Copy Editor, Fact-checking

Who You Are

• 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 dates, statistics, and quotes.
• Ensure adherence to the SPLC Editorial Style Guide, AP Stylebook, and ethical journalism guidelines; correct grammar and spelling; collaborate with writers and editors to produce trustworthy, polished work.
• Fact-checking: Identify disputable information; verify basic facts; follow procedures from the Communications Department playbooks.
• Source verification: Cross-reference information with reputable sources and follow up with individuals to confirm details.
• Content review: Review articles, reports, and other content for factual accuracy, grammatical errors, and adherence to style guidelines.
• Editing and proofreading: Correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar; ensure overall clarity and logical structure.
• Collaboration: Work with writers and other editors to clarify information and resolve discrepancies.
• Research: Conduct research to add context or support to articles and investigate the impact of disinformation.
• Quality assurance: Serve as the final check to ensure content is trustworthy and reliable before publication and act as the final line of defense against factual inaccuracies and misinformation.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned within scope.

• Minimum 5 years of fact-checking or copy editing.
• High school diploma or GED.

This is an exempt role, and the minimum starting salary is $73,832 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience. (Benefits available to SPLC staff.)

• Local Remote:
  Will work remotely, but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in states where the SPLC operates.
• Telework:
  Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.
• This position will report to the Director, Editorial.

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.