Assignment Editor (Volunteer)
*Note: The following is an opportunity for flexible, part-time, volunteer work. Please DO NOT APPLY if you are only looking for paid employment.* This is a remote-from-home position.
Are you confident in your ability to develop story ideas? Are you a voracious online newsreader of a variety of different sources? Are you excited about the opportunity to work with smart and talented individuals committed to producing great content in the public interest? Can you commit a minimum of 10 hours a week, working remotely on your own schedule with our far-flung, diverse team?
The nonprofit news organization WhoWhatWhy is looking for an Assignment Editor to join the team.
Check out WhoWhatWhy.org. You'™ll quickly see that we're a credible source carrying out the solution to the raging debate over whether the news is 'œfake' or not,' with agenda-free research and publishing bracingly fresh analysis. Not left-wing, not right-wing, not consensus-seeking. We just want the truth '” whatever it is.
We have thought long and hard about what limits journalism's ability to effect positive change in the public interest, and we see two factors that dominate the landscape: (1) Commercial entities overly concerned with meeting financial goals and filling 'œeyeball' quotas '” while not straying from the rest of the pack, thereby ensuring a sameness and superficiality to the coverage. (2) Ideologically driven outfits catering to a specific mindset and not daring to reveal things that would upset their readers '” or force them to reconsider their values.
At WhoWhatWhy, we go at each story with an open mind, boundless curiosity, and a willingness to dig deep and ask hard questions '” even when we're told not to. Nothing is going to stand in our way when it comes to discovering what is going on beneath the surface, and why. Call it naive to believe such fearlessness possible, but we think it's the essence of true journalism.
And because we're straight to the point, we make clear that we're looking for volunteers '” skilled volunteers. Yes, we're a nonprofit that wasn't funded by a zillionaire. Yes, we decline to accept corporate ads. Yes, we have a limited budget right now and simply don't have the ability to pay many people very much.
However, we do have big ambitions, which is why we're seeking an experienced assignment editor who is curious, can unearth powerful stories and can demonstrate significant investigative skills. This person will work with a committed and truth-seeking team that is skeptical towards power and credentialed expertise with a determination to unearth the facts interested parties want to keep hidden.
Responsibilities
Collect, prioritize, and create requirements for pairing story ideas and beats with qualified writers.Review lists of staff writers, stringers, and freelancers to determine the location, specialty, availability, skill, and experience level of each Identify and communicate with prospective writers.Pitch and assign story ideas to appropriate writers.Work with the Recruiting Editor to find writers.Play an additional role as an occasional content/line editor.Reviewing material for fairness, accuracy, and balanceQualifications
You must be an organized, motivated, curious individual with strong logistical and editorial skillsYou must understand sourcing, fact-checking, balancing and vetting of editorial informationBachelor's degree in journalism.Excellent writing skills.Ability to juggle a large number of stories and writers simultaneously.5+ experience as an editor. Excel in storytelling across multiple platformsStrong writing and copy-editing skills are a mustPerks
Channel your passion in a stimulating environmentLearn the nuts and bolts of nonprofit operations in an up-and-coming organizationDevelop new skills and gain valuable experience that can enhance your professional trajectoryDo amazing work on a flexible, part-time basisHave fun while you make a difference Expectations
You will work remotely and on your own schedule, and we require a minimum commitment of 10-15 hours a week. (Though doing more is not discouraged!) Because our staff is spread throughout the world, we communicate mostly through Slack and, email, and team members are requested to be highly responsive in a timely manner.
If you possess a high level of self-motivation, work well independently but also have strong collaboration skills and enjoy the opportunity to partner with other senior leaders, and can commit quality time per week on a regular basis to help achieve team goals, we'd like to hear from you.
To Apply
We will not review applications that appear to be mass submissions. To apply, send your resume and a customized cover letter explaining why you're a good fit for this position. If there is no option to attach a cover letter, please send a cover letter to hr@whowhatwhy.org. You should confirm your understanding that this is, initially, a volunteer position. Thanks!
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