribute to updating and maintaining the company's internal knowledge base and editorial resource documents.
  • Support the planning and on-site coordination of industry events, panels, or company-sponsored webinars.
  • Monitor industry news and competitor activities to provide regular updates and strategic insights to the editorial team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Impeccable Command of English: Superior grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills.
  • Style Guide Proficiency: Deep familiarity with major style guides, particularly AP Style and The Chicago Manual of Style.
  • CMS Proficiency: Experience with Content Management Systems like WordPress, Drupal, or similar platforms.
  • Fact-Checking: Proven ability to research and verify information quickly and accurately.
  • Basic SEO Knowledge: Understanding of keywords, meta descriptions, and on-page optimization principles.
  • Microsoft Office / Google Workspace: High proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
  • Digital Publishing Tools: Familiarity with tools like Slack, Asana, Trello, or other project management software.

Soft Skills

  • Extreme Attention to Detail: The ability to catch the smallest errors and inconsistencies is non-negotiable.
  • Exceptional Time Management: Superb organizational skills to juggle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Clear & Professional Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with writers, editors, and internal teams.
  • Proactive & Resourceful: A self-starter attitude with the ability to solve problems independently and take initiative.
  • Collaborative Spirit: A strong team player who can work effectively with diverse personalities and departments.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, feedback, and evolving editorial strategies.
  • A Passion for a Good Story: A genuine love for reading, writing, and the power of well-crafted content.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field of study.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • English
  • Journalism
  • Communications
  • Creative Writing
  • Marketing

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0-2 years

Preferred:

  • 1-2 years of experience in a related internship or entry-level role within publishing, media, or content marketing is highly desirable. A strong portfolio of writing or editing samples is a significant plus.
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