Job Description

Novak Birch is looking for an experienced copy editor to join our award-winning marketing and events agency. This is a full-time, in-office position. Professional editing and proofreading experience is required—preferably in a marketing agency or in-house marketing/communications environment. Experience with technical writing/editing for federal government is a plus. And if you love dogs, well, you’re the perfect fit for our dog-friendly office.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As the agency’s go-to expert for proofreading and editing, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that all content and copy (both agency-written and client-written) is free of errors, succinct, easy to read, and on brand—all while adhering to any required editorial style guides. This role includes proofreading a variety of content, ranging from long-form technical content to creative copy.

• Your primary role will be proofreading documents for our federal government clients to ensure correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation; to check that names and acronyms are correct; to ensure that transcripts match meeting/webinar recordings; and to make sure content adheres to the clients’ style guides. Examples of these documents include executive summaries, meeting and webinar transcripts, meeting summaries, recommendations documents, annual reports, and communications toolkits.
• You’ll also be responsible for proofreading/editing content for other clients, ranging from tourism and hospitality to associations. Examples include print/digital collateral and publications, video scripts and on-screen copy, email marketing, event/exhibit materials, infographics, branded environments/displays, signage, digital/interactive solutions, social media content, and more.
• In addition, you’ll proofread the agency’s project management documents (e.g., creative briefs, project briefs, project schedules, and quotes), and our marketing/sales materials (e.g., case studies, sell sheets, proposals, website content, and social media content).
• You’ll use the “track changes” tool in Microsoft Word and the editing tools in Adobe PDFs to correct errors and produce clean documents. You’ll be responsible for checking that all edits (both internal and client) have been made to documents, comparing the mark-ups against the new/revised files.
• While editing, we’ll look to you to make recommendations to enhance readability and conciseness (e.g., changing passive voice to active voice).
• You’ll be responsible for flagging any design/layout issues for our design team. This includes issues with page numbers, fonts, headlines/subhead hierarchy or styles, spacing, kerning, leading, margins, widows/orphans, etc.
• You may be responsible for attending client meetings, taking notes, and developing meeting minutes.
• As needed, you’ll write and maintain Editorial Style Guides for clients and ensure that content adheres to these guides.
• You’ll work closely with our team (including Editorial, Account Management, Design, and Events) to contribute new ways to achieve clients’ goals by marrying copy and design.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 4–8 years of professional experience editing or proofreading. 
• Mastery of the written word. Must have a sharp eye for detail, including impeccable spelling and grammar, as well as the ability to quickly identify and correct inconsistent usage.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, attentive, and organized; you must be able to multi-task and efficiently prioritize projects.
• Strong work ethic and drive. We’re looking for a proactive self-starter who is driven to move projects forward and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, client-centric environment. 
• Must work well individually and as part of a team, including being able to receive creative direction and feedback.
• A flexible personality, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to learn quickly.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, PowerPoint, and Excel, at a minimum.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in an agency or marketing/communications department.
• Experience editing/proofreading content for government agencies.
• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a similar subject.
• Working knowledge of editorial style guides, such as AP and Chicago.
• Experience writing and/or editing proposals.
• Loves dogs (kidding…well, kind of).

This is a salaried, in-office position. Novak Birch offers a generous benefits package to its employees, including health insurance coverage, paid holidays, paid vacation/sick days, flex scheduling, profit sharing, and 401K.

Interested? Send your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to careers@novakbirch.com. Please use the subject line “Copy Editor” followed by your name. No calls, please.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

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Novak Birch is a strategic marketing and experiential agency in Baltimore, Maryland. Since 1987, we’ve built longstanding partnerships with clients and delivered high-impact, memorable experiences and solutions that help clients reach and communicate with their key audiences and grow their brands. We work in a huge, 100+ year-old renovated warehouse with a pool table in the kitchen and a (friendly) pack of dogs. As a creative agency with a fully equipped carpentry and metal fabrication workshop, our workspace is very conducive to creativity.

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