Publications Editor — National Security Insights

Business Executives for National Security (BENS); Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Business Executives for National Security (BENS) is seeking a Publications Associate to manage member-driven content from idea to publication and media placement. The role focuses on drafting, editing, and coordinating editorial processes with a strong emphasis on accuracy, AP style, and SEO.

You will work closely with members and staff to shape long-form pieces, Practitioner Perspectives, and Substack articles, while supporting external media outreach and content operations.

Qualifications

• Exceptional writing and editing skills with strong grammar, structure, and voice across long- and short-form formats.
• Copyediting and fact-checking experience; comfortable applying AP style.
• Research skills to translate technical material into accessible prose for varied audiences.
• Experience or strong interest in external media placement and storytelling for outlets.
• Interest in or exposure to speechwriting and writing in another's voice.
• Ability to manage multiple drafts, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Familiarity with web publishing/CMS platforms and basic SEO and distribution awareness.
• Comfort with LinkedIn and other social platforms to support content goals.
• High attention to detail and reliable follow-through on editorial timelines.
• Interest in US national security is advantageous; curiosity and learning mindset are essential.

Responsibilities

• Serve as BENS primary writer and editor for publications, guiding ideas to final publish.
• Draft and edit member-contributed content across recommendations, perspectives, and Lens Substack.
• Conduct research and fact-checking; ensure AP style and manage final approval with members.
• Identify events for written capture and extract substantive takeaways for publications.
• Build a library of re-usable engagement content for cross-format use.
• Apply basic SEO to improve search visibility of published content.
• Coordinate with Communications on social media and editorial calendar.
• Prepare amplification packages with summaries and direct links for members.
• Draft/exactly adapt content for external media placement and special products.
• Support content operations and cross-team needs, including CRM data management.

Skills

Writing & editing

Copyediting & fact-checking

Research skills

Media placement

Speechwriting interest

Project management

CMS platforms

SEO basics

LinkedIn & social media

Attention to detail

Tools

Zoho CRM

Substack

Job description

Business Executives for National Security (BENS) is seeking a Publications Associate to manage member-driven content from idea to publication and media placement. The role focuses on drafting, editing, and coordinating editorial processes with a strong emphasis on accuracy, AP style, and SEO.

You will work closely with members and staff to shape long-form pieces, Practitioner Perspectives, and Substack articles, while supporting external media outreach and content operations.