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Developmental Editor Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Editor

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$120K/yr

... manage story development responsibilities accordingly. * Edit research, scripts, field and ... Work as an editor on additional KUOW podcasts, as assigned. * Help advance the strategic scope of ...

We are seeking a Rules Editor to help define and maintain the language of the game. This role sits ... Support Rules System Development * Contribute to the development and maintenance of the ...

Senior Editor

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K/yr

... manage story development responsibilities accordingly. * Edit research, scripts, field and ... Work as an editor on additional KUOW podcasts, as assigned. * Help advance the strategic scope of ...

We are seeking a Rules Editor to help define and maintain the language of the game. This role sits ... Support Rules System Development * Contribute to the development and maintenance of the ...

Senior Video Editor

Redmond, WA · On-site

$160K - $261K/yr

Support the development of repeatable editing systems that enable channel scale * Streamline editing processes and workflows to ensure projects stay on track and deadlines are met Qualifications ...

Support creative text development. Collaborate with the teams providing creative and gameplay goals ... Strong content editing and proofreading skills, plus attention to detail. * Deeply collaborative ...

Support creative text development. Collaborate with the teams providing creative and gameplay goals ... Strong content editing and proofreading skills, plus attention to detail. * Deeply collaborative ...

The successful candidate is a strong writer and editor with sound judgment, the ability to ... Partner with Business Development to identify trends, legal developments, and timely content ...

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Developmental Editor information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12

$35

$65

How much do developmental editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for developmental editor in Seattle, WA is $35.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.33 and $45.14 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 Seattle, WA? For Developmental Editor jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Senior Editor

Senior Editor

Uw

Seattle, WA • Hybrid

$120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


University Of Washington rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description

KUOW has an outstanding opportunity for a Senior Editor to join their team.About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Content Officer, the Senior Editor will oversee a team of journalists/podcast producers to deliver three multi-part, immersive, investigative narrative podcast series per year. Responsibilities will also include researching, conceiving, developing, structuring, writing, and editing podcasts in alignment with KUOW's mission, as well as managing additional KUOW podcasts as determined by the CCO. A successful Senior Editor will thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment, have outstanding communication and people management skills, be able to make quick, strategic decisions that balance immediate, short, and long-term priorities, manage their time effectively, and a bring a strong journalism background and expert storytelling and writing skills to the team. Senior Editors are curious, have courage, value diversity of viewpoints and experiences, act in service, demand integrity, always grow, and know how to earn trust and collaborate well.

The position must be performed on-site at least three days per week at the KUOW studios.

Key Responsibilities
  • Editorial - 50%
    • Conceive and develop multi-part investigative narrative podcast series that reflect KUOW's editorial priorities.
    • Develop stories that are truthful, reach diverse audiences, and rely on multiple perspectives and sources.
    • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current events and be able to assign, reassign, support, and manage story development responsibilities accordingly.
    • Edit research, scripts, field and interview audio, and recorded audio scripts based on editorial guidelines and technical standards.
    • Provide editorial guidance to journalists/podcast producers.
    • Work as an editor on additional KUOW podcasts, as assigned.
    • Help advance the strategic scope of KUOW editorial coverage in collaboration with the CCO, News Director, and Director of New Content.
  • People Management - 40%
    • Mentor a team of journalist/podcast producers, with a critical focus on developing and retaining a highly skilled team.
    • Cultivate a team culture of high motivation, collaboration, creativity, engagement, positivity, work-life balance, and mission-focus in a rapidly changing environment.
    • Lead with outstanding communication skills, including change conversations, conflict management, and ability to resolve personnel issues as they arise.
    • Lead regular meetings and check-ins with team to pitch and identify stories, discuss progress on reporting and production, track trends, and review editing. Must actively collaborate with staff both as a leader and peer.
    • Support journalist/producers to troubleshoot emergent challenges.
    • Advise the Chief Content Officer regarding staff evaluations and strategic planning.
  • Strategy - 10%
    • Stay current with changing trends in podcasting, including content and delivery.
    • Innovate ways to deliver content on all KUOW platforms.
Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

  • Bachelor's degree and five years of professional broadcast journalism and podcast management and production experience at a large market level.
  • Knowledge of full cycle investigative reporting and journalistic best practices, ethics, and current tools of the trade.
  • Advance script writing, script editing, audio production, and storytelling skills.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with production apps such as Descript and Adobe Audition.
  • Familiarity with the communities, dynamics, and current issues in and around Seattle, the Puget Sound Region, Washington State, and the Pacific Northwest.
  • A deep commitment to the mission of KUOW and public radio journalism.
Working Conditions
  • Work must be performed on-site at the KUOW studios a minimum of three days a week.
  • Projects will require strict deadlines which may cause a stressful environment at times.

About the Team

KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio is Seattle's NPR news station. We are an independent, nonprofit news organization producing award-winning journalism, podcasts and events in service to the 3.9 million people in our coverage area. As a self-sustaining service of the University of Washington, our mission is to create and serve a more informed public with a vision to broaden conversations and deepen understanding.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$110,400.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$120,384.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.


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