Freelance Copy Editing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the Role

Working under the supervision of the Director of News and Media Relations, the Senior Editor energetically and creatively oversees copyediting and proofreading for the institution's Office of Communications and Marketing. The position requiresmeticulouseditorial sensibility, top-level writing skills, and excellent organizational skills. The Senior Editor copy edits and proofs institutional newsletters, news releases, announcements, feature stories, web content, marketing copy, and a variety of other materials on tight deadlines. The Senior Editor also serves as the project manager and editor for online content and print publications as assigned.

The Senior Editordemonstratesa background of working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, using a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible approach. In addition, the Senior Editor must be an excellent team player with a high degree of integrity and curiosity as well as a willingness to share knowledge and skills with colleagues.

This is a limited-term position, budgeted for one year.
Essential Duties:

• Editor: Serves as a deadline-oriented copy editor and proofreader, organizing and managing the content flow of a variety of materials circulating through the Office of Communications and Marketing. Works collegially to coach writers. Collaborates closely with other members of the Communications and Marketing team as well as colleaguesacrossthe institution. Provides quality control of publications and products through editing, proofreading, andfact-checking.

• Web and Digital Content Editing and Training:Leads the editorial review of institutional web and digital content, ensuring alignment with The Huntington's brand, editorial standards, and accessibility guidelines. Provides training and guidance for decentralized content contributors across the institution, with an emphasis on best practices for event listings and otherfrequentlyupdated sections. Develops andmaintainsa comprehensive digital content guide that incorporatesThe Huntington'seditorial style adapted for web use and accessibility standards. Serves as the final editorial reviewer andapproverfor web contentsubmittedfor publication.Assistsin editing digital and social media content, including captions and video transcripts, as needed.

• Project Manager: Oversees editorial content, copy editing,and ensuringtimelypublication. Provides regular status updates. Works in collaboration with writers, graphic designers, freelancers, and others to produce high-quality copy on deadlines. Manages the workflow of multiple freelance copy editors and proofreaders, overseeing assignments and deadlines, and ensuring quality control. Contributes to project reports.

• Style Guide Manager: Regularly updates the institution's style guide and informs key stakeholders of changes; oversees the proper use of Huntington style, ensuring continuity within and among the institution's online and printed materials; trains contributors to the institution's webpages on all aspects of Huntington style as well as guidance on how to produce clear and concise copy.

• Writer: Serves as a backup writer for Communications and Marketing, drafting high-quality copy ondeadline.

• Other duties as assigned.

Candidate Requirements and Experience
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Mustpossessa keen eye for detail, grammar, style, and clarity, ensuring that all content isaccurate, engaging, and aligned with the institution's brand, style, voice, and standards.

• Must have extensive knowledge of Associated Press style. Knowledge of Chicago Manual of Stylea plus.

• Must have an excellenttrack recordof producing high-quality editorial material on tight deadlines.

• Must have well-honed interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well with writers and collaborate successfully with other colleagues in Communications and Marketing and acrossThe Huntington.

• Must have experience providing oversight to writers and content producers and the ability to provide constructive feedback.

• Must have the organizational skills to manage the workflow of multiple freelance copy editors and proofreaders, overseeing their assignments and deadlines while ensuring quality control.

• Must have a strong project management background with a proventrack recordfor publication management.

• Mustpossessthe ability to efficiently manage time,navigatingcompetingdemandsand clearly communicating and properly prioritizing deadlines.

• Must haveabilityto write and edit quickly with exemplary attention to detail while supporting brand integrity, voice, and mission.

• Must have worked in a deadline-oriented capacity and be able to coordinate work on several projects at once.

• Must haveproficiencyin Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and related copyediting software.Mustbe able to editpdfs anddirectly online.

Education and Experience:

• Five to seven years' experience in editing and writing for cultural organizations, museums, universities, and/or news outlets.

• These skills and abilities are usuallyacquiredthrough the completion of a B.A. degree, preferably in English, journalism, or equivalent coursework. Demonstrated ability and job experience may providean appropriate substitutefor the preferred degree.

Working Conditions

Normal office environment. The role requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.