General Administrator (Volunteer)

General Researcher (Volunteer)

*Note: The following is an opportunity for flexible, part-time, volunteer work. Please DO NOT APPLY if you are only looking for paid employment. All positions are remote/ work-from-home.

Are you an experienced researcher who is passionate about making a difference? Would you find it exciting to work with smart and talented individuals committed to producing great journalism in the public interest? Can you commit 10 hours a week to our mission, working remotely on your own schedule with our far-flung, diverse team? 

WhoWhatWhy is seeking to grow our team of researchers to support management, producers, assignment editors and desk reporters in the research process for our digital content. This position works within the WWW Research Team. You will be assigned to respond to various inquiries that will primarily come from the Editorial team, but may come from any department within the organization. 

WhoWhatWhy.org is a nonpartisan, agenda-free news organization. Not left-wing, not right-wing, not consensus-seeking, we report the truth, whatever it is. We approach each story with an open mind, boundless curiosity, and a willingness to dig deep beneath the surface — and don’t back away in the face of pressure from powerful institutions and groupthink. 

We are a nonprofit. We are not funded by a zillionaire. We do not accept corporate ads. As such, we seek skilled volunteers to fill out our growing organizational infrastructure. 

Age does not matter. We have among us young students, vibrant retirees, and everything in between, from all walks of life.

Join us! 

Responsibilities

• Gather and organize news materials 
• Assist in breaking news & ongoing story coverage through internet research and phone calls 
• Conduct a variety of information searches 
• Help monitor social media sites & the web often and as needed 
• Assist the editorial and reporting, news gathering teams with phone inquiries and other requests 
• Monitor competitive broadcasts, cable and digital platforms 
• Work with and support the various teams in the organization to research ideas, news and any operational aspects of the business including any product, marketing, legal and human resource-related topics
• Perform background checks, locate individuals and fact-check sources 
• Analyze public information and financial data or governmental/ legal documents/ reports
• Provide data in formats that fit reporting and data visualization purposes
• Think and research diversely in order to add to articles and assist reporters and editors in enhancing reporting material
• Effectively follow and review breaking news and assist in idea generation for new, competitive and fresh content
• Perform a cultural audit on a specific aspect of the business.

Qualifications 

• A Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or a related field 
• Minimum one-year professional news research experience 
• A willingness to work under deadline pressure and are able to work flexible hours
• Demonstrated strong knowledge and interest in news and current events 
• Strong communication, writing and research skills, and editorial judgment 
• The ability to multitask under pressure and in a stressful, deadline-driven environment where teamwork is fostered 
• Excellent time management skills
• The ability to thrive in an uncertain/ growing environment
• A friendly and open approach to working with others
• A dynamic, dependable, and reliable nature, keeping yourself accountable in getting to tasks in time
• The ability to identify the gaps and act proactively to fill them to enhance the team’s skills
• An appreciation for the collaborative, consensus-building approach of nonprofit/volunteer environment or non-profit/ government/ NGO experience (this is a plus and not a must-have)

Perks

• Channel your passion in a stimulating environment
• Learn the nuts and bolts of nonprofit operations in an up-and-coming organization
• Develop new skills and gain valuable experience that can enhance your professional trajectory
• Do amazing work on a flexible, part-time basis
• Have fun while you make a difference 

Expectations 

You will be expected to attend your department’s recurring meetings. Beyond this, you will work on your own schedule. We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months for at least 10 hours a week. Because our team is spread throughout the world, we rely on a combination of Slack, email, and conference calls, and expect everyone to be responsive in a timely manner. 

To Apply 

We will not review applications that appear to be mass submissions. To apply, send your resume and a customized cover letter, making clear you are familiar with our mission and work. You should confirm your understanding that this is a volunteer position. If there is no option to attach a cover letter, please send a cover letter to hr@whowhatwhy.org. 

Please note that response emails from us sometimes end up in spam folders; don’t forget to check them. Thank you!