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Freelance Development Editor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are committed to the care and development of our collections, our financial and physical ... Manages the workflow of multiple freelance copy editors and proofreaders, overseeing assignments ...

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

... development. You should also be a sharp line editor, good at structuring an argument and ... freelance contributors, and more. * Proactively seek out interesting, diverse voices who can help ...

... development. You should also be a sharp line editor, good at structuring an argument and ... freelance contributors, and more. * Proactively seek out interesting, diverse voices who can help ...

... in development;take the lead inrefining departmental and cross-departmental workflows;expand ... Solicit bids and prepare contracts for freelance contributors. * Develop and maintain schedules.

Work with reporters and freelancers on video creation, from directing how to shoot video to helping ... At least 10 years' experience in video development and/or production; management experience is a ...

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Freelance Development Editor information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$81.3K

$96.7K

How much do freelance development editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance development editor in California is $81,273.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $95,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Freelance Development Editor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Development Editor, you need expertise in substantive editing, a keen eye for story structure, and a firm grasp of grammar and style, usually supported by a background in English, journalism, or publishing. Familiarity with editing tools such as Microsoft Word (track changes), Google Docs, and project management platforms is common, while certification from organizations like the Editorial Freelancers Association can be beneficial. Excellent communication, time management, and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential for ensuring manuscript quality, meeting client expectations, and managing multiple projects efficiently in a freelance environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by Freelance Development Editors?

Freelance Development Editors often juggle multiple projects and clients simultaneously, which requires strong organizational and time management skills. Challenges may include navigating differing author expectations, tight deadlines, and the need for clear communication while working remotely. Since you may work with clients around the world, adapting your approach to fit diverse genres, styles, and publishing standards is important. Overcoming these challenges helps you build a solid reputation and maintain steady workflow in the competitive freelancing market.

What does a Freelance Development Editor do?

A Freelance Development Editor helps authors refine their manuscripts by focusing on structure, clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness. They provide feedback on elements like plot, pacing, character development, and argument strength, depending on the type of writing. Unlike copy editors, they concentrate on big-picture issues rather than grammar and syntax. Working independently, they collaborate with writers, publishers, or businesses on a project basis to improve content. Their goal is to enhance the manuscript’s impact and readability before it moves to the next stage of editing.

What are the most commonly searched types of Development Editor jobs in California? The most popular types of Development Editor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Development Editor jobs in California? For Freelance Development Editor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Development Editor jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Development Editor job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance Development Editor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,273 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Senior Editor

The Huntington

San Marino, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

About Us

At The Huntington, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to support and promote the appreciation of the humanities, the arts, and botanical science. The Huntington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.

The Huntington

Founded in 1919, The Huntington is a collections-based research and educational institution open to the public, housing world-class library, art, and botanical collections. Its mission is to support research and promote education in the arts, humanities, and botanical science and to display and interpret its extraordinary resources for diverse audiences.

The Culture

Here we are committed to the highest of standards in all that we do - from preserving and protecting the collections, to exhibitions, educational and scholarly programming, visitor and reader services, and beyond. Achieving excellence across these pursuits requires a diversity of perspectives, expertise, experience, and methodologies.

At The Huntington, our organizational Culture is shaped by the following core values: Intellectual curiosity, Collaboration, Stewardship, Belonging, and Integrity.

  • Intellectual Curiosity:Knowledge, lifelong learning, and a spirit of inquiry are at the core of our mission and organizational culture.

  • Collaboration:Teamwork and a collaborative attitude are important at all levels of The Huntington. We foster relationships internally among our departments and externally with organizations throughout the community.

  • Stewardship:We are committed to the care and development of our collections, our financial and physical resources, our staff, and our community.

  • Belonging:We strive to attract and maintain a workforce of individuals with diverse talents, backgrounds, and perspectives. Our organizational culture promotes a sense of welcome, inclusion, and connection.

  • Integrity:We value respect and honesty, working to fulfill our mission with honor and ethical principles.

Job Description

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.

Compensation & Benefits

We provide competitive compensation, generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees including:

  • Pay Range:$85,000.00- $95,000.00. Commensurate on experience.

  • Medical, Dental, Vision

  • 403(b) retirement plan and matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match

  • Hybrid remote work schedule available for applicable positions

  • Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and holidays

  • Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants

  • Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions

  • Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds

The Application Process

Please submit a cover letter and CV/resume as a single PDF attachment.

You will have the opportunity to submit additional documents on the "My Experience" section of the application.