Volunteer Assigning Editor

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WhoWhatWhy seeks a driven and talented individual to serve as our Assigning Editor. You will keep track of story ideas and available editorial talent, matching greenlighted articles to the most qualified reporters, while also developing story ideas and reporting strategies. You should have a strong sense of the news business and ideally some experience with Assigning Editor work. We’re also open to neophytes who can prove that they have the requisite skills to carry out this function.

The position is part-time, and can be arranged to suit your schedule.

WhoWhatWhy is the best antidote to fake news you will find. We hunt for those narratives that somehow never get told - even by the "hot news brands" that at first blush seem so edgy and bold. We dig deeper, identifying underlying causes of political crises and structural problems that, if addressed, could result in a better world for all.

As a nonprofit that accepts no advertising, WhoWhatWhy staff up largely with enthusiastic, professional volunteers, though we try to offer modest stipends to those who have proven their value and long-term commitment.

If you believe deeply in our mission, want to do your part and have the skills and time to match, we’d like to hear from you. Send us your resume and a detailed cover letter that shows you have studied our brand and explains why you are qualified for this position. Make clear you understand the fundamentally pro bono aspect and are not mass-applying.

Qualifications:

• 1-2 years of experience writing or curating stories at a news publication
• A keen understanding of current affairs and elements of sophisticated explanatory and investigative journalism
• An awareness of the WhoWhatWhy brand, its values and its distinct editorial voice
• A familiarity with the decision-making rationale behind newsroom assignments
• Excellent communication and writing skills

Responsibilities:

• Assess skills, knowledge, reporting and writing styles of our reporters and editors
• Determine the appropriate qualities for a reporter covering a particular story
• Review our story idea lineup and match qualified reporters with varied issues
• Recruit and match skilled freelancers with assignments and help identify outside area experts for story guidance
• Brainstorm and develop compelling, original takes on current events