Copy Editor (part-time, 8-month contract)

Department: Editorial
Supervisor: Editor of sojo.net


Sojourners seeks a part-time, short-term copy editor to support the editors of Sojourners in publishing the highest quality content across our digital and print platforms. The copy editor will ensure Sojourners’ online, print, and social media content is clear, accurate, and consistent with our style guidelines. Project deadlines vary from minutes to weeks. 

The ideal candidate will be a passionate wordsmith who is confident in working on tight deadlines; prior experience with magazines, online publications, and/or nonprofit journalism is preferred. Familiarity with topics related to social justice, politics, and the diverse religious landscape in the U.S. is a plus. All candidates will need to provide 2-3 references from clients or colleagues (ideally supervisors) who can attest to copy-editing skills. Finalist candidates will be required to complete a copy-editing test before being interviewed.

We are seeking someone to work 20 hours a week for 35 weeks (roughly June 2024 – Feb 2025, depending on start date) at $45/hour plus a $200 biweekly health care stipend. The copy editor will work with the Sojourners team to set regular hours, preferably between the hours of 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Eastern) on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. This is a fully remote position and will report to the editor of sojo.net and work in close collaboration with both the online and print editorial teams.

Duties:

  • Copy edit Sojourners editorial content for grammar, formatting, accuracy, and consistency with style guidelines, while preserving each writer’s unique voice
  • Help with occasional fact-checking
  • Offer headline ideas for article pages, social media, and SEO
  • As needed, complete page proofs of Sojourners magazine

Qualifications:

  • Copy editing skills and knowledge of AP style
  • Excellent time management and communication skills
  • Ability to juggle multiple projects and deliver consistent, high-quality work in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience with content management systems, best web practices, and SEO
  • Familiarity with topics related to social justice, politics, and the variety of different U.S. Christian denominations is a plus
  • Ability to practice appropriate self-care when dealing with trauma in the news

Sojourners is committed to articulating the biblical call to racial and social justice, life and peace, and environmental stewardship. We strive to achieve the highest quality of journalism, social analysis, and spiritual writing, which involves attracting talented people from diverse traditions, backgrounds, and cultures. Our work has earned awards from the Associated Church Press, Evangelical Press Association, and the Religion News Association, and has been cited by The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, NPR, and other national publications.

To apply:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and 2-3 references (email and phone number) using this link . Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Department: President’s Team
Supervisor: Sojourners’ President

Supervision: CFO, Senior Director of Marketing, VP and Chief Human Resources Officer, and Chief Advancement Officer
Collaborate: Executive Team members, Senior Advisor to the President
Liaise: Board of Directors Audit Committee, Independent Auditors, Legal Counsel 

Position Summary

The COO is responsible for leading the internal operations of Sojourners, enabling the President to better lead our external-facing work. The COO focuses on long-term planning and projects to ensure the growth and financial health of the organization, including implementation of efficient operations and systems to meet current and future needs; creating, implementing, and evaluating a sustainable business plan; and providing leadership support to senior staff. The COO will also support ongoing initiatives to strengthen publication revenue, brand, and audience growth.

Responsibilities

Leadership, Management, and Organizational Strategy

  • Work with the President to implement strategic, fiscal, and organizational planning.
  • In partnership with the Management Team, ensure equitable and effective management across Sojourners, leading to stronger trust in leaders, stronger retention on teams, and stronger employee engagement across the organization (42 employees, including yearlong fellows).
  • Assist the President in equipping and supporting staff to live fully into Sojourners’ racial justice, equity, inclusion, and belonging values and competencies.
  • Serve as a member of the Executive Team and in coordination with the Executive Team, convene and provide leadership to the Management Team.
  • Lead strategic cross-functional initiatives to completion and ensure clear ownership, efficiency, effectiveness, and values alignment.
  • In collaboration with Executive Team members, ensure departmental decisions and project plans align with the organization’s business plan and strategic plan. Review and approve cost-control reports, cost estimates, and staffing requirements for projects.
  • Supervise the VP and Chief Human Resources Officer, CFO, Chief Advancement Officer, and Senior Director of Marketing to accomplish their objectives.
  • Create and manage Sojourners’ dashboard.

Financial Oversight, Fundraising, and Operations

  • Work with the President and Executive and Management Teams to develop and manage Sojourners’ business plan.
  • Oversee business model of Sojourners nonprofit publishing mission as developed and implemented by Senior Directors of Marketing and Circulation, publishing consultant, Editor of Sojourners, Editor of sojo.net, and other experts in nonprofit journalism to maximize financial sustainability and audience reach.
  • Oversee the annual revenue and expense budget process, which is led by the CFO.
  • Support the annual independent audit.
  • Support the Chief Advancement Officer to ensure effective coordination between advancement and program and optimize our fundraising capacity, systems, etc.
  • Oversee fiscal and risk management, including banking, investment, accounting, budgeting, compensation, and insurance. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of external economic conditions, promising practices, and long-term financial needs impacting the sustainability of Sojourners.
  • Identify, recommend, and implement new processes, technologies, and systems to improve and streamline organizational operations as finances allow.
  • Ensure accurate and timely completion of required tax reports to external sources such as the IRS. Ensure all operations follow applicable rules and regulations for government compliance.
  • Oversee real estate assets, including tax exemptions.

Education and/or Experience

A minimum of 10 years of industry-related experience, with at least five years’ experience in an executive or senior leadership role, ideally in the faith or social sector. Master’s degree in business administration or nonprofit management is preferred along with an established commitment to social justice. Established understanding or experience with nonprofit journalism and/or faith-based advocacy is a plus.

Competencies

  • Working knowledge of strategic planning implementation, organizational structure, budgeting, administrative operations, and fundraising.
  • Ability to gather, analyze, and summarize data (especially financial) for reports and find solutions to business challenges.
  • Problem-solving skills with a track record of balancing fast-paced priorities with important, longer-term strategic efforts.
  • Superb communication and relational skills. Ability to articulate the views of others.
  • Ability to exercise good judgement, keep confidences, and demonstrate discretion with high ethical standards.
  • A self-directed individual who is organized and a team player.
  • Commitment to mentoring and investing in staff at all levels to achieve their highest potential and design pathways to advancement in their own leadership journeys.

Mindset and Approach

  • Desire to serve as an advocate and exemplar for the vision, values, and mission of Sojourners.
  • Nurture a high-performing, team-based, collaborative culture aligned with Sojourners values in service to its mission and vision.
  • Preference for and comfort within diverse, inclusive environments and organizations.
  • Model and inspire innovative thinking and help the organization adapt to change and face adversity.

To Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional reference contacts to jobs@sojo.net or Chief Operations Officer search, Sojourners, 408 C St. NE, Washington, DC 20002. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This position will be based in the Washington, D.C. office with minimum in-office days required.

Sojourners is an equal opportunity employer that continually seeks to diversify its staff and create an inclusive and equitable culture. 

Starting annual salary for this position is $120,000 to $150,000, based on experience. Excellent benefits package includes fully paid health insurance, 20 days paid vacation, 12 days paid sick leave, 12 paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, and a positive, faith-based work environment.