Job · New York, NY · Full time

Staff Writer/ Editor

Council on Foreign Relations · International, Foreign Affairs & National Security · $99.1M budget · 380 staff · Since 1921

Analyzes critical foreign policy issues and provides non-partisan digital resources to help members and the public better understand global affairs.

Before you apply

FY2024 · Form 990Independent: from IRS data, not the org
Last content writer made
$459,465
Form 990, 2024
Fine: from the org's Form 990.
Pt VII · Sec A
Pays its leaders
$360K–$1.4M
12 officers reported
Fine: from the org's Form 990.
Pt VII · Sec A
Budget
$104.2M
spent in FY2024
Fine: from the org's Form 990.
Pt I · Ln 18
Staff
380
employees
Fine: from the org's Form 990.
Pt I · Ln 5–6
Spent on programs
74%
of spending
Fine: 74% of spending went to programs; 65% to 75%.
Pt IX · Ln 25 · col B
Surplus or deficit
−5%
of revenue, FY2024
Concern: revenue was below expenses in the latest filing.
Pt I · Ln 19
Cash reserves
87 mo
of spending, in cash and securities
Looks good: 86.9 months of spending in cash; 3 or more.
Pt X · Ln 1–2 · Pt I · Ln 18
Latest return
FY2024
latest Form 990
Looks good: the latest return is for FY2024, 2 tax years back; within 2 tax years.
IRS e-file
IRS status
501(c)(3)
tax-exempt since 1927
Looks good: listed by the IRS.
IRS BMF
Looks goodFineWorth a lookConcernTap a box for the reason.

About the role

The org's own posting, as written

Position Summary

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, both will be based in CFR’s New York City office at least four days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. CFR’s remote working schedule is subject to change.

Essential Functions/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 Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience 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 Related Skills & Other Requirements 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…

Read the full posting

About Council on Foreign Relations

From its Form 990

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