Copy Editor (Volunteer)

Copy Editor - 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 Copy 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 Copy 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. 

We have a great Copy Editor but need a second person to share the role. If you can commit 15 hours a week or more on a flexible schedule, we’d love to hear from you. 

WhoWhatWhy.org 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

• Ensure linguistic correctness
• Effectively fact check dates, names, statistics, and citations 
• Review readability and clarity in every sentence 
• Review for style, and make changes and corrections when necessary to align with editorial requirements
• Proofread newsletters and podcast transcripts

Minimum Qualifications 

• Minimum two years working as a Copy Editor for a daily publication 
• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or a related field
• Ability to remain detailed-oriented and focused when processing large amounts of text
• Willingness to collaborate with a creative team of writers, graphic designers, and others
• Strong computer processing skills, especially G Suite and Microsoft Office
• Basic knowledge of legal issues involved in publishing, such as libel and plagiarism
• Mastery of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors and ability to make constructive suggestions
• Knowledge of Associated Press and/or Chicago styles
• Proficiency working with multiple editors in a continuous deadline environment 

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!