Senior Strategic Content and Publications Officer

Position Title

Senior Strategic Content and Publications Officer

6 - Exempt

Director of External Communications

The Senior Strategic Content and Publications Officer plays a critical role in strengthening NED’s external voice through sharp writing, strong political instincts, and the ability to drive high-quality content production in a fast‑paced environment, including during situations requiring rapid, strategic responses. The officer leads major content and publications initiatives, coordinates cross‑team workflows, and ensures that deliverables are accurate, polished, strategically framed, and tailored for key audiences, including policymakers, the press, grantees, and the broader democracy community.

Candidates with experience outside the NGO or think tank world—especially in fast‑paced, audience‑driven fields like journalism, politics, media, or strategic communications—are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is for someone who thrives under pressure, can balance multiple priorities with precision, and brings the editorial instincts and situational awareness of a seasoned communicator.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC, and is part of the bargaining unit.

• Draft, edit, and adapt a wide range of content, including op‑eds, press statements, leadership messaging, event materials and web content, that is specifically developed to reach target audiences across the political spectrum, and reflects editorial discernment.
• Serve as project manager and author for NED’s Annual Report, developing content, production timelines, team coordination, and quality control.
• Proactively track public discourse, institutional priorities, and digital engagement analytics to shape content strategy, strengthen NED’s voice, and expand audience reach.
• Contribute to web content publishing for NED.org and train/support other staff as needed to maintain publishing quality and consistency.

• Proactively drive project timelines and deliverables forward—collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure deadlines are met and ensure the production of high‑quality content for web, print, and digital channels.
• Oversee production of External Engagement team materials such as reports, event programs, graphics, and digital assets, working closely with external graphic designers to ensure products are visually consistent, professionally formatted, and publication‑ready; review layouts and proofs with meticulous attention to detail and provide organized, trackable feedback.
• Maintain relevant vendor relationships including processing invoices and payments.

• Support crisis communications responses as needed—including drafting and coordinating rapid‑turnaround statements, Q&As, talking points, and other materials to address emerging challenges.
• Support cross‑team communications needs and ad‑hoc content requests, providing expertise and assistance on a responsive basis.
• Support institution‑wide special events in a Communications capacity.
• Maintain strong communication with supervisors and colleagues, providing clear progress updates, proactively raising potential delays or resource needs, and driving solutions to keep projects moving toward timely completion.
• Demonstrate responsiveness and adaptability during periods of rapid organizational activity, including after‑hours responsiveness on a regular basis.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Minimum of 8‑10 years of relevant experience.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to drive complex content workflows, coordinate with multiple stakeholders, and manage external vendors and production partners.
• Exceptional command of English with deep familiarity with American syntax and tone, and the ability to craft clear, persuasive content in varied voices for diverse audiences.
• Professional copy‑ or line‑editing experience and mastery of a major style guide, such as AP Stylebook or the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Experience coordinating with designers on layout and proof cycles, including familiarity with…