WHO WE ARE

About this role: (Language, Please guidance writer [temporary employment])

Language, Please is a suite of tools developed by Vox Media for journalists, communications professionals, and storytellers of all kinds who are looking to thoughtfully cover evolving social, cultural, and identity-related issues. It comprises three components: in-depth, freely accessible, easily searchable style guidance; editorial and communications tools for exploring and applying guidance; and a database of third-party inclusivity reviewers available for contract work. Language, Please style guidance is intended to serve primarily print and digital content creators. 

Vox Media is looking for a Temporary Guidance Writer with unique expertise in this area to update style guidance for a set of new, timely terms that fall under our seven parent topics:

1. Race and ethnicity
2. Gender and sexuality
3. Class and social standing
4. Borders and populations
5. Religion, spirituality, and worldview
6. Mental health, trauma, and substance use
7. Disabilities, neurodiversity, and chronic illness

This temporary employment opportunity will begin mid-to-late March 2025 and go through July 31, 2025 and is expected to work 10/hours per week for the duration of this assignment. The role will involve researching and producing style guidance for a set of terms that have nuanced and shifting meanings and are commonly used in journalism. The writer will participate in regular meetings to review progress towards deadlines and integrate edits. The target word count for each term is around 300-600, but length will vary depending on complexity. The writer will also produce copy for Language, Please editorial tools, including one that invites users to experiment with applying guidance to news stories.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Use your unique expertise to create thoroughly researched, forward-thinking style guidance to help storytellers produce content that’s nuanced, authentic, and bias-free 
• Ensure that the finished product follows the Language, Please ethos and style
• Incorporate edits/feedback from the Language, Please team and subject-matter experts in accordance with the mutually-agreed timelines for delivery 
• Ground the guidance you write in an understanding of how language shapes social institutions and systems and the way people think, feel and act

WHO YOU ARE

• Expertise covering several Language, Please parent topics (see above)
• Knowledge of institutional barriers and biases (including one’s own) that can undermine meaningful representation in journalism
• Deep understanding of language as a driver of accuracy, ethics, and impact in journalism 
• Excellent communication skills across varied social and cultural identities and track record of reaching diverse audiences

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a resume, three relevant writing or research samples, and a one-page cover letter that explains in detail your unique expertise within the specific issue areas listed and why you are interested in being engaged for this opportunity. 

If you think you have what it takes, but don't meet every single point in our job posting, please apply with a cover letter to let us know how you believe you can bring your unique skills to the Vox Media team or get in touch! We would love to have a chat and see if you could be a great addition to our team. We’ve hired chefs who became editors, DJs who became UX designers, and sommeliers who became writers.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

This job is remote.

WHY VOX MEDIA?

WHAT WE OFFER

This is a temporary, part-time position. 

OUR DEI+ COMMITMENT

Vox Media is committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can show up as their authentic selves and create their best work. We recognize that great stories, platforms, products and services come from people with all manner of backgrounds and experiences. We recognize that our commitments require ongoing work and sustained attention, as well as adaptation to new insights and best practices. We keep our diversity data public for the sake of accountability, transparency and communication. Learn more about our values here, and our approach to corporate citizenship here. 

Vox Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer and qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, national origin, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law. Vox Media will also consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with applicable Fair Chance laws. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations as part of the application process to candidates with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact our People & Culture team (recruitment@voxmedia.com).

WHAT COMES NEXT

Our recruiting team will go through applications in a timely manner. Please note that our recruiting team will only contact you from @voxmedia.com email addresses, never via text message. Read more about how our recruiting team operates, and how to protect yourself from recruitment fraud, here.