Opportunities 03/23/2022

National Geographic, Autostraddle, USA Today, and more.

The Study Hall Opportunities newsletter is a weekly compilation of pitch calls; freelance, part-time, and temporary gigs; events; fellowships, scholarships, awards, and grants; internships; and full-time jobs. It’s written by Chris Erik Thomas, who is on season two of Sex and the City and continues urging you to donate to Ukraine humanitarian aid efforts. The newsletter is released on Wednesdays. Once in a while, we take a day off for mental health breaks and holidays. 

►Have a job posting, gig, or fellowship you want to be included in the next Opps newsletter? Send them to [email protected] for approval with “Opportunity:” in the subject line. 

►Editors, submit your time-sensitive or evergreen pitch calls to our Typeform page.

►Let us know if you got a job or landed a pitch through the Opps newsletter! Send them to [email protected] with “Opps Success Story:” in the subject line.

►Tell us what resources have helped you in your freelancing so we can share with other Study Hall members. Send them to [email protected] with “Resource:” in the subject line.

---

***THE MEDIA CLASSIFIED ADS***

►Can’t wait for the second season of Bridgerton? Neither can I. In reflecting on the first season, the media’s coverage of the sexy Duke of Hastings left out one crucial detail: his stutter. Here’s what the media completely missed regarding sex, stuttering, and Bridgerton.

****ANNOUNCEMENT: The Classified Ads will be on a break for the month of April, but we’ll be back soon. Want to learn more about promoting your job opening / pitch call / new project / ecommerce brand? Click through for rates, testimonials, and to get in touch.****

---

STUDY HALL EVENTS PROGRAMMING

►ASK ME ANYTHING: A series of dialogues that will be hosted on our Slack channel covering topics that include: the politics of labor, racial dynamics in arts publishing, and managing stress while freelancing.

–AMA with entertainment writer Rachel Simon will take place on April 13 at 3PM EST. Simon was previously deputy editor of HelloGiggles, entertainment news editor for Bustle, and wellbeing editor for Mic. Participants are encouraged to ask questions about managing stress while freelancing and the art of pitching and promoting your work. 

These hour-long conversations will be held in an AMA format in the #general channel on Slack (you’ll need a subscription with Slack access to attend). If you have requests — someone you’d like us to invite or a topic you’d like us to cover — feel free to shoot a note to [email protected]. If you need help updating your subscription, please email [email protected].

---

RESOURCES

Mastering the art of freelancing requires more than just perusing the Study Hall Opps newsletter every week. To help you get the most bang for your buck, we keep track of the many, many resources designed to help journalists. Have a resource you’d like to see included? Send it to [email protected] with “Resource:” in the subject line. 

-The Spring 2022 Fellowships and Residencies List by BOMB Magazine tracks all the current fellowships, residencies, and prizes accepting applications, including the location, deadline and residency period. 

-The NBCC Book Coverage Publication List by the National Book Critics Circle tracks over 80 publications that publish book coverage (reviews, interviews, essays, etc.). The list includes editor names, contracts, pay rates, and more. 

Want more resources? Check out the Transcription Tool Safety Guide; Labor Strike Action Tracker; Rate Sharing Database; NPR Diverse Sources Database; Online Violence Research Hub; Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Journalists Therapy Relief Fund; Black Journalists Therapy Relief Fund; Developing An Investigative Pitch Guide; Britany Robinson’s Big List of Writing Deadlines; Study Hall Transcriber Database; Freelancing Guide/Editorial Contacts spreadsheet; #FreelancerPayGap spreadsheet; Pitch Guide Database; Chelsea’s Guide to Freelancing doc; PACER; Priya Krishna’s resources for food writing; Election SOS Report; and the Extremism Coverage Prep Guide.

