Developmental Editor

Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced developmental editor to provide editorial leadership for a high-visibility revision project involving the Oregon Archaeology Guidelines. This role is suited to a strong editor who can improve organization, clarity, tone, and usability in a complex technical manuscript while collaborating closely with subject matter experts. The editor will help shape a final document intended for a diverse professional audience that includes Tribal nations and federal, state, and local agencies and governments.

Key Responsibilities
The Developmental Editor will:

• Review a draft manuscript of approximately 121 pages and 57,650 words, including figures, captions, and bibliography, to assess organization, clarity, tone, and alignment with project goals.
• Evaluate public comments already received on the draft and advise on how they should be incorporated to strengthen the document for a diverse professional audience.
• Deliver two rounds of redline edits in Microsoft Word, each accompanied by a revision memo explaining recommended changes, identifying gaps or inconsistencies, and improving structure, tone, and readability.
• Participate in project meetings with the State Archaeologist and project manager at project initiation, during review cycles, and at project conclusion.
• Set aside approximately 30–60 minutes per week during the contract period for meetings and questions related to the project.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, or a related field.
• 2–5 years of professional editing experience.
• Experience editing technical manuscripts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, including Track Changes, comments, styles, and templates.
• Ability to provide a portfolio demonstrating before-and-after editing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience editing to the standards of the Society for American Archaeology style guidance.
• Ability to apply plain-language principles while preserving technical accuracy.
• Familiarity with accessibility best practices.

What This Role Is — and Is Not
This is a developmental editing role focused on document structure, clarity, tone, and audience alignment. The editor will not make final technical or legal content decisions, create new archaeological guidance, resolve stakeholder disputes, or produce publication-ready design and layout. Final content authority remains with the State Archaeologist.

Project Schedule
The engagement is structured around a multi-week review process that includes kickoff, two redline review cycles, revision memos, and discussion meetings with the project team. The proposed schedule spans approximately 15 weeks, subject to revision in coordination with the successful vendor.

To Apply
Please submit:

• A current resume
• A portfolio with before-and-after editing samples
• Three professional references

Pay: $75.00 - $85.00 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a portfolio?
• Do you have experience editing to the standards of the Society for American Archaeology style?
• Can you provide 3 professional references?

Work Location: Remote