General Description:

This position is located in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), Threat Investigations and Analysis Directorate (TIA); the incumbent will be assigned to the Office of Intelligence and Threat Analysis (ITA) to provide editorial and graphic design support for the publication of specialized security, analytical, and intelligence products. They will be assigned duties specific to the production and dissemination of a compilation product containing analytical articles, as well as to the formatting and editing of a variety of other documents, including information assessments, single reports containing input from multiple program offices, chronologies, and cable reporting. The position reports to a Managing Editor, who oversees the daily operations of the editorial team.

Major Duties:

• Conducts routine editing of documents produced by a variety of authors. Reviews documents for correct grammar, punctuation, style, organization, and logic, ensuring compliance with relevant publication rules, regulations, policies, and style guides. Reorganizes and/or rewrites content for clarity and readability, ensuring that edited information is consistent with the original content and classification.
• Explains editorial comments and changes to authors. Ensures that revised content meets the author’s requirements and original intent.
• Collaborates with other DSS offices regarding content and editorial considerations related to the editing and rewriting process. Requests and obtains publication input for the product line. Suggests potential topics and themes for reports and publications to align with product line content.
• Conducts research using a variety of databases and tools to verify classification and content of submitted documents, as well as to identify both classified and unclassified incident and trend information for inclusion in publications. Advises and assists other team members with editing and processing information on unclassified and classified websites and other appropriate networks, sites, and channels.
• Assists the Managing Editor with the design and layout of publications to ensure coverage, balance, consistency, and suitability of expression and presentation. Assists in establishing design standards, editorial guidelines, and style guides.
• Designs specialized graphics to complement, highlight, emphasize, or brand important sections of publications. Performs layout of graphic design, consisting of photographic, text, abstract illustration, and charts/graphs, as well as computer graphics. Collaborates with other offices and organizations to obtain related photographic and/or graphics content for insertion into publications.
• Writes and designs a variety of documents of a moderately complex nature, ensuring information is presented in a clear and concise manner and meets the needs and interests of targeted audiences.
• Assists with the identification, development, testing, and deployment of new editing technology, software, and information technology projects intended to enhance existing work processes, output, and products.
• Assists in training new editors and authors, as needed.

Professional Qualifications/Skills:

• Must be a US citizen and possess or be able to obtain/maintain a TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree and five years’ experience or a combination of experience (seven years writing experience) and education or certifications required.
• Must demonstrate excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills; familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style as well as common rules of grammar, punctuation, and spelling required.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of desktop-publishing hardware and software and graphic design software programs, including advanced capabilities of the Microsoft Office software suite. Knowledge of Adobe AEM Content Manager preferred but not required.
• Must have proficiency in handling and maintaining classified documents. Knowledge of rules and regulations for classifying information preferred.
• Must be highly organized and have excellent oral and written communication skills in order to interface with office personnel, other Department of State personnel, and other government agencies at all levels.
• Must show ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and to plan and prioritize work to accomplish assignments independently or under limited supervision.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of research and data analysis techniques, methods, and tools to obtain, verify, and process information from a wide variety of classified and unclassified sources.
• Must demonstrate ability to apply principles and practices of graphic layout to conceive, plan, and execute a variety of complex work assignments.