Editing and Research Coordinator

Word on Fire Catholic Ministries is a nonprofit global media apostolate that supports the work of Bishop Robert Barron and reaches millions of people to draw them into—or back to—the Catholic faith.

About the role

The Editing and Research Coordinator reports directly to the Editor-in-Chief of Evangelization & Culture (E & C) and collaborates in special work across the three branches of Evangelization & Culture (online, journal, and podcast). This role includes research on topics and writers, writing, coordinating, and communicating to advance the Word on Fire ethos and bring Christ to a hungry culture.

Location: Elk Grove Village, IL
Employment Type: Full-time

Responsibilities

Ethos Crafting & Relationship Building

• Assist Editor-in-Chief with research and outreach to high-level writers, speakers, and thinkers for the Journal, Podcast, and E & C Online to elevate each platform
• Foster professional relationships and create efficient processes for connecting (personal outreach), gifting (e.g., journal, book, Bible), and recruiting high-level writers and guests while cultivating ongoing relationships
• Cultivate relationships with leaders in Catholic (e.g., First Things, The Pillar, Catholic World Report) and non-Catholic media (e.g., National Review, The Free Press, Commentary, WSJ) for potential publishing, alliances, and collaborations
• Periodically organize the integration of high-level recruits into marquee spots on E & C Online with the Senior Digital Managing Editor
• Work with internal social media and marketing teams to efficiently publicize and distribute high-level guest essays, journals, and podcasts

The College Beat

• Assist Editor-in-Chief with topic selection, recruitment of writers, expansion of outreach, editing, and publicity of The College Beat
• Research topics and younger writers/podcast guests for E & C Online, Journal, and Podcast to cultivate a rolling vanguard of young Catholic evangelists
• Cultivate select nationwide (and international) relationships with university officials, professors, Newman Centers, and Catholic universities where Editor-in-Chief and others could speak and form enthusiastic Catholics (and Word on Fire aficionados)
• Research and recommend ways for college students to access the Institute and Journal at affordable prices (including getting the Journal into college libraries)

Creative Contribution

• Write for the E & C Journal and E & C Online as needed
• Collaborate with E & C Podcast for guest outreach, including recruitment, communication, and follow-ups

Daily Operations

• Assist Editor-in-Chief with obtaining copyright permissions, making writer payments, sending thank-you emails, organizing meetings, spreadsheet/Monday board organization, and schedule management

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in English, writing, journalism, or theology
• Strong experience with writing and editing
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Ability to ensure consistency in tone, voice, and formatting across diverse content types
• Ability to perform fact-checking on various subjects, statistics, and citations
• Professional verbal and written communication skills for liaising between writers, editors, and both internal and external partners
• Ability to collaborate effectively with both internal and external business partners
• Commitment to the mission of Word on Fire

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in writing and editing with a rootedness in Theology, Philosophy, or English
• Proficient in Chicago Manual of Style
• Strong critical thinking skills to synthesize complex information into clear, concise briefs for the editorial team
• Skilled with Google Docs/Slides/Sheets and Monday.com
• Familiarity with the work of Bishop Robert Barron and Word on Fire

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment, involving frequent motions of the hands and wrists
• Ability to work in an open-office environment with moderate noise levels (e.g., computers, printers, conversations/calls, and light traffic)
• Must be able to inspect documents, view computer screens for extended periods, and navigate software interfaces to perform duties as assigned
• Frequent communication with internal and external partners; must be able to exchange accurate information both verbally and in writing, requiring clear speech and ability to hear or understand verbal communication

Pay

The estimated base pay range for this position is $27.48–$32.97 hourly (equivalent to $50,013.60–$60,005.40 annually, based on a 35-hour, full-time work week). Individual compensation is determined by several factors, including experience, skills, alignment with the role’s responsibilities, and geographic location. This role may be eligible for annual merit increases based on individual performance.

Benefits

• Work-from-home Wednesdays and up to 20 additional work-from-home days throughout the year
• Several 100% Word on Fire-paid insurance benefits: life, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• Other insurance benefits: medical, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity
• A retirement plan with a 3% target employer contribution
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Paid parental leave at 100% of base salary
• Access to Word on Fire’s wealth of content and resources