Description

Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is one of the world's leading independent policy institutes. Based in London, our mission is to help build a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world.

The Comment Editor will deliver Chatham House written content and commentary across owned channels e.g. website, social media, and respond to current affairs and emerging international events.

Working closely with the Deputy Head of News and Comment and colleagues across the team, you will produce timely and engaging content, increase the reach of Chatham House analysis and its online profile.

This role will work with Chatham House experts to deliver quality short-form written content e.g. expert comments and explainer articles, and identify and produce compelling formats to engage and grow target audiences. You will also ensure the website, associated digital platforms and social media channels promote our work and lead on special projects as required.

The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of international affairs audiences and work well in a fast-paced environment, delivering quality content to short deadlines. You will display strong editorial skills, judgement and knowledge of how to best communicate messaging depending on the format and draw out a compelling argument from an initial draft.

Due to the nature of the role, you may occasionally be required to work outside core hours i.e. evenings and at weekends as needed and as agreed with your line manager.

We are an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics. We encourage applications from all backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to improve your experience or support you, please do not hesitate to get in touch at HR@Chathamhouse.org.

 HR@chathamhouse.org.

Main Responsibilities

Delivery

• Organize, edit and proof short-form content, supporting the team’s brief to produce commentary that makes clear, interesting and timely arguments or propositions on international affairs issues.
• Balance a busy schedule of planned content alongside quality quick-turnaround content in response to current events.

• Build final articles and other content on our digital channels, ensuring quality control and appropriate selection of imagery, requiring picture research and editing as necessary.
• Lead on or collaborate on projects with the digital marketing team on work around website development with content implications e.g. CRO.
• Collaborate with events colleagues to create and edit event livestreams for posting on YouTube and embedding on website event pages.
• Update website pages, e.g. staff profiles, research programme and project pages, working with colleagues in the digital marketing team.
• Contribute to or manage social media profile(s), creating content, planning, predicting trends and engaging with users.

People 

• Work collaboratively and confidently with communications colleagues and those in research programmes to plan and commission content, edit commentary, maintain quality control and identify opportunities for maps or data visualization where relevant.
• Work with research and digital marketing teams to showcase priority work on digital channels, including developing interactive and innovative digital outputs.
• Support others in the communications team to produce content tailored for social platforms, as well as explore opportunities for further outreach and increased engagement.
• Support and provide cover as needed for colleagues in the news and comment team.

Strategy

• Work with the Deputy Head of News and Comment to develop and implement the Institute’s communications strategy.
• Support ongoing improvements in areas such as SEO, site structure, design and functionality.
• Ensure the website homepage is kept updated and that it links our expertise and events to relevant current affairs where appropriate.
• Provide support and guidance to experts with their writing and work with colleagues to support shared priorities.
• Promote priority Chatham House events and publications through our digital channels.
• Contribute to the delivery of the Chatham House EDI strategy.

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience

• Excellent writing skills, including substantial experience of editing written digital content.
• Ability to collaborate with authors of all levels of seniority to develop and draw out ideas into a compelling and engaging final product.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• A demonstrable interest in and awareness of international affairs and politics.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively and contribute as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience of communicating complex material to a range of audiences.
• Ability to work out of hours as and when required.
• Some awareness of considerations around libel and other relevant publishing issues.

Desirable  Skills 

• Understanding of writing in manner suitable for Google and other search engines.
  
• Experience of using CANVA/ Adobe/ other image editing products – including to produce data visualizations and maps to brand specifications.
  
• Experience of managing a social media channel, notably Bluesky, X, Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram.
  
• Experience of simple web publishing technologies, including knowledge of basic HTML code.
  
• Experience of using CMS systems (preferably Drupal).

Benefits

Benefits include approximately 37 days of annual leave (including public holidays and Chatham House closure days), pension salary exchange, employee assistance programme, parental leave, flexible working and other benefits designed to suit your lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging and intellectually stimulating environment.

Salary: £43,000 per year.

Contract: Full-time, Permanent.

Location: Hybrid (Office/Home), minimum of 2 days in the office per week.

Application closing date: Sunday 2 February 2025 (Midnight, UK time). You will be notified of the status of your application within 4 weeks of the role closing.

Please avoid using AI for your application, we want to hear from you! We can tell the difference between a genuine answer and an AI-generated one. Using AI will run the risk of your application being disqualified.

The Job Description as outlined above will not be available once the closing date has passed. Please ensure you keep a copy for your records.