Researcher for Educational Nonprofit Websites on Controversial Topics

ProCon.org, a Santa Monica-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (www.ProCon.org) needs a full-time Researcher to develop content for websites devoted to a balanced presentation of controversial issues.  Our websites have been featured or referenced on the BBC, Forbes, Yahoo! Picks, 60 Minutes, The New York Times, and more.

 

The site topics currently include medical marijuana, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, origins of sexual orientation, US in Iraq, ACLU, “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance, electronic voting machines, and new topics such as felon voting, global warming, euthanasia, milk, immigration, and others that will emerge in 2006 and the years beyond.

 

The position requires significant research experience, good writing skills, strong computer literacy, excellent time management, basic HTML abilities, and some journalism/editing experience.

 

The candidate must be motivated, a self-starter, precise, intelligent, and reliable (being nice is also valued).  Applicants must demonstrate a high level of initiative, creativity, productivity, and attention to detail.  The candidate must have strong media literacy, and must be prepared to interview VIPs in their topic areas.

 

The position requires 8 hours of work per day (40 hours per week) from our offices in Santa Monica. The Researcher reports directly to the Managing Editor.

 

Compensation is commensurate with related research experience and education.  Benefits include but are not limited to medical, vision, dental, life insurance, parking, and a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan.

 

 

Three required items (and an optional one) for application:

 

Candidates interested in this position should visit one of the first seven sites that appear on the right column of the ProCon.org homepage and submit a one-page critique of the site they choose.  Applications without this critique will not be considered.  Critiques should focus on the site's content, presentation, approach, etc. and not your personal views on the site's topics.

 

In addition to the critique, we’d appreciate a resume, cover letter, and optional sample (3 pages max.) of your research writing.

 

Complete applications should be submitted via fax to 310-393-2471 or via email at jobs@procon.org .  No phone calls please.  We do not work with recruiters.  Only direct applicants will be considered.  Given a high volume of job applicants, ProCon.org will not necessarily respond to all candidates.