Managing Editor – Africa (English)

    Overview

    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 average roughly thirteen million unique visitors each month, which positions the organization as one of the top sources of environmental news, analysis, information, and inspiration on the Internet.

    Since 2023, Mongabay.com has expanded its coverage of environmental and conservation news in Africa. This new editorial position is focused on delivering the daily publication of original reporting on issues relevant to the conservation of Africa’s energy transition, forest, food system, wildlife and their habitats, development pressures and the activities of natural resource industries, and the impacts of climate change on both ecosystems and communities across the continent.

    What Does The Managing Editor Do? 

    The role is responsible for Mongabay’s English-language reporting in Africa. The managing editor will supervise a team of reporters and editors to consistently publish essential environmental reporting from across this dynamic and biodiverse region. This is a high-impact editorial leadership role, that will directly contribute to Mongabay’s editorial strategy in Africa by leading on a portfolio of reporting project to accomplish goals on schedule and budget.  The managing editor will help Mongabay to grow and develop a network of journalists focused on Africa’s environment, approve coverage plans, manage assignments, edit articles, and ensure adherence to grant guidelines and reporting requirements.  Given the size of this team,  the managing editor is expected to participate in story development from initial idea to published article while working closely with colleagues throughout Mongabay’s editorial team. This person should have strong analytical skills and the ability to discern what stories are important and of interest to readers. Knowledge and familiarity with environmental issues and/or forest conservation are strong positives.

    Key Duties and Responsibilities

    WRITING, REPORTING, EDITING, PUBLISHING (70% of time)

    • Assign, commission, edit, and publish English-language journalism on topics related to the environment and conservation in Africa
    • Work cooperatively with Mongabay editors and staff writers to develop and produce stories, arrange field reporting, and frequently  publish news and features articles, consistently of high quality;
    • Conduct interviews, phone calls and/or meetings, and perform other research as needed, to gather background for the planning of stories and article series;
    • Expand and develop capacity of Mongabay’s journalism network to deliver on editorial priorities;
    • Generate and assess story pitches from freelance reporters and staff writers;
    • Work closely with journalists to manage assignments and set deadlines. 
    • Research, fact-check, review, and approve articles prior to publication;
    • Support production of visual content including photos, videos, charts, and maps, as needed, for each article produced;
    • Write, edit and post stories via Mongabay’s content management system (WordPress);
    • Develop and manage ongoing editorial and co-publishing partnerships between Mongabay and other journalism media outlets;
    • Provide other support as needed to ensure Mongabay meets editorial goals and publications meet Mongabay’s high standards of professionalism, consistency, authenticity, and reliability.


    PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STAFF SUPERVISION (30%)

    • Work with Mongabay Africa Program Director to advance your team’s editorial strategy and to set project goals, timelines, budgets and progress update schedules.  
    • Manage a portfolio of reporting projects, make assignments, and maintain deadlines on progress toward meeting editorial objectives;
    • Supervise a team of editors and writers working in Africa, including editorial oversight of reporting activities, job performance evaluation, and approval of personal leave and expenses;
    • Organize and facilitate regular editorial meetings and conversations for a team primarily based in Africa.
    • Serve as the primary contact person for your team with other Mongabay’s regional bureaus, global desks, and editorial support departments, including video, copy editing, program, and marketing.  
    • Be responsive to Mongabay headquarters and to other Mongabay staffers via email, asana, video call, phone, and text.
    • Collect evidence of the impacts of stories for use in grant reports and cooperate with Mongabay’s program staff to gather and verify this information;

    Experiences, Qualifications & Requirements 

    • Eight or more years of experience working with a news outlet in an editor position is required;
    • Two or more years of experience managing people is required, and experience with budget or project management is preferred; 
    • Exceptional fluency (writing and speaking) in English is required and multilingual candidates are ideal;
    • Knowledge and familiarity with conservation and environmental issues in Africa is essential;
    • Professional experience working in Africa in a journalism capacity is also preferred;
    • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;
    • Demonstrated editorial ability to work with a variety of content including formatting of feature articles, graphics, photo captions, and HTML;
    • Familiarity with Microsoft Office, WordPress (or similar), Google Drive, Social Media (Twitter / Facebook) and project management software;
    • Reliable access to high-speed Internet is required;
    • Must be willing to commit to a full-time role and available during regular business hours;

    Professional Qualities

    This position will play a critical role in the scale-up of Mongabay’s environmental reporting efforts in Africa. Due to our organization’s culture and global work-at-home staff, the most successful staffs 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 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

    The work of our organization changes as we continuously seek to have greater impact. All of our team members must be flexible and able to adapt to short and long-term shifts in their job duties. 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 page)
    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 U.S Federal holidays and support staff who celebrate other personal and religious holidays.  

    Equal Employment Opportunity

    Mongabay is an equal employment opportunity (EEO)/affirmative action 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.

     

    Apply