Specialist, Copy Editor

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., literature, language, journalism) or equivalent certification/on-the-job training.
• Minimum of three years’ editorial experience and two years’ experience in educational assessment.
• Comprehensive editorial expertise: demonstrates strong end-to-end copyediting proficiency (spelling, grammar/terminology, punctuation, syntax, diction, usage); interprets and applies major style and usage references with confidence (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style, Gregg Reference Manual, Garner’s Modern English Usage).
• Technical & software skills: proficient with Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office 365 apps (Word, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, Excel); understands HTML/XML basics for web publishing; adapts to evolving software and requirements.
• Communication & collaboration: communicates clearly and respectfully; listens, synthesizes, and applies information effectively; gives and receives feedback constructively; accepts direction and acts on it.
• Professional behaviors & judgment: reliable and organized; meets deadlines with appropriate quality; manages time effectively; exercises sound judgment and analytical decision-making; self-managed, resilient, and adaptable; accountable for editorial proficiency and quality; demonstrates decency and professionalism; displays curiosity about rules, processes, tools, perspectives, and the broader business context.

Responsibilities

• Core editorial: implements grammar, spelling, usage, punctuation, syntax, and style per standards; ensures uniformity and consistency across assessment components; exercises good judgment when applying client style guidelines; understands copyeditor’s scope of responsibility; proactively seeks learning opportunities to strengthen editorial expertise.
• Quality assurance & risk awareness: adheres to QA/QC steps and review guidelines; recognizes impact of editorial errors on item/test validity and broader reputational/program risks; demonstrates strong understanding of copyright law application in assessment.
• Assessment & content understanding: understands educational assessment foundations (content standards, alignment, validity, item-level statistics); considers assessment design interactions; demonstrates strong understanding of assessment best practices (universal design, plain English, accessibility design).
• Technical platforms & publishing: uses Pearson-preferred applications and platforms (e.g., ABBI, eStyle, Oracle); demonstrates strong understanding of publishing workflows; identifies appropriate job aids and documentation; may develop job aids and create training for colleagues.
• Collaboration & community: assists with staff training (mentoring, seminars, one-on-one support); engages proactively in Editorial and Assessment Trends channels; works collegially across departments; shares essential information across projects; contributes to checklists, process documents, fact-checking, item writing, scoring checks, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Leadership & project coordination: serves as lead editor when assigned: ensures editorial obligations are met; coordinates with Content, Program Teams, and other departments; creates effective training/process documents and work logs; reviews/approves schedules; coordinates editors’ work, monitors schedules, tracks assets; communicates status, scope changes, risks, issues, deadlines, resources, and overtime needs; makes final editorial decisions on behalf of Editorial; provides lead editor guidance and support to other lead editors.
• AI-enabled editorial use: leverages AI tools to develop, review, and enhance assessment content; demonstrates proficiency in AI-supported content development; prompts, refines, and evaluates AI outputs; stays current with emerging AI technologies.
• Professional responsibilities & operational excellence: understands role across CDS and Pearson; aligns with departmental goals; attends team/town-hall meetings; completes administrative tasks on time; supports efficiency initiatives; provides training to vendors/contractors when appropriate; identifies problems and escalates as appropriate; balances cost, efficiency, schedule impact, and quality; champions new technology, tools, and processes; maintains appropriate business behaviors.

Pay

Hourly rate: $24.70 – $29.56. This position is not bonus eligible.