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Development Editor Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Work with SMEs to ensure content accuracy. * Assist in the development of instructional materials ... Strong editing and proofreading skills. * Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Work with SMEs to ensure content accuracy. * Assist in the development of instructional materials ... Strong editing and proofreading skills. * Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Senior Content Editor C² Technologies seeks a Senior Content Editor to ensure the quality of ... Optimize content development workflows and recommend process improvements. * Review and ensure ...

... and creative development across all stages of filmmaking. This is an in-person role working ... directors, editors, producers, and creatives in a highly collaborative studio environment. The ...

Provide expertise and input during creative meetings, contributing to the development of campaign ... Expertise in video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro) and familiarity with motion graphics tools ...

Video Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Provide expertise and input during creative meetings, contributing to the development of campaign ... Expertise in video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro) and familiarity with motion graphics tools ...

Managing Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$93K - $100K/yr

ABOUT THIS ROLE The Aspen Institute's Philosophy & Society Program seeks a Managing Editor to lead the editorial vision, development, and production of the program's primary publications. This role ...

Managing Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$93K - $100K/yr

ABOUT THIS ROLE The Aspen Institute's Philosophy & Society Program seeks a Managing Editor to lead the editorial vision, development, and production of the program's primary publications. This role ...

Video Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Provide expertise and input during creative meetings, contributing to the development of campaign ... Expertise in video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro) and familiarity with motion graphics tools ...

Managing Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$93K - $100K/yr

ABOUT THIS ROLE The Aspen Institutes Philosophy & Society Program seeks a Managing Editor to lead the editorial vision, development, and production of the programs primary publications. This role ...

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Development Editor information

See Washington, DC salary details

$56K

$93.2K

$111K

How much do development editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for development editor in Washington, DC is $93,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,100.00 and $109,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Development Editor, you need a strong grasp of editorial processes, manuscript evaluation, and subject-matter expertise, typically supported by a degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with publishing software like Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and content management systems is crucial, as is experience with style guides such as Chicago or APA. Exceptional communication, project management, and collaboration skills help build productive relationships with authors and cross-functional teams. These abilities ensure high-quality content development, adherence to publishing standards, and successful project delivery.

How does a Development Editor typically collaborate with authors and other editorial team members throughout the publishing process?

As a Development Editor, you work closely with authors to shape manuscripts, providing detailed feedback on structure, content, and clarity. Collaboration is key—regular meetings and written communications help guide authors through revisions and ensure the manuscript aligns with the publisher's vision. You’ll also coordinate with copy editors, proofreaders, and sometimes designers to maintain consistency and quality throughout the publication process. This role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to balance constructive criticism with encouragement, ensuring a smooth and productive workflow for all parties involved.

What Is a Development Editor?

A development editor works with an author to define and improve the structure and content of a manuscript. Development editors may start early on, from the point when the manuscript is accepted for publication, noting a lack of focus and helping the author refine a more definite direction for the book. They may also discover inconsistent tone, an unclear audience, or a stilted writing style, and provide suggestions to resolve these issues. Some development editors review the book chapter by chapter, until the book is ready for publication. Most developmental editors have a degree in English or a related subject. Many have experience in publishing as copy editors or proofreaders, or have been writers themselves before moving to become developmental editors.

What is the difference between Development Editor vs Content Editor?

AspectDevelopment EditorContent Editor
Primary RoleOversees the development process of a publication, including editing, coordinating with authors, and managing timelines.Focuses on editing and refining the content for clarity, style, and accuracy.
Required SkillsStrong editing, project management, and communication skills; knowledge of publishing processes.Excellent editing, grammar, and style skills; attention to detail.
Work EnvironmentTypically works in publishing houses, educational institutions, or corporate publishing teams.Works in similar environments, often within editorial teams or media companies.

While both roles involve editing, a Development Editor manages the overall development and production process of a publication, whereas a Content Editor concentrates on refining the content itself. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in publishing and editing industries.

What is a Development Editor?

A Development Editor is a publishing professional who works closely with authors to shape and refine the content, structure, and overall direction of a manuscript before it moves to copyediting or production. Their primary focus is on the big-picture elements such as organization, clarity, pacing, and coherence of the work. Development Editors provide constructive feedback and suggestions to help authors strengthen their ideas and ensure the manuscript meets its intended purpose and audience. They are commonly employed in book publishing, academic, and educational settings.
What are the most commonly searched types of Development Editor jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Development Editor jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Development Editor jobs in Washington, DC? For Development Editor jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Development Editor jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Development Editor jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Development Editor job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Internship, and 83% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,237 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

The Video Editor is responsible for producing and editing high-quality video content supporting airport compliance, safety, security, and operational training programs delivered to airports and aviation organizations nationwide. This role supports the development of engaging instructional and informational media used in online learning platforms, classroom environments, digital communications, and related multimedia initiatives.

The organization serves hundreds of airports through compliance-based training programs that deliver millions of training sessions annually to airport employees, tenants, and aviation stakeholders. The Video Editor plays a key role in ensuring content is professional, visually engaging, technically accurate, and aligned with federal regulatory training requirements.


Primary duties and responsibilities:

  • Edit and produce video content for airport safety, security, and compliance-based training programs
  • Support the creation of multimedia instructional content used in online and classroom training environments
  • Collaborate with instructional designers, subject matter experts, producers, and training staff to develop effective visual learning materials
  • Edit interviews, demonstrations, scenario-based training content, and studio productions
  • Create motion graphics, titles, animations, and visual elements to enhance learning engagement and retention
  • Assist with live and recorded video productions, including studio and field shoots
  • Prepare final deliverables for multiple digital distribution platforms and training systems
  • Maintain organized project files, media assets, and editing workflows
  • Ensure consistency in visual branding, quality standards, and production values across all content
  • Support additional multimedia, video, and production-related projects as assigned
  • Performs other related duties and assignments as required.


Education, prior work experience, and specialized skills and knowledge:

  • Bachelor’s degree in video production, multimedia, communications, or a related field preferred
  • 2-4 years of professional experience in video editing and multimedia production
  • Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including:
    • Adobe Premiere Pro
    • After Effects
    • Photoshop
    • Illustrator
  • Experience editing instructional, educational, training, or corporate content preferred
  • Understanding of visual storytelling, pacing, audio editing, and motion graphics
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced production environment
  • Strong organizational, communication, and collaborative team skills
  • Aviation, safety, security, or compliance training experience is a plus


Typical physical demands/work environment:

To successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation, an employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to grasp objects; reach with hands/arms; balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch; speak or listen; lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds; use close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focused vision. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to weather conditions and the noise level is moderate.

AAAE is an AA/EOE.