Editor-Writer, Social Work Advocates

To be considered for this position, please upload your resume and cover letter at the prompt.

Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with more than 120,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.

I. MAJOR FUNCTION:

Perform editorial tasks involved in the planning, publication and promotion of Social Work Advocates magazine, and dissemination of content online. Work activities are performed under general supervision.

II. BASIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Must be able to write short-form and long-form articles, use interview techniques to quote sources, research topics, and exercise good news judgment. Keep abreast of trends, news, action items (policy, research, regulation) impacting social workers and their clients.
• Prepare and submit a proposed content plan for each issue of Social Work Advocates for approval. Content plan will be used for discussion during the quarterly editorial meeting. Participate in editorial meetings with managing editor, and various NASW staff and leaders. Be prepared to discuss proposed topics, incorporate feedback from the editorial group, and update the content plan accordingly.
• Research and investigate issues important to NASW members and the social work community. Conceive story ideas and write editorial copy for Social Work Advocates’ products.
• Cover events, online and in-person, such as NASW meetings and events, professional conferences and congressional briefings, as approved.
• Take photographs and assist with the selection of photographs for Social Work Advocates’ products.
• Assist with gathering resources and providing guidelines for freelance writers. Edit and rewrite material submitted by freelance writers, as needed.
• Compile and write Social Work Advocates content for NASW social media and other digital platforms.
• Assist the managing editor with proofreading, caption and headline writing, and copy editing. Assist in reviewing and correcting print page proofs, as needed.
• Explain editorial policies and editorial decisions to NASW members, staff and others.
• Help triage emails in unit’s email box. Respond and take appropriate action, as needed.
• Occasional travel may be required.

III. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Internal: Interact with NASW staff, supervisors and volunteers to identify, research and write content for Social Work Advocates’ products. Consult with NASW leadership on editorial and policy issues as needed.
• External: Communicate with NASW members, freelancers and others in the general public to investigate, gather and produce content for Social Work Advocates’ products.

IV. MINIMUM WORK REQUIREMENTS:

• Skills: Requires strong writing, editing, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. Must be able to meet deadlines. Ability to take photos required. Ability to create video content for products a plus.
• Knowledge: Requires a bachelor’s degree in journalism, English or equivalent related work experience. In-depth knowledge of grammar, punctuation and spelling. Experience writing for social media platforms. Work experience in a magazine environment and familiarity with Associated Press style, the social work profession and social work issues a plus. Requires experience using Microsoft Word and familiarity with meeting platforms. Experience with Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams and Zoom a plus.
• Experience: Requires at least five years of prior related work experience in addition to the educational requirement.

This position is hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote). This is a union position.

This position is eligible for NASW benefits: Health/Dental/Vision Insurance, Paid Time Off, Paid Parental Leave, 401(k) retirement [pre and post tax options] and more.

NASW is an equal opportunity employer. As such, NASW is committed to promoting and providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. The selection of personnel, including new hires and promotions, will be on the basis of qualifications designed to ensure appointments of persons able to effectively discharge the duties and responsibilities of their position. The Association will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Association will also abide by applicable Affirmative Action requirements mandated by any federal contracts.