Document Editor Job Description

DOCUMENT EDITOR SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS

The document editor reviews organizational documents (policies, procedures, etc.) for accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and usefulness, or fitness of purpose.

DOCUMENT EDITOR ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read content and correct for errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar
• Rewrite copy, as needed, to make it easier for people to understand
• Verify facts, using standard reference sources
• Evaluate submissions and decide what to publish
• Work with technical writers to help their documents succeed
• Plan documents in accordance with the organization’s style and content policies
• Develop content ideas while being mindful of the target audience (e.g., board of directors, production workers, software designers)
• Allocate space for text, photos, and illustrations that help convey the document’s meaning
• Approve final versions of documents submitted by staff
• Supervise document development cycle and periodically report to management on progress

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports directly to the document manager (or quality manager). Works in conjunction with department heads, the document’s target audience, subject matter experts, and technical writers to ensure quality and usefulness of documents.

DOCUMENT EDITOR QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or communications is required, as is 2 years or more of business/technical writing experience. A year or more of supervisory experience is preferred. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well with people at every level of the organization are essential. Experience with document editing, document management, and publishing software (e.g., Microsoft Word, PowerPoint) is beneficial.

DOCUMENT EDITOR PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to communicate well orally and in writing with document developers and managers, document users, SMEs, and management is crucial. Frequent use of communication media (e.g., phone, email, other social media) occurs. Hearing and vision within normal ranges is essential for normal conversations, to receive ordinary information, and to prepare or inspect documents.

Sitting for extended periods is common; occasionally, the editor will need to move about the office to access files or office equipment, conduct meetings or interviews with supervisors, management, direct reports, etc., or operate a computer or other office productivity devices (e.g., calculator, handheld devices, copier/fax/scanning machine. Must be able to constantly position self to maintain equipment, including under tables and desks.

No heavy lifting is expected, though occasional exertion of up to 10 lbs. of force (e.g., carrying a laptop) may be required. Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment (e.g., computers, calculators, copiers, scanners) is helpful.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The job is usually performed indoors in a traditional office setting, though the document editor may work wherever a computer (laptop, tablet, etc.) can be used. Extended periods of sitting and extensive work on computers and other communication devices are involved.