Freelance Science Writer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Job Posting Title:

Editor, Features (National Geographic)

Req ID:

10156356

Job Description:

The Features Editor is responsible for building editorial projects across National Geographic's digital and print platforms. The ideal candidate is an omnivorous editor who moves fluidly across formats and story types, with a keen sense for dynamic storytelling -- and an enthusiasm for a wide range of opportunities, from assigning a big profile, to dreaming up a smart package, to bringing clarity to a complicated graphic, to punching up a podcast script. They should possess connections with freelance writers and excitement for the topics and themes covered by National Geographic. They should be to help our readers gain a better understanding of the planet and our place within it. Strongly desired for this position is journalistic experience in areas that include science, history, archeology, as well as innovation, technology and medical science.

Responsibilities

• Manage the development, commissioning and editing of stories and packages. This includes developing new franchises and new ways of covering topics and themes central to National Geographic's mission.

• Manage related workflows to ensure that pieces come together in a timely manner and adhere to word counts, factual accuracy, and other specs.

• Develop, nurture, and maintain new and ongoing relationships with writers and industry professionals with an emphasis on developing new voices and diverse perspectives.

• Report to Senior Manager, Features on project development and challenges, assist in feature management, including contracts, scheduling, production stages, and administrative tasks, as needed.

Basic Qualifications

• 4+ years of editing experience that demonstrates increasing editorial responsibility with a media organization(s), while managing content.

• Outstanding editorial judgement, strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills.

• Excellent writing and verbal communications skills, strong knowledge of the National Geographic brand and mission, and demonstrated expertise in related core topic areas.

• Ability to take overall responsibility for concept and content, as well as manage creative relationships.

• Keen understanding of various approaches to storytelling, and ability to manage multiple projects at once, on deadline.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Self-motivated and resourceful, with the ability to work with minimal supervision, problem-solve creatively, and exercise independent judgment.

• Bachelor's degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to create impact and bring fresh ideas within a team while working collaboratively in highly matrixed conditions with colleagues outside editorial, including communications and marketing, and business support (sales, promotion, and development).

• Proven track record in growing print and digital audiences and expanding audience demographics.

• Curiosity about the planet and our place within it and the ability to grasp new subject matter quickly.

• Understanding of the editorial process from conception to completion, and demonstrated ability to resolve technical, operational, and organizational problems.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe products, Editorial CMS (K4/InCopy), digital media platforms; knowledge of AirTable is a plus.

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $79,400 to $106,400 per year and in New York, NY is $83,200 to $111,500 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

National Geographic

Job Posting Primary Business:

National Geographic (DET)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Digital Content Editorial

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Washington, DC, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

USA - NY - 7 Hudson Square

Date Posted:

2026-08-11