Chief of Staff to the Editor in Chief (, WA, United States)

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Fair Observer is an independent, nonprofit media organization that promotes citizen journalism and civic education. With more than 3,000 contributors from 90 countries—including diplomats, scholars, civil society leaders, and emerging voices—Fair Observer publishes rigorously edited, fact-checked articles that foster global understanding. In a fragmented media ecosystem, we provide a platform rooted in editorial integrity and diversity of perspective.

Job Description

The Chief of Staff to the Editor-in-Chief is a senior freelance role that combines editorial leadership, operational management, strategic collaboration, and content development. Working closely with the Editor-in-Chief, you will manage the organization's publishing workflow, oversee editors and interns, contribute to educational projects, and ensure quality and consistency across all editorial output.

This is a hands-on, high-responsibility position that requires sharp editorial judgment, strong analytical thinking, and excellent organizational skills. You’ll assign and edit articles, coach interns, run weekly editorial training sessions, and maintain the publishing calendar. You’ll also participate in two weekly planning and operations meetings, assist with educational timelines, support partner communications, and occasionally conduct guest interviews via Zoom.

Responsibilities

As Chief of Staff, you will:

• Oversee day-to-day editorial operations from submission to publication
• Edit articles and assign drafts to staff editors and interns
• Interface directly with authors and uphold editorial standards
• Supervise and coach interns and junior editors
• Lead a 90-minute editorial training workshop every Saturday morning
• Make final decisions on what gets published and when
• Participate in two weekly standing meetings: one on editorial planning, one on operations
• Collaborate with the Editor-in-Chief on educational content (e.g., timelines)
• Assist in partner communications and external coordination
• Occasionally conduct guest interviews via Zoom

Qualifications

• Advanced editing and fact-checking skills
• Strong logic, reasoning, and argumentation abilities
• Excellent attention to detail and editorial judgment
• Intellectual curiosity and ability to engage with a wide range of topics
• Cross-cultural competency and sensitivity to international perspectives
• Experience managing editorial workflows and mentoring junior staff
• Strong communication and remote collaboration skills
• Interest in global affairs, civic education, and media ethics
• Background in humanities, journalism, international relations, or related fields is a plus

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Contract

Job function

• Job function

  Administrative

• Industries

  Media Production

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