Job Description

Position: Copy Editor (Principal Consultant #1467) Location: Springfield or Chicago Union: IFSOE Department: Public Relations Anticipated Starting Salary Range: $62,449 - $78,917 Full Salary Range: $62,449 - $106,278 Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Posted Date: July 28, 2025 Reporting to the Director, conducts copy editing of internal and external publications, working with various departments on overall quality of agency communications. Utilizes Associated Press Stylebook to ensure agency communications and publications conform to current grammatical standards. Maintains the internal ISBE style guide to provide staff with the Agency's preferences for commonly confused words and phrases. The ideal candidate pays exceptional attention to detail, has excellent organizational and task management skills, understands how to manage and balance a multitude of simultaneous projects with competing deadlines and differing levels of length and priority, and demonstrates superior responsiveness and interpersonal communication skills. The ideal candidate demonstrates the ability to understand complex and technical policy and regulatory information in order to make informed suggestions regarding the quality, clarity, and conciseness of the communication. Duties and Responsibilities: Assumes primary responsibility for copy editing of internal and external documents, providing detailed feedback to staff regarding writing, layout, branding, and overall quality. Identifies and corrects grammar, spelling, syntax, format, style, and punctuation errors. Verifies the spelling of names and other proper nouns and the accuracy of cited dates and any basic math, charts, and graphs. Ensures that all references are correctly formatted and that they have been correctly and consistently cited in the publication. Ensures publications utilize the appropriate agency templates and logos and include appropriate dates and page numbers. Makes comprehensive further suggestions regarding overall clarity, conciseness, tone, and readability of writing. Publications requiring copy editing include but are not limited to mandated legislative reports, intergovernmental communiques, agency research briefs, brochures, newsletters, website content, and general correspondence. Communicates responsively to initial requests and to follow-up questions; provides accurate estimates for completion of projects; and meets deadlines. Participates in various multi-disciplinary meetings to provide technical assistance to internal and external customers on a variety of communications issues. Maintains the internal ISBE style guide to provide staff with the Agency's preferences for commonly confused words and phrases. Provides recommendations for additional ways to elevate the writing quality and consistency of the work products of agency staff and as directed, facilitates approved professional learning activities. Provides recommendations as needed for ways to further enhance and streamline ISBE's copy editing systems, tools, and processes. Performs other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field. Minimum of two years of professional copy editing experience, ideally in a publishing house, news organization, or communications setting. Ability to apply editorial standards to a wide range of written content from different departments, ensuring consistency and correctness. Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with varying deadlines, lengths, and priorities in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams, demonstrating initiative and accountability. Ability to interpret, simplify, and suggest improvements for technical or regulatory language without compromising accuracy or intent. Exceptional attention to detail in reviewing and editing text for grammar, style, clarity, and formatting. Strong organizational and time-management skills to meet tight deadlines with high-quality output. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide clear, constructive feedback. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other standard editorial tools and platforms. Preferred Qualifications: Proven track record of editing complex materials, including policy documents, technical communications, or regulatory publications. Demonstrated experience working with style guides (especially AP Style) and producing content aligned with institutional standards. Proficient knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage rules, with emphasis on Associated Press (AP) Style. Familiarity with editorial standards and style guides, including experience maintaining or contributing to internal style references. Understanding of desktop publishing software and tools, particularly Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Knowledge of professional publishing and communication standards across various platforms and formats (print, digital, etc.). Understanding of complex and technical content, including policy and regulatory language, with the ability to assess clarity and accuracy. ISBE provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We actively foster a culture of inclusion and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. Illinois has an urgent and collective responsibility to achieve educational equity by ensuring that all policies, programs, and practices affirm the strengths that each and every child brings within their diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and by delivering the comprehensive supports, programs, and educational opportunities they need to succeed. #J-18808-Ljbffr Illinois State Board of Education

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