Staff Writer/ Editor

About the Role

The Staff Writer-Editor monitors global developments, produces clear and timely foreign policy explainers for general audiences, and edits a range of CFR-produced content—from expert commentaries and explainers to trackers and other coverage formats. This role will primarily support text-based content. We are hiring two people for this full-time position, one based in CFR’s New York City office and another in CFR's Washington D.C. office at least four days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite.

Responsibilities

• Writes explainers and other digital content across a broad range of foreign policy topics for general audiences
• Edits and copyedits commentaries, explainers, trackers, and other materials produced by CFR fellows and Digital Content staff, applying CFR house style
• Fact-checks and verifies content rigorously across all edited and produced work
• Monitors the news and pitches timely content; proactively reaches out to CFR fellows as stories develop
• Contributes to daily homepage editing and curation on CFR.org
• Works with the data visualization and graphics team to develop and package content
• Assists in the production and editing of newsletters, podcast scripts, and video and social media content
• Tracks and updates project management tools for relevant digital content
• Supports cross-departmental initiatives and other editorial functions as needed

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field
• At least 3 years of experience in a newsroom or online news publication; hands-on experience covering or editing content related to the news

Skills

• Strong news judgment, including an instinct for what travels on social media
• Strong writing, editing, and copyediting skills, with willingness to learn and apply CFR house style; familiarity with AP style a plus
• Rigorous fact-checking and verification habits
• A solid grounding in foreign policy and international affairs; regional expertise or subject-matter knowledge (e.g., economics, climate, security) a plus
• Experience with CMS or website management systems strongly preferred; familiarity with editorial platforms such as Airtable a plus
• Experience working with data a plus
• Comfortable contributing across editorial formats—newsletters, podcasts, video, and social
• Able to work quickly and accurately in a fast-paced, deadline-driven news environment
• Strong collaborative instincts and ability to work across departments
• Familiarity with AI tools such as Claude or ChatGPT a plus

Pay

The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $69,000–$75,000, depending on experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Award-winning health and wellness program
• On-site fitness center
• Generous leave policies and health insurance programs

About CFR

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.