---

CALLS FOR PITCHES 

Please note that we are not endorsing every publication or company that is listed here. The decision of whether to engage with a publication or company is entirely up to the reader. In regards to pitch calls, we try to only share opportunities that have fair rates based on publicly available information. While we currently define “fair rates” as being above $100 USD for around 700-800 words and above $0.10 per word for longer pieces, we cannot guarantee that every publication pays this rate. If you have more information on a rate or exploitative business practices from a publication posted, email [email protected].***

TIME-SENSITIVE PITCH CALLS, SORTED BY HIGHEST TO LOWEST RATES

-Boston University is commissioning writers to produce features, profiles, science stories, and general news stories for print and online. They are especially interested in commissioning BIPOC writers for stories. The rates start at $1 per word. Send clips and inquiries to [email protected]. 

–National Geographic is looking for pitches of timely stories on travel for spring. They are especially interested in travel stories in the Midwest and Great Plains regions, and are specifically not looking for pitches of people and company profiles; galleries and listicles; or food and drink stories. The rates range from $800-$1,000 per piece. Send pitches to [email protected] by April 2. 

-Fifth Season is looking for pitches of complete recipes (with ingredient list and steps) and a “well-told anecdote that gives the dish some life” for their blog, The Green Room. The rate is $500 per piece. See their pitch guide for more info. 

–The Statesider is looking for pitches of stories, maps, infographics, photo essays, and other formats on U.S. travel and culture. The rate is $500 for stories of at least 1,200 words, but reach out if you “want to do something shorter, significantly longer, [or] add complexity in some other way.” See their pitch guide for more info. 

–The Parliament Magazine is looking for pitches of reported features, interviews, and book reviews on the theme of “European defense” for their upcoming issue. The rate is €0.35 (USD $0.39) per word. Send pitches to [email protected] or [email protected]. 

–Rwebel is commissioning freelance writers to produce BIPOC-centered stories for their Culture Digest column. The rates range from $0.20-$0.50 per word, commensurate with experience. Send inquiries to [email protected]. 

–BobVila.com is commissioning freelance writers to produce buying guides on home and garden topics. They are specifically looking to assign guides on grills, bird products, and lawn care. The rates range from $250-$600 per guide. Send inquiries to [email protected]. 

–i-D is looking for pitches on “pop cultural takes, internet stuff, [and] creative subcultures.” They are specifically not looking for pitches of straightforward profiles or personal essays. The rates range from £150-£200 (USD $200-$265). Send pitches to [email protected]. 

–Episodes is looking for pitches of takes on “TV, film, trans stuff, fiction, and other oddities.” They are especially interested in pitches on non-English-language TV available to American audiences, as well as pitches from BIPOC and queer writers “even if you haven’t been published before.” The rate is $150 per post. Send pitches to [email protected]. 

–Sentient Media is looking for pitches of solutions journalism pieces and culture stories on “how humans use and treat nonhuman animals.” The rate is $150 per piece of 700-1,000 words. Send pitches to [email protected]. 

–Fed is looking for pitches of stories on food and agriculture under the theme of “textiles” for an upcoming issue. They are especially interested in pitches on “silk production; indigo farming; [and] whether sustainable alternatives will disrupt or reproduce exploitation in textiles and the fashion industry.” The rate is CAD $0.15 (USD $0.12) per word for pieces of around 1,200 words. Send pitches to [email protected]. 

–Pride Source is looking for pitches of essays, reported features, profiles, and stories on ideas related to Pride season. They are also looking for pitches on auto, home, and travel stories, and are especially interested in pitches with a Michigan angle. The rates range from $100-$150 for essays, and $150-$250 for features. See their pitch guide for more info, and send pitches and inquiries to [email protected] by the end of April. 

–Minority Africa is looking for pitches of features, op-eds, and reported analysis from transgender writers in Africa for Trans Visibility Day on March 31. The rates range from $100-$130. Send pitches to [email protected]. 

NEW EVERGREEN PITCH CALLS, SORTED BY HIGHEST TO LOWEST RATES

–BBC is always looking for pitches of reported features on work, social psychology, sex and identity, inequality, and family for their Worklife vertical. The rate is $600 for features of 1,200-1,500 words. See their pitch guide for more info and send pitches to [email protected]. 

–The Muse is always looking for pitches of reported features, essays, humor pieces, and opinion pieces on careers and work. They are especially interested in pitches that “shed light, provide insight, reframe, and capture zeitgeists at a moment when careers, work, and culture are shifting and evolving.” The rates range from $300-$600, but they will “consider going higher for the right stories.” Send pitches to [email protected]. 

