Product Development Associate I

EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms.  EDC designs, implements, and evaluates programs to improve education, health, and economic opportunity worldwide. Collaborating with both public and private partners, we strive for a world where all people are empowered to live healthy, productive lives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The person in this position is expected to communicate clearly and courteously; to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants, collaborators, co-workers, field sites, and funders; and to work respectfully with EDC colleagues. The job requires adherence to EDC policies & procedures.

The Product Development Associate I is responsible for leading the development and execution of a variety of complex writing and product development assignments, for both internal and external audiences. The Product Development Associate I:

• Independently works on problems or assignments of large scope, complexity or impact, requiring review of various intangible factors; works on projects where analysis of data requires in-depth evaluation of various factors
• Applies general prior expertise on the early childhood and/or out-of-school fields to writing assignments
• Manages an on-going production calendar for the center and insures that products get fully crafted, reviewed and approved in a timely fashion
• Guides development of publications through multiple revisions to achieve content objectives
• Writes and/or edits a broad variety of articles, papers, publications, and marketing or promotional pieces; may comment on topics in accordance with viewpoints & policies; prepares assigned pieces from knowledge of topic and editorial position, supplemented by study, research or guidance
• Possesses intermediate research skills to identify foundational research related to topics and appropriate citations
• Receives text from center staff; writes and copy-edits documents in a clear and concise style using plain, accessible language, developmentally coordinating changes to the entire manuscript from initial submission through final publication
• Exercises judgment within generally defined practices in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining results
• Discusses copy with supervisor or managing editor for approval and to incorporate changes
• Implements recordkeeping procedures; updates and maintains documentation
• Applies style & editorial rules and expertly uses electronic editing tools
• Possesses necessary layout and design skills, especially with Word and PowerPoint, and may select or recommend graphics to illustrate documents
• Proficiency with social media/online communications
• Implements policies & procedures related to service agreements and contractual obligations
• Recommends improvements in technical or administrative policies & procedures
• Comfortable contributing to an online project management platform
• Understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion principles and how to apply them across assignments
• Assists with award reporting requirements and future proposal development

The Product Development Associate I:

• Advises center staff of production and editorial recommendations
• Acts as developmental editor &/or production editor, coordinating publication from initiation to completion
• Confers with center or project staff to establish technical specifications, determine specific or general subject material to be developed for publication, or to resolve development or publishing problems
• Troubleshoots problems
• Collaborates with senior staff/management on complex questions; exercises tact and discretion in raising and resolving issues
• Keeps management informed of status of issues and projects
• Interviews individuals or attends meetings to obtain items or clarify information for inclusion and verify facts; researches or seeks technical advice and refers complex problems to senior staff/management
• Provides technical guidance and may supervise regular or contract staff; may train or coach less experienced staff
• Facilitates teamwork; engages collaboratively in feedback
• Interact with freelance writers or editors, graphic artists, multimedia specialists, publishers and printers, guiding and reviewing quality

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires educational achievement; excellent writing skills; demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility; ability to work independently and effectively in groups; and strong interpersonal & organizational skills. Specific requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training & experience
• Master’s degree or teacher certification or equivalent combination of training and education in a related field preferred
• 5–8 years related writing, editing, desktop publishing, and project/supervisory experience
• Background in early childhood and/or out-of-school time including afterschool and summer learning

Qualification questions:

1. Do you have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training & experience?
2. Do you have additional educational degrees? Please select all that apply from menu?
3. (when relevant) Do you have some other credential?
4. Do you have 5–7 years writing, editing, desktop publishing, and project/supervisory experience?
5. Do you have additional relevant experience? Select number of years from menu.
6. Are you legally authorized to work in the US? (NOTE: The answer to this question cannot be used as an objective qualification since some centers hire people who need help getting a visa; however, it can be used in subsequent screening.)

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.