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Copy Desk Editor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Stand Together

Copy Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Stand Together is seeking a strong copy editor-a key player in our mission to elevate writing ... As a central figure within our copy desk, you'll be critical in refining content as we elevate our ...

Stand Together

Copy Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100 - $120/hr

Stand Together is seeking a strong copy editor-a key player in our mission to elevate writing ... As a central figure within our copy desk, you'll be critical in refining content as we elevate our ...

Stand Together

Copy Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Stand Together is seeking a strong copy editor--a key player in our mission to elevate writing ... As a central figure within our copy desk, you'll be critical in refining content as we elevate our ...

Clearpath

Copy Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100 - $120/hr

Stand Together is seeking a strong copy editor--a key player in our mission to elevate writing ... As a central figure within our copy desk, you'll be critical in refining content as we elevate our ...

New

Stand Together

Copy Editor

Arlington, VA

$100K - $120K/yr

Stand Together is seeking a strong copy editor-a key player in our mission to elevate writing ... As a central figure within our copy desk, you'll be critical in refining content as we elevate our ...

G0549 Politico LLC

Editor, Central Desk

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

POLITICO is seeking a sharp and energetic editor to join its Central Editing Desk, the newsroom ... and copy edit, ensuring articles adhere to POLITICO standards and style * Optimize content for ...

New

BH Media

Multimedia Copy Editor & Designer

Richmond, VA · On-site

The Richmond Times-Dispatch is looking for a versatile multi-media and multi-talented copy editor ... Be a strong communicator, with excellent interpersonal skills, who works with desk colleagues and ...

bhmedia

Multimedia Copy Editor & Designer

Richmond, VA · On-site

The Richmond Times-Dispatch is looking for a versatile multi-media and multi-talented copy editor ... Be a strong communicator, with excellent interpersonal skills, who works with desk colleagues and ...

Politico

Temporary News Editor (6 months)

Rosslyn, VA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

The editor will spend weekends helping lead POLITICO's Breaking desk and will support weekday ... You'rea strong line editor who can improve copy while preserving reporters' voices * You have ...

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All JobsCopy Desk Editor JobsCopy Desk Editor Jobs in Virginia

Copy Desk Editor information

What is a copy desk editor?

Copy Desk Editors are professionals in the publishing and journalism industries who review, edit, and fact-check written material before publication. They ensure that articles are clear, accurate, and adhere to a publication’s style guide. Their responsibilities often include correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, as well as verifying facts and maintaining consistency across content. Copy Desk Editors work closely with writers and other editors to polish content and uphold editorial standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a copy desk editor?

To thrive as a Copy Desk Editor, you need strong grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills, along with a solid understanding of style guides and a degree in journalism, English, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), editing software like Adobe InCopy, and digital publishing tools is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and effective communication help copy desk editors excel in fast-paced newsrooms. These skills are crucial for ensuring accuracy, consistency, and clarity in published content while meeting tight deadlines.

What are some typical challenges copy desk editors face when working on tight deadlines?

Copy Desk Editors often work under tight deadlines, especially when editing content for daily or weekly publications. A common challenge is balancing speed with accuracy—ensuring that articles are free from grammatical, factual, and stylistic errors while still meeting publishing schedules. Editors also need to coordinate closely with writers, fact-checkers, and layout designers, which requires strong communication skills and flexibility. Staying updated with evolving editorial standards and quickly adapting to last-minute changes are key aspects of succeeding in this role.

What is the difference between Copy Desk Editor vs Copy Editor?

AspectCopy Desk EditorCopy Editor
CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related fieldUsually requires similar degrees or relevant experience
Work EnvironmentWorks in newsrooms, publishing houses, or media organizations, often on a teamWorks in publishing, media, or freelance settings, focusing on editing content
ResponsibilitiesOversees editorial standards, fact-checks, and ensures consistency across contentFocuses on correcting grammar, style, and clarity in individual pieces

The Copy Desk Editor typically has a broader role in managing editorial standards and overseeing content quality in a newsroom or publishing environment. The Copy Editor mainly concentrates on editing individual articles or documents for grammar, style, and clarity. While both roles require strong editing skills and similar credentials, the Copy Desk Editor's responsibilities are more comprehensive and supervisory.

Are copy desk editors still in demand?

Copy desk editors remain in demand in publishing, media, and digital content organizations, especially as quality control and editing skills are essential for producing accurate, polished content. While automation tools assist with some editing tasks, human editors are still valued for their judgment, fact-checking, and style consistency, particularly in reputable outlets and specialized publications.

How much money do copy desk editors make?

Copy desk editors typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the publication. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of editing tasks, the level of seniority, and whether they work full-time or freelance.

Is a copy desk editor a good career?

