Accuracy, accuracy and clarity are core values here at FiveThirtyEight, and we are looking for someone to share them with. FiveThirtyEight hires a part-time copy editor and fact checker to join the copiers and ensure that our stories, graphs, videos and interactive graphics meet the standards of the site for methodological accuracy, clear presentation and good argument. This means someone who is detail oriented, comfortable working with numbers and eager to work with FiveThirtyEighters in sections across the newsroom.
A successful candidate for this position may have a variety of backgrounds and skills – perhaps a fact checker, someone with experience on a traditional copywriter, or even a recent college graduate with a background in statistics or coding and eager to develop editing and research skills. Candidates must not feel they have to tick every block to apply.
This post is part-time and will average no more than 29 hours per week, with the option to continue working as long as you work the eastern time zone.
Candidates must:
- At least two years of fact checking, copy editing or research experience (college or graduate school is acceptable).
- A history of collaboration and friendly work.
- Familiarity with spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel and / or familiarity with programming languages such as R or Python.
- The ability to use simple math skills to work with and to check the accuracy of numbers.
- A meticulous attention to detail and a curiosity to learn.
- General knowledge of American politics or major American sports.
Candidate who is nice:
- Skill with spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel and / or proficiency with statistical programming languages such as R or Python.
- In-depth knowledge of American politics or major American sports.
If you are interested, please apply here and include your CV and a cover letter by 5 April. If you do not mark every subject, it’s OK – we would love to hear from you.
Finally, if you do not have the time or interest to work 29 hours a week, but you notice many of the boxes above, we are also looking for freelancers to copy the editing and fact checking. For more information, please email [email protected] with ‘FREELANCE COPY EDITOR’ in the subject line.