First Draft is a global non-profit with a mission to empower societies with accurate information in critical moments. Through partnerships with news, research, technology and civil society organisations, we work to ensure the integrity of the world’s information ecosystem.

We host a global verification and collaborative investigation network through our CrossCheck initiative, work with our expanding community to conduct innovative and experimental research projects, and develop online and offline training designed to expand and embed best practices in newsrooms and journalism schools around the world.

Job Overview

First Draft is urgently looking to hire a UK-based senior editor to report on online disinformation, media manipulation, OSINT and verification techniques, and media and journalistic ethics, working with newsrooms and civil society partners around the world as part of the organisation’s London headquarters.

The senior editor will report to First Draft’s managing editor and work with the UK editorial team to maintain the high standard of insight and analysis which makes First Draft world-renowned when it comes to understanding online information flows.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Commission, edit and write articles and other copy for First Draft’s website, newsletters, social media channels and research reports.
• Identify new narratives, angles and stories which underpin and promote First Draft’s core mission of helping people understand online information flows and their impact.
• Monitor social media for emerging trends, narratives and conversations around major news stories.
• Contribute to the CrossCheck platform and where appropriate take action to assist partners with sourcing and verifying stories, raising awareness of harmful content, tactics and narratives.
• Support the editorial, research and training staff in developing content for First Draft’s output channels.
• Oversee all copy updates across the First Draft website.
• Liaise with editorial team at First Draft’s US office to coordinate and align editorial efforts.
• Support the Managing Editor in developing and implementing First Draft’s editorial strategy across the organisation’s different output channels.
• Represent First Draft at conferences, events and with key stakeholders.
• Deputise for the managing editor when required.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Minimum of five years experience working as a journalist or editor in a major newsroom or similar publication.
• A well-developed and adaptable writing style.
• An understanding of digital research skills and tools, verification, OSINT techniques and disinformation.
• An interest in and understanding of how technology has fundamentally and irrevocably changed the way information travels in and interacts with modern societies.
• An understanding of and interest in global politics and internet culture.
• A rigorous attention to detail.
• A confident and ambitious self-starter with ideas by the bucket load.
• Knowledge of a second language is desirable.

Additional Details

Salary Range: £45-50k (pro rata)

Hours: 40 hours per week

Reporting to: Managing editor

Duration: Six month fixed-term contract with a view to making the position permanent

How To Apply

Please email CV, cover letter and three examples of relevant work to Lorraine McLarty, HR Manager at hr@firstdraftnews.com. Please indicate “Senior editor application” in the subject of your email. Please mention Journo Resources in your application – it really helps us out.

The closing date for applications is July 30 2020. Interviews will be held week commencing August 3 2020.

Recruitment Policy

First Draft is working to build a diverse and inclusive team in each of our locations. We do not discriminate based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, identity or lifestyle. We actively encourage applications from people who may traditionally face barriers to entering the fields of journalism, research, product design and training, such as access to education or work experience.

Successful applicants will be offered a position based on their demonstrable knowledge, skills and interest in our work and overall mission. All First Draft employees will be expected to take an active role in maintaining a positive and supportive work environment, as part of a proud, unified, considerate and respectful team. Examples of this are a willingness to support and encourage the professional development of colleagues alongside your own, and an openness to listen to and accept suggestions and criticism in an often challenging and high-pressure environment.

First Draft prioritises the welfare of its staff and actively promotes the awareness and prevention of vicarious trauma and other mental and physical illness associated with researching distressing content, and the long-term impact of sedentary or solitary working.