Senior Editor (Volunteer)

WhoWhatWhy

2d • Remote

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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)

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• 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 This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees