Managing Editor of Charged Affairs

About Charged Affairs

Charged Affairs is YPFP's in house foreign policy publication. The magazine's team of editors and staff writers publish on a wide range of foreign and international policy subjects on a weekly basis, bringing the perspectives of early and mid-career professionals and academics to the broader foreign policy community. Charged Affairs is also a forum for publishing guest pieces by YPFP members in the United States and abroad, highlighting original analysis and global perspectives. Articles range from op-eds to interviews and book reviews.

Please visit the Charged Affairs website here.


Position Description

The Managing Editor of Charged Affairs works closely with the Editor-in-Chief to oversee the editorial and writing staff, managing outside submissions, update the website, maintain the publishing schedule, and design and implement strategic initiatives. The Managing Editor participates fully in the work of the Editorial Board and has additional oversight and coordination responsibilities. The Managing Editor also participates in staffing decision alongside the Editor-in- Chief.

In the absence of the Editor-in-Chief, the Managing Editor represents the publication, leads the meetings, and makes executive decisions. The Managing Editor helps the Editor-in-Chief craft and implement a strategic vision for growth, innovation and process improvement of Charged Affairs.


This position requires approximately 10 hours per week, and successful candidates will be able to make at least a one-year commitment to the role. 

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Assist in managing the Editorial Board and the editorial process
  • Play a leading role in coordinating and monitoring the publishing and editorial system
  • Assist the Editor-in-Chief in leading the Editorial Board in the timely editing and uploading of all content
  • Maintain, enforce and facilitate a publishing calendar and editorial guidelines
  • Closely monitor and be aware of publishing deadlines, extensions, and actively work to promote good relations between Staff Writers and Editor
  • Play a leading role in the planning and execution of staff development activities and socials

Desired Skills 

  •  Prior editorial experience required, preferably in leadership role
  • Ability to lead an editorial team and manage and editorial process
  • Strong interest in international affairs
  • Impeccable grasp of grammar, syntax, structure, flow and style
  • Strong communication skills and editorial instincts
  • Strong sense of quality and the ability to tactfully but directly push writers, contributors, and editors to produce their best work
  • Attention to detail
  • Responsive to emails
  • Understands how publication should function, how to utilize social media to grow an audience, and how to optimize content for impact
  • Prior experience with WordPress a plus

Eligibility and Selection

  • Ideally an early career foreign policy professional or current graduate student in a relevant field
  • Resident of the Washington DC area
  • Position is unpaid and part-time
  • If not already a dues paying member, candidate must become a YPFP member upon acceptance of an offer


Application Process

To apply, send the following materials as attachments to recruiting@ypfp.org

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Writing Samples of 2-3 pages (ideally op-ed style and related to foreign policy)

Include "CA Managing Editor Application" in the subject line.