Overview
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) seeks an exceptional Newsletter Editor to lead our two flagship newsletters, the Daily News Brief and The World This Week. Reporting to the Chief Digital Content Officer, this newly created role is crucial in establishing the Daily Brief as the indispensable morning read for the foreign policy community. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned journalist and editor with a deep understanding of international affairs, capable of crafting compelling narratives, curating engaging and informative content, and being a player-coach. As part of the Digital team, you’ll work alongside news editors, as well as our audience growth and product teams to create the best product for our audiences. This position, a mix of strategy, editing and daily operations, requires strategic thinking, excellent writing skills, and the ability to distill complex global issues into clear, engaging content.
The major responsibilities of this position will include (but are not limited to):
Editorial and Strategic Leadership
- Spearhead the overhaul of CFR's Daily News Brief, transforming it into a premier daily newsletter for the foreign policy community
- Continue shepherding the transformation of The World This Week from an overview of what we’ve done at CFR to a showcase of CFR’s breadth and depth of talent across our fellows and the institution
- Collaborate with editorial leadership to align the DNB with CFR's broader content strategy and mission
Content Creation and Curation
- Oversee the Daily News Brief and The World Next Week as the lead editor and editorial product owner
- Cultivate a distinct voice and style for the DNB that reinforces CFR's authority and utility
- Occasionally conduct and edit Q&As with CFR fellows or members for inclusion in the newsletters
- Establish and maintain editorial workflows to ensure consistent, high-quality output
- Ensure consistency in quality and presentation across all newsletter elements
Performance Analysis and Optimization
- Monitor and analyze newsletter performance metrics, using data-driven insights to continually refine and improve content
- Implement A/B testing and optimization strategies to enhance engagement
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with CFR fellows and members to incorporate their expertise into the newsletter
- Collaborate with other departments (e.g., studies, membership, outreach) to leverage CFR's expertise and content
- Collaborate with the product, design, and engineering, and audience strategy teams to ensure optimal newsletter design, functionality, and promotion
Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Journalism, International Relations, related field, and/or 5+ years of experience in journalism or newsletter production, with a focus on international affairs
- Proven track record of growing and engaging newsletter audiences
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and curate stories on complex global issues
- Demonstrated ability to simplify complex foreign policy topics for a general audience
- Experience leading writers and collaborating in a newsroom environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a think tank, media organization, or other content-heavy environment
- Deep knowledge of international affairs and current events
- Strong understanding of email metrics and data-informed decision-making
- Familiarity with email platforms and content management systems
Required Application Materials
Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.
Compensation And Benefits
The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $85,000 to $110,000 depending on experience.
In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award-winning health and wellness program, an on-site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.
About CFR
Founded in 1921, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a leading nonprofit membership organization, research center, and publisher, with headquarters in New York, an office in Washington, DC, and programs nationwide. It is dedicated to increasing America's understanding of the world and contributing ideas to U.S. foreign policy. CFR's 5,000+ members are leaders in international affairs and foreign policy. CFR also publishes Foreign Affairs, the preeminent magazine on global issues, and provides up-to-date information about the world and U.S. foreign policy on its award-winning website, CFR.org.
Diversity Commitment
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to broader, more informed participation in the foreign policy debate and lead to an enhanced understanding of the world and the United States’ role therein. To that end, CFR is dedicated to continuing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout its work and workplace by building a more diverse membership and staff, producing and dispensing thoughtful analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues, and developing relevant, wide-reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.
The Council on Foreign Relations is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks candidates from a diverse background.
