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Developmental Editor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... content, editing, design, and print-production quality across the range of materials the ... in development;take the lead inrefining departmental and cross-departmental workflows;expand ...

... supports career development and growth for our employees. We thrive on innovation and ... The Video Editor is responsible for creating visually appealing and engaging video content for a ...

$95K - $120K/yr

They should have both high level copy editing experience as well as an innate understanding of ... Coordinating closely with departments such as photo, video, and audience development. Requirements:

... supports career development and growth for our employees. We thrive on innovation and ... The Video Editor is responsible for creating visually appealing and engaging video content for a ...

Social Video Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

They identify their editing style spectrum capabilities from lo-fi meme video to elevated paid ... A well-developed editorial creative point of view, and the ability to identify strong ideas and ...

... supports career development and growth for our employees. We thrive on innovation and ... The Video Editor is responsible for creating visually appealing and engaging video content for a ...

Newsletter Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

We work to ensure that AI is developed and deployed safely, aligning its impact with the long-term ... We're seeking a Newsletter Editor who keeps up-to-date with AI safety news, can identify the most ...

Senior Attorney Editor Role Summary Thomson Reuters is seeking a Senior Attorney Editor to ... Career Development and Growth: By fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development ...

Senior Attorney Editor Role Summary Thomson Reuters is seeking a Senior Attorney Editor to ... Career Development and Growth: By fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development ...

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Developmental Editor information

See California salary details

$11

$31

$56

How much do developmental editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for developmental editor in California is $31.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.11 and $39.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a developmental editor?

A developmental editor is a professional who works with authors to shape the overall structure, content, and flow of a manuscript. They focus on big-picture elements such as plot, character development, pacing, organization, and clarity, rather than correcting grammar or punctuation. Developmental editors provide feedback and suggestions to help authors strengthen their work, often collaborating through multiple drafts. Their goal is to help the author produce a compelling and coherent final manuscript.

What is the difference between Developmental Editor vs Copy Editor?

AspectDevelopmental EditorCopy Editor
Primary FocusBig-picture content development, structure, and overall flowLine-by-line editing, grammar, and style consistency
Skills & CredentialsStrong editing, developmental, and storytelling skills; often a background in writing or editingExcellent grammar, punctuation, and style knowledge; often a background in editing or journalism
Work EnvironmentCollaborates closely with authors and writers during manuscript developmentReviews and refines existing text for clarity and correctness

Developmental Editors focus on shaping the content's structure and overall narrative, while Copy Editors refine the language, grammar, and style. Both roles require strong editing skills but serve different stages of the editing process, making them complementary in publishing workflows.

How does a developmental editor typically collaborate with authors and other editorial team members during the manuscript development process?

Developmental editors work closely with authors, providing constructive feedback on overall structure, content flow, and character development. They often hold regular meetings or exchanges to discuss revisions and clarify the author’s vision, ensuring the manuscript meets both creative and market goals. Collaboration with copy editors, proofreaders, and sometimes project managers is also common, as developmental editors help coordinate the workflow and maintain consistency throughout the editorial process. This teamwork fosters a supportive environment focused on producing the strongest possible manuscript.

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

To thrive as a Developmental Editor, you need a strong command of language, deep understanding of narrative structure, and experience in editing or writing, often supported by a degree in English, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with editing software such as Microsoft Word (with track changes), Adobe Acrobat, and project management tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and the ability to give constructive feedback help a Developmental Editor guide authors effectively. These skills ensure manuscripts are well-organized, coherent, and compelling, ultimately leading to successful publications.
What are popular job titles related to Developmental Editor jobs in California? For Developmental Editor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Developmental Editor jobs? Cities in California with the most Developmental Editor job openings:
Infographic showing various Developmental Editor job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,867 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Associate Editor, California magazine

Cal Alumni Association

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Cal Alumni Association (CAA) provides all Cal graduates with rewarding connections to the university, to fellow alums, and to current students. Founded by the original graduates of the University of California in 1872, the Cal Alumni Association today represents more than half a million alums living throughout the world.

Our mission is to cultivate a lifelong relationship with our alma mater by connecting and inspiring alums, students, and the campus community through meaningful and inclusive opportunities. We foster a culture that celebrates diversity, creates a sense of belonging, and advances equity.

Position overview:

California is an editorially independent magazine published by the non-profit Cal Alumni Association. Founded in 1895, the magazine reports on the world of UC Berkeley and UC Berkeley in the world. California is published quarterly in print and maintains an active digital presence across multiple channels and formats including The Edge podcast, our website, californiamag.org, The Telegraph newsletter, and various social media. It also produces California Live!, a quarterly live event.

The Associate Editor is an early-career journalist with strong writing and editing instincts who is looking to grow into a broader editorial role. This position supports the editorial team across print and digital platforms, with particular responsibility for online content, social media, and podcast coordination. The Associate Editor will work closely with the Senior Editor and Executive Editor and will have opportunities to report and write, assist with editing, and contribute to the editorial direction of the magazine.

Candidates must be based in the Bay Area. Work is done remotely but Cal Alumni Association employees work from the office twice a week. The Cal Alumni Association is located on the UC Berkeley campus in Berkeley, CA.

Supervision:

The Associate Editor, California magazine reports to the Editor-in-Chief.

Location and Work Schedule:

The position is located in Berkeley, CA at the Alumni House on the University of California, Berkeley campus. Work hours must be in line with traditional business hours to provide real-time customer service and support to our passengers. The position is eligible to work a hybrid schedule in line with job duties and business needs, with some time working in the office and some time working remotely each week. Must be able and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends to support CAA and campus events. Please note that remote work must be performed in the state of California.

Pay and Benefits:

This position is classified as an at-will, full-time, exempt position. The pay range is $65,000 and $75,000 annualized. This job is eligible to participate in healthcare benefits, a retirement plan with company match, and generous vacation and holiday time-off. CAA staff, while not University of California employees, are eligible for many UC Berkeley staff programs, professional development and networking opportunities, and discounts on campus. We have a friendly and professional environment, and we pride ourselves on our team approach.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with editing and writing stories for print and online platforms.
  • Report and write short-form stories and online content on a regular basis.
  • Support the Senior Editor in producing the monthly e-newsletter and uploading stories, photos, videos, and other multimedia content to the website using the magazine's content management system.
  • Support the Senior Editor in creating social media posts with an emphasis on quality over volume.
  • Assist with podcast coordination, including scheduling, research, and production support.
  • Monitor campus and general news sources for UC Berkeley-related stories, trends, and opportunities.
  • Assist with fact-checking on assigned pieces.
  • Help manage and mentor editorial interns.
  • Support the editorial team during print production cycles, including proofing
  • Assist with logistics and content for the annual live event.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications:

  • One to three years of journalism experience, or demonstrated journalistic instincts through coursework, internships, or independent work.
  • Strong writing skills and careful editing instincts.
  • Familiarity with fact-checking protocols and journalistic ethics.
  • Genuine curiosity across a wide range of subjects — science, technology, arts, athletics, policy, culture.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Experience with web publishing and content management systems
  • Working familiarity with Google Docs, Adobe Acrobat, and social media platforms.
  • Comfort working in a small, collaborative editorial environment and ability to work in office on the Berkeley campus two days a week.
  • Flexibility to accommodate occasional evening and weekend commitments, particularly during production.
  • Must submit to and pass driving record, consumer report, and FBI/DOJ fingerprint background investigations.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of UC Berkeley, its history, culture, and academic community.
  • Interest in and familiarity with college athletics.
  • Curiosity about and familiarity with tech and science topics.
  • Experience creating and managing social media for a publication or organization.