Copy Editor (National Geographic)

Job Posting Title:

Copy Editor (National Geographic)

Req ID:

10156230

Job Description:

The copy editor works collaboratively on editorial copy across print and digital platforms, applying outstanding knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and English usage, and meeting tight deadlines. With guidance from the National Geographic Style Manual, the copy editor applies house style and makes other copy edits to assigned stories for digital platforms as well as print publications, including the bimonthly History magazine, themed bookazine publications, Kids and Little Kids and the monthly National Geographic magazine. This includes detailed attention to the main text, captions, and notes accompanying original art and maps.

Responsibilities:

• Manages the copyediting process in an article while keeping an eye on the production dates and workflow processes.
• Evaluates and modifies procedures for consistency with editorial objectives and needs across products and platforms, ensuring efficient, flexible, and timely completion of work.
• Responsible for final proofreading of assigned magazine articles and their online versions.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant magazine or newspaper copyediting experience, including at least one year working in an online publishing environment
• Outstanding knowledge of language, grammar, and usage
• Close attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with print publishing platforms, including K4 or a similar workflow system, and InDesign/InCopy
• Experience in online content management systems
• Flexibility to organize, prioritize, and maintain responsiveness and high-quality work amid immediate and competing deadlines
• Judgment in enhancing readability of text while maintaining author’s voice
• Ability to work independently and in teams and to take initiative and solve problems

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $79,400 to $106,400 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

National Geographic

Job Posting Primary Business:

National Geographic (DET)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Digital Content Editorial

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Washington, DC, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-07-21