Editor (Volunteer)

WhoWhatWhy; New York (NY); On-site; Part time

Job summary

WhoWhatWhy, a nonprofit investigative news organization, seeks a part-time volunteer editor to collaborate with writers, enhance drafts, and uphold editorial standards. This role involves substantive editing of articles, ensuring clarity while preserving writers' voices. Ideal candidates will have experience in journalism and be comfortable providing constructive feedback.

Volunteers who can commit consistently over time will thrive in this supportive, engaging editorial culture that values collaboration and thoughtful criticism.

Qualifications

• Experience editing articles, long-form journalism, or similar work intended for publication.
• Ability to provide feedback on structure, clarity, and narrative flow.
• Reliability in meeting deadlines and following through on revisions.

Responsibilities

• Review drafts for structure, narrative flow, and alignment.
• Identify gaps in logic and request revisions.
• Provide actionable feedback to strengthen drafts.
• Ensure accuracy and factual grounding in articles.
• Guide articles through the editorial process.

Skills

Editing articles

Strong editorial eye

Comfort working with writers

Good judgment

Reliability in meeting deadlines

Education

Background in journalism or communications

Job description

Note: This is a remote, part-time volunteer position. Today, pretty much anyone can call themselves an editor. But real editing — the kind that strengthens ideas, sharpens structure, challenges weak spots, and helps writers do their best work — is something else entirely. If you’re an experienced editor who enjoys working closely with writers, shaping strong pieces, and being part of a smart, collaborative team, we’d love to hear from you. We’re an independent, nonprofit news organization with a limited budget, so we especially welcome those who are not looking to us principally as an income source. Our editorial culture is convivial, supportive, and stimulating. We share ideas, strengthen one another’s work, and value the kind of thoughtful collaboration that has become rare in many newsrooms. For some, this is a chance to build meaningful editorial experience, sharpen judgment, and strengthen a resume. For others, it’s an opportunity to stay engaged with serious journalism, mentor writers, and contribute to work that matters. For the right person, this can be a rewarding and energizing add-on to life.

Who We Are

WhoWhatWhy is an independent nonprofit investigative news organization producing deep-dive journalism on the most important issues of our time. We’re powered by skilled volunteers and a small core staff — from students to seasoned professionals — who believe in rigorous, ethical reporting free from corporate or political influence.

About The Role

As an Editor, you will work closely with writers to shape developing pieces, strengthen story structure and reporting, and help move articles from promising drafts to publishable work.

• Review drafts for structure, narrative flow, and alignment with the intended angle
• Identify gaps in logic, reporting, sourcing, or context and request revisions where needed
• Provide specific, actionable feedback on organization, argument, evidence, and development of ideas
• Ensure key points are supported with accurate attribution, sourcing, and factual grounding
• Work with writers through multiple rounds of revision to strengthen drafts
• Confirm that revisions address prior feedback before advancing draftsContribute input on story direction and development when needed
• Help move articles through the editorial process within agreed timelines

What We’re Looking For

• Experience editing articles, essays, long-form journalism, or other substantial written work intended for publication
• A strong editorial eye for structure, clarity, logic, and narrative flow
• Comfort working directly with writers to strengthen drafts through thoughtful revision
• Good judgment about when a piece needs more reporting, clearer framing, stronger support, or tighter organization
• The ability to improve a draft without flattening the writer’s voice or intent
• Reliability in meeting deadlines and following through on revisions and editorial discussions
• Background in journalism, communications, or a related field is helpful, but not required

Bonus

• Experience editing investigative, analytical, explanatory, or long-form journalism
• Experience working with staff writers, freelance contributors, guest authors, or subject‑matter experts
• Experience strengthening drafts for structure, argument, narrative flow, or evidentiary support
• Familiarity with digital publishing, audience‑facing editorial work, or online editorial workflows
• Experience in nonprofit, independent, or mission‑driven media environments

Commitment

We value volunteers who can contribute consistently over time and communicate reliably with their teams. Scheduling is flexible and will vary depending on the role, workload, and department needs.

How to Apply

Please send:

• Your resume or a brief summary of your relevant experience
• A short note explaining your interest in the role

We value thoughtful, genuine applications that reflect your own voice and interest in the role.