The role

Hours: Part time (2.5 days per week – flexible hours)
Compensation: Competitive
Location: Must be based in North America or the European Union (exl. UK)
Application deadline: 22 February 2019

Around the world the economic policies and ideas that have dominated for 40 years are rapidly losing legitimacy in the face of multiple crises: stagnant or falling living standards, sharply rising inequality of income and wealth, financial fragility, racial injustice and environmental breakdown. The evident failings of our present economic system have fractured the political argument in many countries, and has contributed to a series of political shocks – including Brexit in the UK, the election of Donald Trump in the USA, and the rise of reactionary political movements across the world.

At this critical juncture, the media has a critical role to play informing public opinion and shaping the policy debate. But too often the way the economy is discussed in the media acts as a barrier to progressive change, rather than the catalyst for it. openDemocracy’s global Economics Hub will publish cutting-edge analysis, insight and commentary about the ongoing crisis of our economic system – and promote intelligent debate about what should replace it. The Hub will publish a wide range of content from well-established and new voices across multiple formats, including comment and analysis, original investigations, long-form essays, videos and podcasts – aimed at promoting new economic ideas and inspiring change. The Hub will serve as a vital catalyst bringing together and supporting the growing global movement which is working to bring about a fairer and more sustainable economic system.

We are looking for two talented Assistant Editors – one based in the North America and another in the European Union (excluding the UK) – to help run the Hub. Working closely with the UK-based Economics Editor, the Assistant Editors will be responsible for commissioning and publishing new content; editing and fact-checking articles; contributing to the production of creative multimedia output; maintaining and building our social media presence, and attending and reporting from relevant events. Developing close relationships with the key thought-leaders working on economics systems change in your region (North America or the EU) will be key.

You will also be encouraged to contribute ideas on multiple fronts, from pitching specific articles to feeding into the wider editorial strategy for the Hub. If you are interested in writing articles or creating multimedia content yourself, this will be encouraged, but it is not a requirement of the job. You will be expected to organise your time efficiently and work with a high-degree of autonomy. You will also be encouraged to be creative, imaginative, and to think outside the box. This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about economics systems change to develop their skills and build their profile at a critical time, in a rapidly growing independent media organisation.

Role responsibilities:

• - Commissioning, editing, proofing and fact-checking articles and essays from well-established and new voices
• - Building relationships with thought leaders working on economics systems in your region (North America or the EU)
• - Contributing to the production of creative multimedia output designed to promote new economic ideas and inspire change
• - Attending and reporting from relevant events, and conducting interviews with key participants
• - Supporting the Economics Editor to develop the wider editorial strategy and build new audiences
• - Posting on social media and reporting on social media activity and readership trends

Person specification

Essential:

• - Based in North America or the EU (one person will be recruited from each)
• - Experience of writing about economic issues in English for lay audiences
• - Excellent proofreading, writing and editing skills
• - Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• - Creative thinker who is passionate about economics systems change
• - Adept at using social media platforms (especially Twitter and Facebook)
• - Good communication and interpersonal skills
• - Resilience and calmness under pressure and working to tight deadlines
• - Strong organisational and time management skills

Desirable:

• - A portfolio of published writing, either online or in print
• - Experience of recording, editing and publishing video and audio content
• - Experience of engaging with key thought leaders working on economics systems change
• - Experience promoting content on social media
• - An understanding of Google Analytics 
• - Journalism or economics qualification, or evidence of equivalent knowledge

We particularly encourage those from groups who tend to be under-represented in the media to apply, including people of colour and those from working class backgrounds. We are also open to family-friendly working hours, and/or to accommodating other caring responsibilities. 

How to apply

Candidates must be able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and experience detailed in the person specification above.

To apply for the role based in the European Union click here. To apply for the role in North America click here. Candidates will be required to attach a CV and a cover letter outlining how you fit the criteria for the role as detailed in the person specification above. Please also include details of two referees (we will request your permission before contacting any referees).

Application deadline: 22 February 2019