Make a Difference by Volunteering for the Observatory

The Observatory is looking for volunteers!

https://observatory.wiki/Volunteer_for_the_Observatory

Who We Are

The Observatory is a world-class wiki-encyclopedia reference and life guide offered free to the public. Audiences rely on our definitive expertise, research, and analysis of important issues of our time, provided by a network of partner experts and organizations. We depend on the passion and dedication of volunteers to help us achieve this public education mission.

About Volunteer Editing Opportunities

The Observatory seeks volunteer Contributing Editors and Proofreaders to join our team and play a crucial role in identifying, shaping, and producing original content. The role is remote and online, with an ongoing, flexible commitment of about 3–5 hours per week. Credits are available for students (let us know in your application if this applies).

What We’re Looking For

As a volunteer editor or proofreader at the Observatory, you will work with the editorial team to ensure the quality, accuracy, and impact of our growing library of content. You will play a key role in the editorial process, assisting in content planning, editing articles, managing contributors, and helping maintain overall editorial standards.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about journalism and eager to contribute to meaningful storytelling, expert analysis, and fact-based reporting. While you learn about a wide range of topics, you can feel good about supporting impactful nonprofit, independent research and journalism and advancing free public education.

Key Responsibilities and Recommended Skills

The primary function of Contributing Editors is Editorial Oversight. They collaborate with the Observatory editorial team to oversee creating and publishing high-quality content, ensuring it aligns with the organization’s mission and standards.

Tasks Contributing Editors and Proofreaders may perform include some of the following:

• Content Editing
• Quality Control/Proofreading
• Research: Help coordinate and manage research projects
• Community and Audience Engagement

Join us! Our community of volunteer editors is united by:

• A shared passion for free public education
• Ability to work collaboratively in a remote team environment (meetings are virtual)
• Familiarity with Google Documents, Google Sheets, and style manuals
• Experience in digital publishing
• Previous editorial, research, and academic experience
• (Many are volunteer Wikipedia editors!)

If you are passionate about journalism, dedicated to accuracy and impact, and eager to make a difference in the world of media, we encourage you to apply for the volunteer Contributing Editor and/or Proofreader positions at the Observatory. Join our team and make a difference by informing readers about our world.

How to Apply

To apply, please send a brief cover letter and resume to info@observatory.wiki. Indicate if you are interested in being a volunteer contributing editor or volunteer proofreader. We look forward to welcoming you to our growing team.