Lead Writer / Editor
SRM360 is seeking a Lead Writer/Editor to create clear, accessible content about the science and issues around solar geoengineering (also known as solar radiation modification or SRM). We are offering $100 – $120K for this position, and applications will close by the end of November or earlier if a suitable candidate can be found.
SRM360 is a non-profit knowledge broker dedicated to opening up the conversation – creating clear informational tools and a platform for debate. Our goal is to equip key audiences around the world with the information and tools they need to take part in decisions about this emerging climate policy option.
SRM is not a solution to climate change, but it might help to reduce some of its devastating impacts while the essential work of decarbonisation accelerates. It would also introduce new risks and uncertainties, and more work is needed to understand them.
We do not take a position on whether SRM should be deployed or not; but we do support its research in the context of a warming world and believe a well-informed discussion is essential to identifying the best way forward.
The world faces critical decisions about SRM today – including around its research and governance. Civil society, policymakers, media, think tanks, and academia all have a role to play, but many do not have the knowledge or tools they need to engage effectively. We are looking for people who can help us change that.
Tasks
Reporting to the Editorial Director and collaborating with the editorial team, the successful candidate will support SRM360’s content and outreach strategy by:
- Researching and drafting accessible articles and other content which explore key aspects of SRM science and governance, and their relevance to specific regions and issues;
- Editing articles, perspectives, and other content produced by team members and external experts, ensuring that the material is accessible and engaging for a general audience.
- Drafting quick turnaround content which identifies and explains important developments in the field, including commissioning quotes from experts in the field for News Reactions;
- Drafting scripts for SRM360’s live discussions and podcasts;
- Developing a network of contacts with SRM experts and a robust understanding of the science and broader challenges of SRM to support SRM360’s work;
- Identifying opportunities in conjunction with the communications team to place SRM360 content in external media, alongside opportunities to grow our international audience with content relevant to their needs;
- Coordinating with our Graphics Editor to identify supporting graphics for SRM360’s content;
- Coordinating with our Social Media Manager on social posts supporting SRM360’s content;
Experience
We are looking for a writer/editor with a proven ability to make complex issues accessible and meaningful to a broad set of influential audiences, including media, NGOs, think tanks and policy makers. The successful candidate will have a proven ability to create clear compelling content that is grounded in evidence and be ready to take on controversial issues with calm and clarity – cutting through the noise in a crowded media landscape.
The successful candidate does not need to be an SRM expert but will be familiar with environmental and climate science and policy and have a keen awareness of the broader interface between science, technology and policy.
The successful candidate will have:
- More than ten years’ experience in science journalism or communications, with a proven track record in making complex issues accessible to a non-expert audience;
- An ability to accommodate the diverse needs of audiences in the media, NGOs, think tanks, academia, governments and international organisations;
- An understanding of the fast-evolving communications landscape, and how to create content that breaks through the noise;
- A network of contacts in media, science, civil society, and policy.
How we work
- SRM360 is a small and highly collaborative team, working remotely across multiple time-zones. Our team meetings are focused on North American mornings / European afternoons, so the candidate must be available in those core shared hours, and be able to work independently during other hours;
- We have an outreach and content plan in place for the coming year; at the same time, we maintain flexibility to deal with emerging opportunities in a fast-changing landscape, so candidates must be ready to shift tasks where needed;
- While most of SRM360’s work is conducted remotely, candidates will be expected to travel occasionally to attend key meetings, conferences or team events in person.