Commissioning Editor (Maternity Leave cover – part time) in London

ABOUT THE ROLE: ELN is influential and effective in building better security for Europe through the clear and timely communication of our policy positions and research. The role of the Commissioning Editor plays a central role in delivering this work, commissioning and publishing high-quality, thought-provoking articles and publications. The post holder will ensure a professional and consistent communications and commissioning process that positions ELN and its Network as experts in their field, enabling colleagues and Network members to publish high-quality content to a high standard. The role requires a keen eye for quality content and presentation, alongside strong organisational skills to manage multiple publications and contributors to ensure a smooth and positive experience for authors throughout the process.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Publications and commissioning
  • Manage the commissioning, production, publication, and dissemination of project publications (reports, policy briefs, etc.), including delegation to others in the Impact Team and close liaison with Policy Fellows, and monitor communications spend within project budgets.
  • Oversee the commissioning, publication and dissemination of timely analytical commentaries on the organisation's website (typically 1–2 per week, subject to demand), including delegation within the Impact Team and close collaboration with the Policy and Impact Director and the Policy and Research Director, while ensuring diversity of authorship.
  • Oversee a regular stream of analytical content for the ELN website, ensuring relevance, quality, and timeliness.
  • Act as the main point of contact for external authors, supporting contributors through the publication process.
  • Maintain and manage our publications process and workstream from beginning to end, including devising publication schedules, regular check-ins with team members, and liaising with internal reviewers to ensure smooth and timely delivery across multiple outputs.
• Editorial quality and impact
  • Provide editorial guidance to Policy Fellows and contributors on writing for policy impact.
  • Ensure consistent quality control across publications, website content, newsletters, and other external communications.
  • Manage and oversee the copyediting of reports, policy briefs and commentaries as required, including working with internal colleagues or freelancers to do so.
  • Manage and oversee the design and typesetting of reports, publications, and other documents using InDesign or other design software as appropriate, including working closely with internal colleagues or freelancers.
  • Uphold and apply ELN's brand, tone of voice, and visual identity across all publications.
• Communications and reach
  • Develop and support communications plans for key publications and group statements.
  • Oversee the ELN external newsletter and contribute to content promotion across relevant platforms.
  • Manage a suite of graphic templates to be used across social media, provide guidance and ensure quality control and best practices are adhered to across the ELN team.
  • Manage a diverse bank of images to be used on the website, in reports and other communication channels, provide guidance and ensure quality control and best practices adhered across the ELN team.
  • Work with colleagues to promote ELN analysis through media partners, think tanks, and policy networks.
  • Support diversity monitoring of contributors and help ensure a wide range of voices and perspectives.
• Collaboration and organisational contribution
  • Work closely with the Policy and Research Director, Policy and Impact Director, Policy Fellows, and Impact Team colleagues.
  • Advise on capacity in the Impact team to deliver requests from the Policy team and Network members.
  • Contribute to a positive, inclusive organisational culture aligned with ELN's values.
  • Ensure communications and commissioning activities align with ELN's mission, strategy, and operating plans.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant policies and good practice, including copyright, data protection, and the use of AI.

Position Details

• Experience: Required
• Employment: Part-time
• Schedule: 4 days per week
• Salary: £43,334.53 yearly
• Benefits: None

About European Leadership Network: The European Leadership Network (ELN) is an independent, non-partisan think tank with a network of 180 past, present and future European leaders working to provide practical real-world solutions to political and security challenges.