The Copy Editor, Fact-checking is responsible for verifying the accuracy of SPLC content to further the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)’s mission and goals. This position is a copy editor with a primary focus on thorough, accurate fact-checking.
Safeguard. Practices sound editorial judgment to safeguard the publication’s credibility, fairness, and trustworthiness by assessing whether information is presented fairly, proportionately, and honestly, and by distinguishing between minor stylistic issues and inaccuracies that could mislead readers, alter meaning, or pose legal or ethical risks.
Researcher. Conducts rigorous research by verifying claims through authoritative primary sources, evaluating source credibility and limitations, resolving conflicting information through original context, quickly building subject-matter understanding, and protecting the publication from factual, ethical, and legal risk.
Communicative. Must clearly and diplomatically explain questions, concerns, and corrections to writers and editors, request and evaluate sources, and negotiate wording changes without disrupting workflow or relationships. Strong communication ensures that factual issues are understood, addressed efficiently, and resolved in a way that preserves accuracy, clarity, and editorial integrity.
Meticulous. Must possess meticulous attention to detail to catch inconsistencies, ambiguity and errors that others may otherwise miss.
Mission, Vision & Values Alignment. Demonstrates an understanding of and a commitment to SPLC's mission, vision and values.
Verify the accuracy of published content by researching claims, cross-referencing sources and correcting, for example, dates, statistics, and quotes.
Ensure adherence to the SPLC Editorial Style Guide, The AP Stylebook, and the guidelines of ethical journalism. Also corrects grammar and spelling, and collaborates with writers and editors to produce trustworthy, polished work.
Fact-checking: Identifies any disputable information — including anything that is not considered common knowledge; verifies basic facts: the spelling of people’s names, professional titles, names and spellings of organizations, groups, and events as well as dates, geographic locations, historical events, ages, arithmetic, statistics, source quotes, and similar verifiable data; and follows other fact-checking procedures provided by the Communications Department, such as those printed in “playbooks.”
Source verification: Cross-references information with reputable sources and following up with individuals to confirm details.
Content review: Reviews articles, reports, and other content for factual accuracy, grammatical errors, and adherence to style guidelines.
Editing and proofreading: Corrects spelling, punctuation, and grammar, and ensures the overall clarity and logical structure of the content.
Collaboration: Works with writers and other editors to clarify information and resolve any discrepancies.
Research: Conducts research to add context or support to articles and investigates the impact of disinformation.
Quality assurance: Serves as the final check to ensure content is trustworthy and reliable before it is published and act as the final line of defense against factual inaccuracies and misinformation before publication.
Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.
We are committed to equitable hiring practices, therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.
This is an exempt role, and the minimum starting salary is $73,832 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Click here to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.
This role has the following work designation options:
This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.
This position is represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.
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