Editorial Lead - Research

The Gensler Research Institute supports research investigations important to our firm, our clients, and to the ongoing learning and development of Gensler professionals. We believe that design grounded in research results in high-performance solutions that enhance the human experience and deliver game-changing innovation.

­­­Your Role

The Gensler Research Institute (GRI) is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Editorial Lead to lead the editorial direction, quality, and consistency of our growing portfolio of research publications. This senior-level role will shape how Gensler communicates its thought leadership, ensuring that research insights are compelling, rigorous, and aligned with the firm’s brand and broader strategic goals.

The Editorial Lead will lead the development of GRI's publications, guiding editorial frameworks, voice, and standards that position Gensler at the forefront of the design industry. This individual will work closely with the Institute’s Director of Communications and Design Director, and our team of writers, subject matter experts, designers, and communications partners across the firm to produce high-impact content that informs design, influences industry dialogue, and supports client engagement.
 

What You Will Do

Editorial Strategy & Vision

• Define and evolve the editorial tone, style, and direction for GRI publications to align with Gensler’s brand and business goals.

• Develop editorial guidelines and ensure consistent application across all research outputs—from flagship publications to white papers and digital content.

• Collaborate with the Director of Communications and research leadership to build and maintain a forward-looking editorial calendar.

Writing & Editing

• Serve as lead writer or editor on high-profile research publications, crafting narratives that synthesize data, trends, and expert insights into accessible, engaging content.

• Review and edit content produced by others to ensure quality, clarity, accuracy, and brand alignment.

• Translate complex research findings into clear, compelling language for a variety of audiences, including clients, media, and the general public.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage and mentor a team of writers and editors, providing editorial oversight, coaching, and feedback.

• Oversee the editorial process from assignment to final production, in partnership with the Institute’s Design Director and graphics team, ensuring all deadlines are met.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders—including Practice Area and Sector Leaders, the Marketing/PR team, the Gensler Research Institute team, and Executive Leadership—to ensure editorial content supports firmwide priorities.

Content Planning & Operations

• Drive the planning and execution of the editorial calendar, balancing long-term research initiatives with timely thought leadership opportunities.

• Partner with communications, design, and marketing teams to bring editorial content to life across platforms (print, digital, social).

• Ensure effective workflows, from ideation through approval and publishing, that support consistency, accuracy, and timely delivery.

Measurement & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor performance of editorial content through feedback, engagement metrics, and business impact.

• Identify opportunities to evolve editorial practices, formats, and distribution strategies to reach target audiences more effectively.

 Your Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in editorial leadership, ideally in research, think tank, media, academic, or design-related environments.

• Proven ability to develop and execute an editorial vision for a content-rich, insights-driven organization.

• Exceptional writing and editing skills with a strong portfolio of published work—both authored and edited (writing samples required)

• Deep experience managing editorial teams and workflows, including freelancers and cross-functional contributors.

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and workstreams.

• Adept at translating complex ideas and data into accessible, engaging content for diverse audiences.

• Familiarity with digital publishing platforms and experience with both print and online formats.

• Passion for design, innovation, and communicating ideas that shape the built environment.

• Ability to work with global colleagues who come from a variety of different disciplines and backgrounds

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Must be collaborative, flexible, and team-oriented

Life at Gensler

As a people-first organization, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.

**This compensation range in Washington, DC is estimated between $125k-$145k, plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.

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