Deputy News Editor

Position Summary

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is seeking an experienced, multi-skilled journalist to join our team as a Deputy News Editor. This is an opportunity to shape foreign policy coverage at one of the world’s leading think tanks, working at the intersection of rigorous analysis and accessible digital journalism. Sharp-angled explainers and expert commentary are at the center of our work. We help readers understand U.S. foreign policy as issues arise in the news and provide diverse perspectives on how to think about them. The Deputy News Editor will manage writers and partner closely with the News Editor to commission, edit, and produce this coverage across our digital platforms.

In this role, you will take on a variety of editing tasks—fielding pitches, commissioning pieces from CFR fellows and digital writers, and collaborating with data visualization editors and other colleagues across the organization. You will help monitor the daily news flow, maintain the editorial calendar, and ensure we have strong coverage where it matters most. You will also bring a steady editorial hand to every piece you touch: sharpening prose, writing incisive headlines, and upholding CFR’s standards for

accuracy and style.

This full-time position is based in CFR’s Washington, DC or New York City office at least three days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. Effective Monday, September 14, 2026, CFR employees will be based on-site at least four days per week. CFR’s remote working schedule is subject to change.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Edit and assign coverage of international developments, including analytical commentary from CFR fellows and explanatory pieces from digital writers and editors
• Commission and develop content that responds to breaking news while advancing longer-term editorial priorities
• Help build and maintain the editorial calendar and content roadmap
• Write sharp, clear headlines and flag opportunities to strengthen every piece
• Monitor the daily news cycle and identify gaps or opportunities for coverage across formats, including expert analysis, explainers, video, and podcasts
• Collaborate with editors working on data visualizations, video, and social media
• Assist in the creation of content supporting major CFR projects, including Task Force Reports and cross-departmental initiatives
• Manage, mentor, and develop writers, editors, and content producers
• Ensure adherence to CFR editorial standards, accuracy, and house style
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required

Minimum Qualifications

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in international relations or a related field preferred

• At least 6 years of related journalism experience, preferably in digital publishing

• At least 1–2 years of experience managing editorial staff

• Demonstrated interest in international relations and global news

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Experience with a CMS or web management system strongly preferred
• High initiative, keen news judgment, and a talent for helping writers find and strengthen their voices
• Skilled at navigating an organization, building trust, and managing disagreements to make collaboration productive
• A curious and rigorous thinker committed to integrity, accuracy, and fairness
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Familiarity with editorial platforms such as Airtable
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, including the ability to delegate effectively
• Excellent time management and project management skills
• Familiarity with AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude) a plus

Required Application Materials

• Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position with links to your past relevant work.

Compensation and Benefits

• The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $100,000-$110,000, depending on experience.
• In addition to competitive salaries, CFR provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

About CFR

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to broader, more informed participation in the foreign policy debate and lead to an enhanced understanding of the world and the United States’ role therein. To that end, CFR is dedicated to continuing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its work and workplace by building a more diverse membership and staff, producing and dispensing thoughtful analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues, and developing relevant, wide-reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.