DEPARTMENT: Journal, Sentinel, Herald (JSH)

SUMMARY

The periodicals are the organs of the Church. Along with the individual healing practice of each Christian Scientist, the print, audio, and video content of the Journal, Sentinel, and Heralds is the primary means of communicating to members and the world the proof that Christianity is relevant today, still operating in all of its healing power as it did in Jesus’ time, and in Mrs. Eddy’s. This “ably edited” content should lead readers to our textbook. It should encourage and support readers in their practice of Christian Science, engagement with Church, and embrace of the world in prayer. Moreover, readers should eagerly seek out the periodicals as the authority on what The Mother Church and its branches are doing to bless the world. Therefore, all that is published in the periodicals must carry the imprint of deepest prayer. Each of our publications should fulfill its individual mission in a manner that is “wise and gentle, and strong and fearless,” as Mrs. Eddy wrote to Julia Field-King regarding the province of an Editor.

The Staff Editor is an experienced editor and seasoned Christian Scientist. This role is primarily responsible for the reviewing and editing of articles and testimonies, as well as specialty pieces, special projects or sensitive content for publication in the print and online editions of The Christian Science Journal, Christian Science Sentinel, and the Herald of Christian Science. This individual has a demonstrated ability to edit all content types across all publications, and maintains a standard of excellence while editing a high volume of manuscripts and ensures that Mary Baker Eddy’s purpose for the Journal, Sentinel, and Herald is evident in the periodicals’ content. For this reason, it is expected that a staff editor will have a thorough familiarity with the Bible, the textbook, and Mrs. Eddy’s other writings and will have an active practice of Christian Science.

The Staff Editor is alert to current trends in the movement and in public thought, and can write and articulate to readers and others the relevance of content, making connections within issues. This creative editor has experience or knowledge of all roles on issue teams, which collaborate prayerfully on the idea generation, planning, and development of supplemental content related to assigned issues of the Sentinel and Journal. The role also thinks creatively to recommend to management other treatments of content in print, audio, and video.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Manuscript Evaluation, Editing, & Special Projects (Approx. 65%)
   • Reads and evaluates manuscript submissions to determine suitability for publication; provides recommendation to the Deputy Editor or an Associate Editor as assigned; writes special letters with feedback to authors’ returned submissions.
   • Edits articles, testimonies, and specialty pieces as assigned for structural and metaphysical clarity, ensuring fidelity to Christian Science, accuracy, and accessibility; ensures all facts presented are verified.
   • Ensures verifications for all testimonies and other article demonstrations are complete for each piece according to department procedures.
   • Meets regular time-sensitive publication and production deadlines.
   • Writes for the periodicals at least twice a year.
2. Contributor Relations (Approx. 20%)
   • Nurtures relationships with and guides authors and other contributors, strengthening the quality and spiritual depth of submissions.
   • Communicates why edits are needed in a way that enhances the contributor’s sense of being supported and encourages future submissions.
   • Communicates with authors in a timely manner, including by following current or evolving department procedures.
   • Is able to articulate editorial standards and expectations to both internal and external stakeholders.
3. Issue Teams Participation & Writing (Approx. 15%)
   • Demonstrated experience or knowledge of all issue teams roles. Collaborates with assigned issue teams to:
   • Ensure issues address current trends in thought;
   • Write explanatory or other spiritually-sound material to articulate the relevance of all content to readers;
   • Plan issue content with an awareness of inventory and related considerations;
   • Edit special or timely content for assigned issues.

STAFF MANAGEMENT AND JOB CONTACTS

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to: Deputy Editor

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education / Experience

• This position requires a Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent in experience. Prefer 3-5 years of professional experience in editing and writing, or an equivalent experience in a comparable field.

Knowledge / Skills

• Must be deeply familiar with the Bible and Mrs. Eddy’s writings to ensure that Christian Science is correctly presented in articles.
• Must have a solid understanding of literary English and its structure. This position requires a demonstrated excellence in writing and editing skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Skills to communicate with contributors graciously and effectively.
• Creative problem-solving skills and high attention to detail.
• Comfort working in a collaborative environment.

Technology Skills

• Proficiency in Google Suite, and current submissions, editing, planning and other content management systems. Audio and video background is a plus.

Work Environment

• While regular in-office work at The Mother Church in Boston, MA is strongly preferred, this position may be performed remotely if approved.
• This role requires confidence and effectiveness in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; a collaborative and service-oriented mindset; attention to detail; adaptability; and a strong commitment to teamwork and mission.

Engagement with Christian Science

• Membership in The Mother Church and Primary Class instruction required.

Pay range: $87,428 - $113,655.80 annually

The pay ranges disclosed in our job postings are the compensation ranges the Church reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for a given position at the time of posting.

The offered salary will be determined by factors such as the applicant’s relevant education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities; and benchmarking, work location, and internal equity.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.