Senior Writer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Writer

🔹 Company: Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD)

🔹 Location: London/Berlin/Washington DC

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Think Tanks

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-28

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (London/Berlin/Washington DC)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading editorial development of ISD’s research and communications output
• Ensuring high quality, impactful public-facing materials
• Overseeing content development, strategic communication, and staff development
• Collaborating with Communications, Research, and Executive Leadership Teams
• Working with a team of regional writers and copy editor analysts

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of editorial expertise and experience in policy or communications focused on issues such as conflict resolution, hate, extremism, polarisation, disinformation, and terrorism.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Serve as a lead editor for ISD’s research and policy outputs, ensuring intellectual rigour, clarity, consistency, and quality across written materials

✅ Craft compelling, evidence-based content across formats (policy briefs, reports, short form pieces, social media)

✅ Implement robust editorial processes with appropriate sign-off mechanisms

✅ Safeguard organisational reputation through rigorous quality standards

✅ Align ISD’s communications with the organisation’s strategy and theory of change

✅ Identify opportunities to influence discourse and stakeholder perspectives

✅ Develop and maintain media relationships to extend reach across channels

✅ Create messaging frameworks for major campaigns and policy initiatives

✅ Prepare toplines and position statements to navigate sensitive media interest

✅ Conduct horizon scanning to anticipate emerging communication needs

✅ Oversee the Senior Communications Manager and a team of regional writers/copy editor analysts

✅ Design and deliver tailored writing workshops addressing organisational needs

✅ Provide constructive feedback on drafts from non-specialist colleagues, and mentor colleagues to elevate their writing capabilities

✅ Create resources and style guides to institutionalise quality standards

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of writing, editing, and strategic communication, as well as team management and staff development.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related field. A Master's degree would be an asset.

Experience: 10+ years of experience as a journalist, editor, or researcher in a senior role in a media, political, public sector, research, or non-profit organisation, with a focus on policy or communications related to conflict resolution, hate, extremism, polarisation, disinformation, and/or terrorism.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in a policy or communications role focused on relevant issues
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills
• Ability to understand and communicate complex research findings
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills
• Experience managing teams and providing mentorship
• Familiarity with media relations and stakeholder engagement

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in a think tank or non-profit organisation
• Fluency in multiple languages
• Knowledge of the issues ISD works on and a commitment to driving positive change

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in a relevant field and a strong commitment to ISD's mission and values.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £45,000 - £60,000 (UK) / €60,000 - €90,000 (EU) / $85,000 - $110,000 (US)

Benefits:

• Flexible and remote working based on ISD’s Time Principles
• Generous annual leave policies
• Additional paid time off over Christmas
• Paid time off for development
• Sick pay and enhanced family friendly policies
• Company pension
• Annual personal development budget
• Remote working budget
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Inclusive wellbeing programme

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible hours and remote work options

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is competitive and dependent on location. Benefits are designed to support work-life balance and employee wellbeing.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Think Tanks

Company Size: 51-200 employees

Founded: 2006

Company Description:

• ISD is a leading global ‘think and do’ tank dedicated to understanding and innovating real-world responses to the rising tide of polarisation, hate, and extremism of all forms.
• ISD combines anthropological research, expertise in international extremist movements, and an advanced digital analysis capability with policy advisory support and training to governments and cities around the world.
• ISD also works to empower youth and community influencers internationally through its pioneering education, technology, and communications programmes.

Company Specialties:

• counter-extremism
• digital analysis
• research
• youth engagement
• education
• digital citizenship
• government advisory
• grassroots network coordination
• counter-terrorism
• OSINT
• and CVE

Company Website: http://www.isdglobal.org

ASSUMPTION: ISD is a well-established organisation with a strong reputation in its field, offering a unique blend of research, policy, and community engagement.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior

Reporting Structure: The Senior Writer will report directly to the Executive Leadership Team and work closely with the Communications and Research Teams.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with the option to work from one of ISD’s offices in London, Berlin, or Washington DC, or remotely.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a leadership role within the Communications or Research Teams
• Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and engage with international stakeholders
• Chance to develop and implement innovative communication strategies

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and impact within a dynamic and influential organisation.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: ISD has offices in London, Berlin, and Washington DC, with a hybrid work arrangement available.

Office Location(s): London, Berlin, Washington DC

Geographic Context:

• London: A global hub for policy, research, and international relations
• Berlin: A vibrant city with a strong focus on tech, innovation, and startups
• Washington DC: The political and policy capital of the United States

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible hours and remote work options

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and flexible hours allow for a good work-life balance and the opportunity to work in multiple global locations.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR team
• In-depth interview with the Executive Leadership Team and relevant department heads
• Background check and reference checks
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and editing skills
• Strategic communication and stakeholder engagement
• Team management and staff development
• Alignment with ISD's mission, values, and organisational culture

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Provide examples of your writing and editing work, demonstrating your ability to communicate complex research findings
• Prepare for interview questions related to your understanding of ISD's work, your strategic communication approach, and your team management style

ATS Keywords: Senior Writer, Think Tank, Policy, Communications, Editor, Research, Strategic Communication, Stakeholder Engagement, Team Management, Writing, Editing, Think and Do Tank, Counter-Extremism, Hate, Extremism, Polarisation, Disinformation, Terrorism

ASSUMPTION: The application process is designed to assess your skills, experience, and cultural fit for the role and organisation.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides)
• Content Management Systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Social Media Platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
• Project Management Tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is expected, and proficiency will be an asset in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our work
• Collaboration: Working together across teams, disciplines, and borders to achieve our shared mission
• Agility: Embracing change, innovation, and continuous learning to stay ahead of emerging challenges
• Courage: Speaking truth to power and taking bold action to drive meaningful change

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced work environment
• Opportunities for international travel and collaboration
• Strong focus on teamwork, communication, and stakeholder engagement
• Support for professional development and growth

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your personal values align with ISD's organisational values?
• How do you approach working in a dynamic, international team with diverse perspectives?
• What is your approach to driving change and innovation in a fast-paced, evolving work environment?

ASSUMPTION: ISD's organisational culture is collaborative, agile, and mission-driven, with a strong emphasis on integrity and courage.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working on sensitive and sometimes distressing topics related to extremism, hate, and disinformation
• Managing a team with diverse skills, backgrounds, and locations
• Balancing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced work environment
• Navigating international stakeholder relationships and cultural differences

ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and excellent communication skills.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other senior writing roles, this position offers a unique blend of editorial, strategic communication, and team management responsibilities
• ISD's focus on counter-extremism, hate, and disinformation sets it apart from other think tanks and research organisations
• Career progression in this role may lead to leadership positions within the Communications or Research Teams, or other senior roles within the organisation

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of research, policy, and communication in a dynamic and influential organisation.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive editorial style guide for ISD's public-facing materials
• Leading a team to produce a major research report on the global trends in extremism and disinformation
• Crafting a strategic communication plan to launch a new ISD initiative focused on youth engagement and digital citizenship

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities available in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into ISD's overall strategy and theory of change?
• What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
• How does ISD support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working in a hybrid, international team, and how are they addressed?
• How does ISD engage with and influence international stakeholders, and what role would I play in these efforts?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the role, the organisation, and the cultural fit for the candidate.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, with a focus on writing, editing, and strategic communication
• Prepare a portfolio or examples of your writing and editing work, demonstrating your ability to communicate complex research findings
• Review ISD's job description and keep in mind that no candidate will meet every requirement in the advert
• Follow up with the ISD recruitment team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.