Textbook Editor
As an educational publishing company, we have been working to create best-in-class social studies materials nationwide for 50+ years. We are a mission-driven company and certified Benefit Corporation, which is emblematic of our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and creating equitable change.
Our vision at Gibbs Smith Education is supported by three pillars:
- To produce products that accurately and effectively tell the stories of our collective past in ways that engage, inspire, and motivate students and teachers to build a better future.
- To provide authentic learning experiences in which students not only focus on events, but on building and refining the necessary skills they need to effectively understand the past and its consequences in our modern world.
- To provide educators with the classroom tools they need to guide students toward accurate and nuanced historical understanding.
GENERAL OVERVIEW
This Social Studies Textbook Editor position requires writing and revising content, detailed historical research, working with authors and reviewers, and collaboratively designing authentic, accurate, and engaging textbooks for elementary and secondary students. Our award-winning programs are customized to be culturally inclusive and meet state-specific standards in history, civics, economics, geography, and literacy.
DETAILED OVERVIEW
Your role will be to shape the content of the student-edition textbooks, from overall organization through copyediting. The ideal candidate will have proven strengths in historical research and writing; the ability to present material in a logical, unbiased, culturally sensitive way; an ear for age-appropriateness; and an interest in incorporating digital and interactive technology in the teaching of social studies to a young audience.
We are looking for someone with a deep enthusiasm for history and education, who understands and utilizes a growth mindset, possesses exceptional communication skills, is highly collaborative and driven, and demonstrates professionalism when taking and delivering feedback. You must be proactive and able to work independently, think analytically, and write clearly and concisely. Our ideal candidate is comfortable making crucial decisions related to program content. They have strong organizational skills and an ability to adhere to deadlines.
SPECIFIC JOB TASKS
- Plan projects with help from the editorial manager and editorial director
- Organize each project to be aligned with applicable standards from the states and/or the C3 framework, and/or other nationally recognized standards related to diversity studies, geography, common core, etc.
- Incorporate feedback from authors and reviewers to create a narrative with multiple perspectives
- Work closely with the curriculum team to ensure a streamlined experience for students and teachers
- Work closely with designers and photo editors to present an accurate and engaging account for the intended audience
- Research sources, images, and maps to support the narrative
- Write and/or edit the narrative for clarity, flow, and appropriate reading level/grade
- Openly discuss and collaborate with the editorial team on any potential discrepancies or conflicts
- Ensures style consistency throughout the entire program
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree is required; preference given to those with a background in Social Studies, Education, History, or English
- Strong understanding of realistic application of K–12 pedagogy, current trends, and the benefits of effective social studies and literacy education
- Ability to consistently execute projects on time
- Ability to pay diligent attention to detail and editorial styles
- Strong understanding of The Chicago Manual of Style and ability to quickly learn the in-house style guide.
- Strong ability to learn and adapt to technology, including the Microsoft Suite, Adobe Suite (including InDesign), and others as directed
- Demonstrated ability in expository writing, including the ability to adapt tone/voice to meet the targeted grade level
- Familiarity with Lexile and other measures to check reading level
- Cultural sensitivity
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $63,000.00 – $68,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies, Education, History, or English (preference not requirement)? Yes/No
- Do you have a strong understanding of realistic application of K–12 pedagogy, current trends, and the benefits of effective social studies and literacy education ? Please provide a brief explanation.
- Do you have a strong understanding of The Chicago Manual of Style and ability to quickly learn the in-house style guide?
- Do you have a demonstrated ability in expository writing, including the ability to adapt tone/voice to meet the targeted grade level ? If yes, please explanation.