Senior Editor (Volunteer)

Note: This is a remote, part-time volunteer position. Please do not apply if you are only seeking paid employment.

Are you an experienced editor — perhaps retired, between roles, building toward your next step, or simply looking for a more meaningful editorial home — who misses the intellectual challenge, the shaping of important stories, and the satisfaction of bringing strong journalism to life?

WhoWhatWhy, an independent nonprofit news organization, is looking for part-time Senior Editors to help guide story selection, shape editorial direction, and work closely with writers and fellow editors. For some, this is a way to stay actively engaged in serious journalism, mentor developing writers, and help shape coverage at an important moment. For others, it’s a chance to bring high-level editorial judgment to a collaborative team and remain deeply connected to the work. We have a limited budget, so we especially welcome those who are not looking to us principally as an income source.

Our team is highly experienced, collaborative, and deeply engaged with the work. The atmosphere is convivial, supportive, and stimulating — the kind of environment where ideas are shared freely and good editing makes everyone’s work stronger. For the right person, this can be a rewarding way to stay actively connected to serious journalism.

Who We Are

WhoWhatWhy is a nonprofit investigative news organization producing deep-dive journalism on the most pressing issues of our time. We’re powered by skilled volunteers and a small core staff — from students to seasoned professionals — who believe in ethical, independent journalism free from corporate or political influence.

About the Role

As a Senior Editor, you will:

• Review and approve story pitches based on relevance, feasibility, and alignment with editorial priorities
• Assign stories to writers and determine appropriate contributors and/or topics
• Define story direction, scope, and key angles at the outset of assignments
• Review drafts and determine whether additional reporting, revision, or sourcing is required
• Make final decisions on when content is ready for publication
• Ensure all published work meets editorial standards for accuracy, sourcing, and consistency
• Contribute original story ideas and identify emerging topics for coverage
• Oversee multiple stories simultaneously and maintain progress across assignments

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in a newsroom or editorial environment
• Experience editing long-form or investigative journalism
• Experience assigning stories and working with multiple writers or contributors
• Demonstrated experience guiding writers from pitch through final draft
• Strong background in journalism, reporting, or editorial production
• Experience working under deadline pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with editorial standards (e.g., AP style or similar)

Bonus

• Experience managing freelance or volunteer contributors
• Familiarity with multimedia storytelling (audio, video, data)
• Experience working in nonprofit or mission-driven media environments

Commitment

We ask for a commitment of 10–15 hours per week and a minimum of 6 months. Scheduling is flexible, but consistent availability is important for managing multiple assignments and maintaining editorial flow.

How to Apply

Please send:

• Your resume or relevant experience
• A brief cover letter explaining your interest in the role and our mission

If there is no option to upload your materials, email them to [email protected]. Please check your spam folder for responses.

Reminder

We do not review mass-submitted or AI-generated applications. We value thoughtful, original submissions that reflect genuine interest in our work.