A copy desk editor is a professional responsible for reviewing and editing content for accuracy, clarity, and style, often working in publishing, journalism, or media organizations. The role requires strong editing skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with editing tools like style guides and content management systems. It can be a stable career with opportunities for advancement in media and publishing industries.

What qualifications do I need to be a copy desk editor?

A copy desk editor typically needs a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Strong editing, proofreading, and writing skills are essential, along with proficiency in editing software and familiarity with style guides like AP or Chicago Manual of Style.

What are popular job titles related to Copy Desk Editor jobs in Virginia?

For Copy Desk Editor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Copy Desk Editor jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Copy Desk Editor jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Copy Desk Editor jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Copy Desk Editor job openings:

Copy Desk Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Copy Desk Editor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Copy Editor

Stand Together

Arlington, VA • On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Stand Together is a philanthropic community that helps America's boldest changemakers tackle the root causes of our country's biggest problems, from education to the economy, broken communities, and toxic division, among dozens of other pressing issues. We provide our partners with access to resources including funding, thought leadership, a network of peers, and a playbook for applying proven principles to transform lives and society.
Stand Together is seeking a strong copy editor-a key player in our mission to elevate writing standards and maintain the integrity of our content across diverse platforms. As a central figure within our copy desk, you'll be critical in refining content as we elevate our community's commitment to quality and consistency in the work we produce.
In this position, your journalism or communications background will be essential for meticulously refining content. You'll ensure each narrative is grammatically sound and elevates our mission and values while maintaining clarity and eliminating jargon. Your proficiency in managing workflows and expectations will steer content from conceptual drafts to finalized, compelling copy.
Mastery of a style guide and a proactive approach to its maintenance are essential, along with an appreciation for the smart integration of technology, including AI, to enhance writing quality. To be successful, you must approach work with a collaborative attitude and be adept at coaching authors to come along on an editing journey, focusing on building trust with a wide swath of internal stakeholders.
How You Will Contribute
  • Enhance content quality, bringing copy from good to great through meticulous editing and an understanding of impactful storytelling.
  • Maintain and develop our style guide, being a vanguard of standards and quality across all content.
  • Collaborate across teams, offering guidance and support to writers and editors, ensuring content reflects our voice and adheres to high standards.
  • Manage content workflows and processes to optimize efficiency and meet organizational goals.
  • Proactively engage with content creators, acting as a supportive challenger and ensuring resources are aptly utilized.

What You Will Bring
  • Proven experience in a copyediting role, preferably in a fast-paced editorial environment.
  • Strong understanding of digital content creation, with an ability to distill complex information into engaging, audience-specific content.
  • Excellent command of language with an ability to enforce and abide by style guide standards.
  • The ability to evaluate copy for voice and tone, especially when optimizing for different audiences, including donors.
  • Adept at collaboration and capable of fostering a team environment that encourages innovation and excellence.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining precision and attention to detail.
  • Experience developing workflows and copy operations is a plus.
  • Enthusiasm to contribute to Stand Together's vision and principled approach to solving problems, and a commitment to stewarding our culture, which champions values including transformation and innovation, entrepreneurialism, humility, and respect.

What We Offer
  • Competitive benefits: Enjoy a 6% 401(k) match with immediate vesting, flexible time off, comprehensive health and dental plans, plus wellness and mental health support through Peloton and Talkspace.
  • A meaningful career: Join a passionate community of over 1,300 employees dedicated to improving lives and driving innovative solutions to complex social challenges.
  • Commitment to growth: Thrive in a non-hierarchical environment that empowers employees to discover, develop and apply their unique talents.
  • Competitive compensation: Our approach rewards the value you create through competitive salaries and bonus opportunities, allowing you to share in the success you help drive.

$100,000 - $120,000 a year
For this role, the anticipated base salary range is $100,000 - $120,000 per year. This role may also be eligible for additional bonus compensation designed to align total compensation with an employee's overall contribution to the organization.
Our Principles-Based Management™ (PBM) compensation philosophy is grounded in an individualized approach that rewards the long-term value each person creates for the organization. Compensation decisions are informed by a variety of factors, including relevant experience, capabilities, demonstrated skills, role responsibilities, and expected contribution. Consistent with this approach, base salary may vary within or outside of the anticipated range based on these considerations.
Our Values: Working for an organization within the Stand Together philanthropic community is different from many other places. The culture is deeply rooted in Principle Based Management® (PBM®), a framework guided by the principles that drive human progress, such as dignity, openness, and bottom-up empowerment. PBM® empowers employees to be entrepreneurial, to innovate, and to continually drive transformation.
We believe diversity fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. That is why we're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and strive to treat all employees and applicants with honesty, dignity, and respect.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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