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 eight 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.

Mongabay is launching a new fellowship program to provide paid opportunities for young and aspiring journalists in tropical countries. Through this program, fellows will gain valuable work experience with an international news outlet, develop their environmental reporting skills, and create a portfolio of original publications. Mongabay is seeking a full-time Fellowship Editor to manage this program, work closely with fellows to develop ideas into stories, and assist with editing across Mongabay’s global English newsroom.

WHAT DOES THE FELLOWSHIP EDITOR DO?

The Fellowship Editor will primarily be responsible for managing Mongabay’s fellowship program, including overseeing the application process; selecting and onboarding fellows in coordination with other Mongabay staff; working directly with fellows to publish on Mongabay’s English-language website; facilitating collaboration between fellows and Mongabay editors; and supporting Mongabay’s newsroom with copyediting and spot editing. The Fellowship Editor will manage and work with several fellows at any given time.

A qualified candidate for this position should have editing experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to discern what stories are important and of interest to readers. Knowledge and familiarity with environmental issues, experience with journalism training, and comfort working with writers whose primary language may not be English are strong positives.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

EDITING, WRITING, REPORTING, PUBLISHING (80% of time)

• Manage the review and assessment of fellowship applications to select participants for the program;
• Onboard fellows, familiarizing them with Mongabay’s policies, procedures, and practices based on the organization’s editorial standards;
• Create journalism training materials and provide ongoing guidance to fellows on journalistic practices and approaches to develop stories;
• Assign, edit and publish at least six English-language journalistic articles per fellow on topics related to environmental science and conservation;
• Work closely with fellows and Mongabay editors to manage story assignments and maintain publication deadlines;
• Work cooperatively with Mongabay’s team of editors and writers to develop editorial coverage plans ranging from news stories to features, 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;
• Research, fact-check, and review articles prior to publication;
• Work with fellows to source and/or produce visual content including charts, maps, photos, and videos, as needed, for each article produced;
• Assist with copyediting and spot editing of stories produced outside the fellowship program;
• Provide other support as needed to ensure content meets Mongabay’s high standards of professionalism, consistency, authenticity, and reliability.

STRATEGIC PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION (20% of time)

• Report regularly to Mongabay’s Global Program Director on progress toward meeting reporting objectives;
• Support editorial planning to reach established production goals as set under the fellowship program;
• Collect data on the impacts of the fellowship program via participant surveys as well as fellow’s stories such as examples of republication for use in grant reports;
• Must be able to work within tight deadlines and be responsive to Mongabay.com headquarters and to other Mongabay staffers via email, Skype, phone and messaging platforms.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES, QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS 

• Five or more years of experience working in journalism / editorial / writing required (environmental journalism preferred).
• Exceptional fluency (writing and speaking) in English is required.
• Knowledge and familiarity with conservation and environmental issues are essential.
• Demonstrated editorial ability to work with a variety of content, including formatting of feature articles, graphics, photo captions, and HTML.
• Experience working with journalists for whom English may not be their native language is a strong positive.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, WordPress (or similar), Google Drive, and Asana (or similar project management system).
• Reliable access to high-speed Internet is required.
• Must be willing to commit to full-time role (40 hours per week) and available during regular business hours.

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

This position will play a critical role in the success of Mongabay’s new fellowship program, working with young and aspiring journalists from non-high income tropical countries. Due to our organizational culture and global work at-home staff, the most successful employees at Mongabay excel at working independently and producing consistent high-quality journalistic content by taking the initiative and thinking creatively about solutions to problems. In this context, this person:

• Is required to demonstrate talent in editing;
• functions independently and produces high quality work with tight deadlines;
• makes timely decisions and demonstrates good judgment;
• maintains a strong sense of professionalism and reliability;
• 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 fellows;
• adjusts approaches according to feedback;
• 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

We are no longer accepting applications. 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 10 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.