Staff Writer/ Editor

CFR is building its efforts to cover the news and create relevant content, and this hire will be central to that work. 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. The ideal candidate brings newsroom instincts, judgment, and pacing to a mission-driven environment. This role will primarily support text-based content, so candidates should have experience editing or writing articles, explainers, analyses, etc. We are hiring two people for this full-time position, one will be based in CFR’s New York City and another in CFR's Washington D.C. offices 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
• Performs any other duties or tasks as assigned or required

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field is required
• At least 3 years of experience in a newsroom or online news publication; candidates should have 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

Benefits

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.

Pay

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

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.