Editor

Who We Are

Unruled Masses is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public-interest organization focused on exposing corruption, abuse of power, and systemic exploitation—while helping communities peacefully reclaim agency, accountability, and civic life.

We combine rigorous research with community education and real-world civic action to help people connect, organize, and act together. We share our work through data platforms, research products, civic action materials, and communication products, including newsletters, social media, and podcasts.

Who You Are

You are a skilled communicator with a "sharp red pen" and a deep interest in corruption, public policy, institutional governance, or civic action. You may be a professional editor, a subject matter expert with a gift for writing, or a former journalist looking to apply your skills to a high-impact mission.

You believe that honesty and accuracy are essential in writing. You are organized, deadline-driven, and enjoy turning raw information and ideas into objective, educational, and compelling narratives.

What You’ll Do

As an Editor, you will:

• Perform developmental editing and copyediting for research products (case studies, profiles, explainers, research briefs), civic action products (action playbooks, speech scripts, talking points, email scripts, community trainings), communication products (podcast scripts, video scripts, blogs, press releases, newsletters, social media posts), and internal products (policies, plans, website materials)
• Provide personnel with guidance, training, and mentorship to help improve their research, analytic, writing, and editing skills
• Help organize and prioritize editorial calendars, ensuring a steady cadence of published products
• Analyze published products and related feedback to identify opportunities to better serve the community
• Collaborate with UM teams to support ad hoc projects

Exceptional volunteers may:

• Serve as a Senior Editor overseeing multiple functions
• Lead complex projects and editorial partnerships

Research Areas of Interest

Policing & Public Safety; Elections & Voting; Transparency & Open Government; Procurement & Public Contracts; Judiciary & Legal Process; Surveillance & Data Exploitation; Labor & Workplace; Housing & Community Control; Land Use & Environment; Health & Social Services; Finance & Taxation; Digital Platforms & Algorithms; Media & Broadcasting; Education; Immigration & Borders; Utilities & Infrastructure; International & Diplomacy; Identity & Civil Equality; Speech & Information; Protest & Assembly; Gender & Reproductive Equality; Corporate Collusion & Corruption; Religious Institutions & Governance; Defense & Military Justice; Professional Licensing & Self-Regulation; Guardianship & Probate; Food & Drug & Agriculture Regulators; Transportation & Safety Regulators; Sports Governance; Nonprofits & Philanthropy; Consular & Civil Registries; Elder Care & Disability Services; Private Security & Prison Contractors.

Ideal Qualifications

• Professional experience in editing or writing
• Professional background or deep interest in one of the research areas listed above
• Ability to manage a remote team, keep work on track, and meet deadlines in a structured workflow
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to deliver constructive feedback
• Comfortable using digital collaboration and project management tools
• Degree in English, journalism, communications, or other relevant area

Compensation & Commitment

This is an unpaid volunteer role. We ask for a commitment of 3+ hours per week. As funding allows, we may offer paid positions in the future.

Benefits of Volunteering with Unruled Masses

• Help publish meaningful, real-world corruption research and civic action guidance with global reach
• Build a professional portfolio of published products
• Receive and contribute to training
• Collaborate with experienced researchers, writers, and organizers
• Participate in civic and community-building events
• Be part of a mission focused not just on exposing harm, but also rebuilding agency, joy, and community