Story Editor

Location: This position is preferably based in Amsterdam, but other locations in similar time zones can be considered. OCCRP can assist with relocation and work authorization formalities.

Date of Issuance: October 10, 2023

Application Deadline: October 27, 2023

About OCCRP

The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) is a growing, global nonprofit media organization that is reinventing investigative journalism for the public good. By developing and equipping a worldwide network of investigative journalists and publishing their stories, we expose crime and corruption so the public can hold power to account. We see a future where organized crime and corruption are drastically reduced and democracy is strengthened. Our global team includes editors, researchers, data engineers, security specialists, administrators, technologists, strategists, and corruption experts.

Position overview:

We’re looking for a talented, ambitious, and tenacious story editor. This position involves in-depth engagement with all stages of the production of an OCCRP investigation. You’ll help conceive of stories and organize collaborative projects, guide reporting, line edit, assist with fact checking, plan layouts, and help with publication and promotion. But your main job as a member of the core editorial team is to help us publish only top-notch writing. We need you to help us turn our in-depth, complex investigations, often reported by non-native English speakers, into clear, compelling, readable, and impactful stories.

Job description

Responsibilities

Line-by-line editing, often including rewriting, of copy produced by non-native English speakers.

Working on projects that may include, but are not limited to, editing and consultation on stories, photos, captions, infographics, illustrations, interactive graphics, videos, and social media.

Organizing OCCRP’s coverage and publication schedule, and working with other editors and staff to develop best practices and help teach investigative techniques and journalistic writing.

A significant portion of the job will involve helping coordinate a large and complex editorial workflow among multiple partner centers in many countries.

Skills and experience

An excellent slinger of copy — able to polish sentences, paragraphs, and stories until they shine.

Ability to tactfully “sell your edits” to experienced and opinionated reporters.

Comfortable working under pressure and able to meet tight deadlines.

Can get inside the reader’s head to help repackage complex investigative stories in a way that makes sense to non-specialists.

Attention to detail and outstanding organizational skills.

Project management experience is a plus.

People management skills and ability to work across teams and cultures.

Thick-skinned and able to handle the rigors of a demanding workplace.

Proactive, improvisational, and able to take charge with little guidance.

Well-versed in international politics, corruption, and organized crime.

Strong familiarity with any of the following regions is a plus (but not required):

Central and Eastern Europe

Eurasia

Africa

Latin America

Proficiency in languages other than English, especially Russian or Spanish, is a plus.