Job Description

Senior Editor, Foreign Desk - Remote (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. All positions are remote/ work-from-home.

Are you an experienced Senior Editor  who is currently sidelined but eager to get back into the news game? Are you a fan of nonprofit journalism and also financially comfortable at the moment? 

At WhoWhatWhy, we have a unique model where we compensate for the tough funding challenges of being a small, scrappy nonprofit by combining a largely voluntary team with a small core of paid pillar personnel. Right now, we cannot afford the sort of salary required for a top flight Senior Editor but we’re willing to work with the right person over time to convert to some compensation. However, we want to be candid that we may never be able to compete fully on that front, so we’re really looking for someone whose primary motivation is to do what they love. 

WhoWhatWhy is a nonpartisan, agenda-free news organization. Not left-wing, not right-wing, not consensus-seeking, we report the truth, whatever it is. We approach each story with an open mind, boundless curiosity, and a willingness to dig deep beneath the surface — and don’t back away in the face of pressure from powerful institutions and groupthink. 

Age does not matter. We have among us young students, vibrant retirees, and everything in between, from all walks of life.

Join us! 

Responsibilities

• Assign stories to staff and freelancers
• Assess story pitches 
• Generate story ideas
• Edit stories 
• Uphold editorial guidelines that ensure a consistent voice, tone, perspective, and copy standards 
• Write compelling original pieces yourself, when the spirit moves you

Minimum Qualifications 

• 5-7+ years experience in a newsroom that produces quality journalism
• Strong editing, writing, and reporting skills, and experience working under deadline pressure
• Highly organized, motivated, and curious, and able to juggle — and prioritize — multiple projects simultaneously
• Possess an ability to recognize and craft powerful stories
• Familiarity with and interest in storytelling across multiple platforms — including video, audio, and data visualization
• A collaborative spirit and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Share our values and commitment to a higher form of journalism

Perks

• Channel your passion in a stimulating environment.
• Learn the nuts and bolts of nonprofit operations in an up-and-coming organization.
• Develop new skills and gain valuable experience that can enhance your professional trajectory.
• Do amazing work on a flexible, part-time basis.
• Have fun while you make a difference. 

Expectations 

You will be expected to attend your department’s recurring meetings. Beyond this, you will work on your own schedule. We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months for at least 15 hours a week. Because our team is spread throughout the world, we rely on a combination of Slack, email, and conference calls, and expect everyone to be responsive in a timely manner. 

To Apply 

We will not review applications that appear to be mass submissions. To apply, send your resume and a customized cover letter making clear you are familiar with our mission and work. You should confirm your understanding that this is a volunteer position. If there is no option to attach a cover letter, please send a cover letter to [email protected]. 

Please note that response emails from us sometimes end up in spam folders; don’t forget to check them. Thank you!

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