Writing Fellow, Groundswell

Writing Fellow

Posted on: January 30, 2015
Application deadline: February 28, 2015
Posted by: Groundswell

ABOUT YOU

• You emphatically love writing
• You're eager to be part of a dynamic team of writers, editors, and content marketers
• You want to write and publish articles that people actually read
• You think ideas and content can change behavior; you want to use storytelling to help change the world in a positive way

ABOUT US

We are a fast-growing non-profit social enterprise that organizes and leverages consumer power to change the world. Our work has already helped thousands of families and hundreds of organizations (churches, schools, nonprofits) switch from dirty to clean energy, and we're just getting started.

We call our model Civic Consumption, and for the last five years, we've been proving its power through Groundswell's innovative work in the clean energy sector: increasing accessibility for all people, building community resilience, and growing the marketplace for renewable energy from the ground up. In 2014, we crossed the $15 million mark in community-driven renewable power projects.

Our work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Fast Company, Forbes, and ABC World News, among others. To learn more visit www.groundswell.org.

ABOUT THE JOB

Groundswell is looking for an independent, dedicated, and talented writing fellow to create and develop content for our web-based magazine. Groundswell is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving our community, and our magazine is our newest effort to promote positive change in the world. It's our goal to help people and communities use their everyday purchasing decisions to drive these changes. Featured in Fast Company and Forbes, we use an innovative new model for social impact called Civic Consumption. Civic Consumption brings people together to increase access and lower prices on the goods and services they need most, while rewarding businesses with a positive social or environmental impact.

Much of Groundswell's day-to-day operation revolves around our wind energy program, and in the magazine, we're working to extend the idea of conscious consuming into all aspects of life. As a writing fellow, you would be responsible for writing unique content (articles, infographics, video responses) that would go directly to the magazine's front-page. Your articles would be read by thousands of people each day, offering you exposure and practice in front of an active, engaged audience. You'd work closely with the Communications team, and you'd receive one-on-one guidance from staff as you develop your voice and online presence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research and write 1-2 news or features articles per week. All articles will connect in to everyday purchasing power, and will be individually actionable. These articles would focus on topics such as: corporate social responsibility, feminism, workers' rights, racism, politics, the environment, sustainable living, public health, body image, family, income inequality, culture and trends, or technology
• Serve as an ambassador to Groundswell's brand
• Participate in weekly editorial brainstorming sessions, and have a firsthand role in developing new content avenues, partnerships, and programs

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• The ability to commit to writing 1-2 articles per week for 4 months
• Attendance (in person or virtually via Google Hangouts) at our weekly editorial brainstorming meetings (Mondays, from 2:30-3:30PM in our D.C. offices)
• Strong writing, proofreading, and editing abilities
• At least six months of experience writing in a non-academic setting (blogs, social media, on a professional or personal basis)
• A working knowledge of Google Docs, Google Analytics, Facebook, Twitter, and Wordpress
• Fantastic organizational and interpersonal skills
• An interest in social justice, activism, and shaping consumer culture required; academic, personal, or professional experience in these fields preferred

Location: Washington, D.C. or telecommuting

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit cover letter and resume to Kelsey Ryan at kelsey.ryan@groundswell.org, along with two writing samples (no more than 1000 words each, please).