Writer (Volunteer)
About the role
As a Writer, you will work with editors to develop, shape, and refine stories that align with our editorial focus. You will:
- Pitch and develop story ideas aligned with our editorial focus
- Conduct research using credible sources, including interviews when needed
- Write articles, explainers, and investigative pieces based on approved pitches
- Structure articles with a clear narrative flow (introduction, development, conclusion)
- Support key points with accurate sourcing, attribution, and evidence
- Collaborate with editors to revise drafts and strengthen content
- Submit revisions within agreed timelines
Responsibilities
You will:
- Pitch and develop story ideas aligned with our editorial focus
- Conduct research using credible sources, including interviews when needed
- Write articles, explainers, and investigative pieces based on approved pitches
- Structure articles with a clear narrative flow (introduction, development, conclusion)
- Support key points with accurate sourcing, attribution, and evidence
- Collaborate with editors to revise drafts and strengthen content
- Submit revisions within agreed timelines
Requirements
We are looking for:
- A track record of writing thoughtful, well-developed articles, essays, or other substantial public-facing work
- Sound news judgment and the ability to identify what is important, interesting, or worth pursuing in a story
- Comfort working independently while also engaging in a collaborative editorial process
- The ability to incorporate editorial feedback while maintaining accuracy, substance, and voice
- The discipline to follow through on assignments, revisions, and deadlines
- An interest in serious reporting and analysis grounded in facts, context, and evidence
- A background in journalism, communications, or a related field is helpful, but not required
Bonus (Not Required)
- Experience writing for publication, newsletters, Substack, blogs, or other public-facing platforms
- Subject-matter expertise in politics, law, history, foreign affairs, science, technology, business, or culture
- Experience translating complex information for a general audience
- Experience conducting interviews or working from source material, public records, or research documents
- Familiarity with digital publishing or audience-facing writing
Qualifications
We value volunteers who can contribute consistently over time and communicate reliably with their teams. Scheduling is flexible and will vary depending on the role, workload, and department needs.
Skills
We are looking for:
- A track record of writing thoughtful, well-developed articles, essays, or other substantial public-facing work
- Sound news judgment and the ability to identify what is important, interesting, or worth pursuing in a story
- Comfort working independently while also engaging in a collaborative editorial process
- The ability to incorporate editorial feedback while maintaining accuracy, substance, and voice
- The discipline to follow through on assignments, revisions, and deadlines
- An interest in serious reporting and analysis grounded in facts, context, and evidence
- A background in journalism, communications, or a related field is helpful, but not required
Benefits
Our atmosphere is convivial, supportive, and stimulating. Writers here have the chance to sharpen their work with strong editorial input, stretch into ambitious subject areas, and be part of a team that shares ideas and strengthens one another’s work. It’s a great add-on to your life — whether you become an “inside writer” or contribute periodically as a freelance collaborator.
Pay
We are an independent, nonprofit news organization with a limited budget, so we especially welcome those who are not looking to us principally as an income source. Our writers range from pro bono to modestly paid (particularly those covering wars and international developments), and this can be discussed.
Schedule
We value volunteers who can contribute consistently over time and communicate reliably with their teams. Scheduling is flexible and will vary depending on the role, workload, and department needs.