Editorial and Events Associate

Who We Are

The Breakthrough Institute (BTI) seeks innovative solutions to environmental and human development challenges in pursuit of a secure, healthier, and more prosperous future. BTI fosters a culture of aspirational, disruptive, and evidence-based thinking, and mission-driven, pragmatic problem-solving. Over the past few years, we’ve grown to a staff of 20+ talented individuals, shaping how policymakers, environmental groups, and other thought leaders view climate change, nuclear power, agricultural innovation, international energy development, and other key issues.

The Opportunity

We are currently hiring an Editorial and Events Associate to support our growing communications and events teams. The Editorial and Events Associate will work closely with the Editorial Director to produce, edit, publish, and promote Breakthrough’s work and will collaborate across our various research teams. This role will also support our Events Director in promoting Breakthrough’s ideas through, for example, our flagship gatherings, which bring together thought leaders from all over the world.

This is an entry-level position for candidates with a few years of experience or less and is a role that provides ample potential for increasing levels of responsibility, exposure to a wide variety of subject areas and business functions, and opportunities to pitch and publish one’s own writing.

Key Responsibilities

Editorial

Assist editorial director in tracking and managing publication calendar and pipeline

Assist editorial director with editing and copyediting Breakthrough publications

Assist editorial director in coordinating across teams and managing interactions with contractors such as copy editors and graphic designers

Assist editorial director with editing and publishing newsletters

Assist editorial director in producing press releases

Post content to Breakthrough’s website

Develop and post social media content

Track key metrics of success for Breakthrough’s communications, such as media mentions

Events

Assist the Events Director in planning, coordinating, and executing events, including but not limited to tasks such as: research, managing RSVPs, conducting outreach, database management, and on-site event management.

Assist in developing, compiling, and editing event materials, including but not limited to: invites, travel information, nametags, presentation materials, speaker bios, programs, etc.

Interface with events contractors and vendors

Other

Providing writing and editing support on development projects as needed

Breakthrough employees may be asked to perform other tasks as needed. Responsibilities are subject to change to correspond with the needs of The Breakthrough Institute, in its sole discretion.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in English, History, Environmental Studies or other relevant, writing-heavy fields

Strong writing skills and a passion for writing and editing

Experience copyediting and editing others’ writing

Broad background knowledge of and authentic interest in Breakthrough’s core research and policy interests: energy technology innovation, agricultural research and productivity, international aid and development, and technology regulation.

Clear communication skills and ability to both give and receive feedback constructively

Organization, attention to detail, and effective project and time management

A drive to get things done and a willingness to take on new work as it arises

Eagerness to learn new skills

Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with Mailchimp and Salesforce

Experience managing social media platforms for business functions

Job Conditions

This is a full-time, exempt position in Berkeley, CA, with hybrid virtual and in-person work arrangements. A minimum of 3 days of in-office work is expected.

Some evening or weekend time may be required depending on events and other job-related work outside of the office.

All employees must show proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination prior to their start date, subject to a disability or religious accommodation exemption.

Salary and Benefits

$50,000-$60,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Excellent health insurance, dental, vision, paid leave, retirement plan, life insurance, disability insurance, professional development support, cell phone reimbursement, and commuter benefits.

Application Instructions

We encourage you to submit materials as soon as possible, as we will interview and hire on a near-term rolling basis.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample ONLY to jobs[at]thebreakthrough.org. Please do not submit your application through alternate job sites.

Your email subject should say: <Your Name>: <Position Title>

Your email should state how you heard about this position

Your cover letter should reflect on Breakthrough’s work and how you perceive this opportunity as part of your career arc

Your writing sample should be under 2500 words and best reflect your style as a writer