Founded in 1999, Mongabay is an award-winning environmental science and conservation news organization, which publishes original news on a daily basis in an objective (does not advocate), accurate (relies on facts and scientific information) and timely manner to a global audience of conservation scientists, private-sector decision-makers, government policymakers, civil society organizations, journalists in other media outlets, and interested members of the public. Mongabay’s readership across its news sites positions the organization as one of the top sources of environmental news, analysis, information, and inspiration on the Internet.

What Does the Copy Editor Do?

The Copy Editor’s main function is to proofread and fact-check Mongabay’s content pre-publication. The copy editor will work directly with Mongabay’s English-language editorial staff  under the supervision of Mongabay Senior Copy Editor, who will set goals and priorities on a regular basis. The Copy Editor will be a pivotal contributor to Mongabay’s global newsroom supporting Mongabay staff of editors and writers by monitoring production timelines, copy editing content, ensuring adherence to style guidelines, and confirming readiness for publication. Mongabay’s highest obligation is to accurately convey facts and reality in our reporting. The Copy Editor will also provide guidance for reporters and editors when certain claims cannot be verified, which most often involves support from fact-checkers. Knowledge and familiarity with environmental issues and/or forest conservation are strong positives.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

WRITING, REPORTING, EDITING, PUBLISHING

• Proofread articles, video/podcast scripts, and graphics prior to publication, correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation;
• Verify, corroborate, and fact-check information included in articles, according to Mongabay’s verification checklist;
• Write article headlines, summary bullet points, and photo captions, as needed;
• Ensure adherence to Associated Press style and participate in Mongabay’s Style Committee;
• Commission freelance fact-checkers and researchers, who are working on an assignment basis;
• Monitor and share examples of high-quality journalism;
• Shape processes and workflows for integrating copy editing into editorial production;
• Provide additional support and guidance as needed to the editorial team on copy editing
• Must be able to work within tight deadlines and be responsive to Mongabay headquarters and to other Mongabay staffers via email, Asana, video call, phone, and text.
• Provide other support as needed to ensure content meets Mongabay’s high standards of professionalism, consistency, authenticity, and reliability.

Experience, Qualifications & Requirements

• At least three years of professional editing experience in journalism or narrative nonfiction is required;
• Exceptional fluency (writing and speaking) in English is required;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;
• A keen sense for writing headlines that engage readers;
• Knowledge and familiarity with conservation and environmental issues is preferred;
• Experience using a content management system (such as WordPress) is preferred;
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Drive, social media and project management software;
• Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of content including formatting of articles, videos, graphics, photo captions, and HTML;
• Willing to teach editing skills and assist editorial staff with various levels of English language ability;
• Reliable access to high-speed Internet is required; and
• Must be willing to commit to a full-time role (40 hours per week) and available during regular business hours;

Professional Qualities

This position will play a critical role in the professionalization and quality control of Mongabay’s English reporting efforts around the world. Due to our organization’s culture and global work-at-home staff, the most successful staff members at Mongabay are adept at working independently and produce consistent high-quality journalistic work by taking initiative and thinking creatively about solutions to problems. In this context, this person:

• Is extremely self-directed, motivated, and reliable;
• Is required to demonstrate talent in writing and editing;
• Functions independently and produces high-quality work with tight deadlines;
• Understands and upholds ethical and editorial journalistic standards;
• Makes timely decisions and demonstrates good judgment;
• Considers risks carefully and takes actions to mitigate them;
• Integrates cross-cultural dynamics into their thinking;
• Maintains a strong sense of professionalism and communication;
• Adjusts approaches according to feedback;
• Contributes to the Mongabay team by communicating and working cooperatively with staff, while following through on tasks and delivering results;
• Fosters positive relationships with journalists and co-partnership media outlets; and
• Demonstrates personal integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Compensation & Location

As a globally distributed organization, there is no required location for this position. However, location is a consideration and an ability to coordinate with colleagues working in a diversity of time zones is strongly preferred. Mongabay aims to offer competitive pay rates that will attract, retain, and motivate our full-time staff. Please submit a pay range when applying.

To Apply

Apply online via the link below. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until filled. On the application, you will be asked to fill out basic contact information, pay rate expectations, reference information (2), and to upload the following two documents:

1. Cover letter – please provide specific examples of your experience related to this position, as well as specific examples of your ability to work effectively from home and meet deadlines (1-2 pages)
2. Resume – (1-2 pages)
3. Two references

Applications must be submitted in English. Please note that you do not need to provide letters of recommendation and we will not reach out to references before getting your permission to do so.

Benefits, Holidays, and Paid Time Off

It is important for all staff to step away from work to renew themselves. That is why Mongabay provides generous paid time off (PTO) for professional development, holidays, sick time, rest and relaxation, and vacation including a flexible work schedule.

We observe 11 holidays and support staff who celebrate other personal and religious holidays.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mongabay is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and provides EEO to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other status prohibited by law.

* The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required. All staff is responsible for following applicable Mongabay policies and procedures as defined by their manager and Employment Handbook.