–The Resolve is always looking for pitches of features, reported news stories, explainers, profiles, interviews, analysis, and personal essays on “race and health, race and justice, and race and the environment.” The rate is CAD $0.50 (USD $0.39) per word for pieces of 800-1,000 words. See their pitch guide for more info. 

–Them is always looking for pitches of guides on health, sex, relationships, gender, and other topics for their lifestyle section. They are also commissioning writers to regularly produce guides. The rates range from $250-$400 per guide depending on length. Send inquiries and pitches to [email protected]. 

–Mongabay is always looking for pitches of reported features on environmental issues impacting Africa, Brazil, India, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and oceans. The rates start at $0.25 per word, and support for travel expenses may be provided. See their pitch guide for more info. 

–Trailrunner Magazine is always looking for pitches of stories on “trails [and] foot travel in this time of loss, opportunity, and inflection.” They are especially interested in stories of encounters that “made you weep, made you dance, made you spit blood.” The rates start at $200 for digital pieces, and start at $0.25 per word for print features. See their pitch guide for more info and send pitches to @nicktriolo.

–Catapult is always looking for pitches of essays and criticism on pop culture, digital culture, literature, news, science, and other topics. The rates start at $200 per essay. See their pitch guide for more info.

–Slate is always looking for pitches of stories on internet culture, fandom, and music. The rates start at $200 per piece. Send pitches to [email protected]. 

–African Arguments is always looking for pitches of reviews, listicles, interviews, investigations, essays, features, analysis, and deep dives on African art, culture, creative industries, events, and issues. They are especially interested in pitches on the restitution of African artifacts, films, Afrobeats and Amapiano crossovers, queer Africans, and more. The rates are around $150 for op-eds and $200 for reported features, but can be more based on length and complexity. See their pitch guide for more info and send pitches to [email protected]. 

–Fed is always looking for pitches of stories on food and agriculture for upcoming issues. The rate is CAD $0.15 (USD $0.12) per word for pieces of around 1,200 words. Send pitches and inquiries about their upcoming 2022 issue themes to [email protected]. 

–Aislin Magazine is always commissioning writers to produce event recaps, artist interviews, reviews, and essays on art, fashion, writing, and music for their upcoming issue. They are also commissioning photographers and illustrators. The rates range from $100-$250 per piece. See their pitch form for more info.

–Paste Magazine is always looking for pitches of travel stories. The rate is $100 for pieces of 800 words, but “there is some room to negotiate based on the assignment.” Send pitches to [email protected]. 

–Autostraddle is always looking for pitches of stories on sex and relationships from lesbian, bisexual, and queer women and/or trans writers of color. They are especially interested in pitches on sex and sobriety, poly parenting, dating as a queer parent, and other topics. The rates range from $100-$200 per piece. Send pitches to [email protected]. 

***CLICK HERE FOR OUR FULL LIST OF EVERGREEN PITCH CALLS, SORTED BY HIGHEST TO LOWEST RATES.***

FREELANCE, PART-TIME, AND TEMPORARY JOBS

–Type Investigations is hiring a researcher and fact-checker on a one-year contract. Candidates should have at least one year of journalism experience and familiarity with research tools like Nexis or PACER. The rate is $25 per hour, plus a monthly technology stipend, and requires working full-time for one year. The position can be remote or based in New York. The deadline to apply is April 3.

–The Parliament Magazine is hiring for multiple, short-term positions, including an entry level reporter to lead their newsletter and social accounts, as well as a senior reporter to commission op-eds from politicians and “(probably) write the magazine’s cover interview feature.” Candidates for both positions should have a deep familiarity with the EU institutions, knowledge of French (fluency not required). Both positions will begin with two-month contracts, and the positions can be remote within the EU or based in Brussels. 

–Sierra Magazine is hiring an editor to lead their coverage of adventure and lifestyle topics on a six-month contract. Candidates should have some relevant journalism experience, “preferably with a concentration in outdoor adventure, environmental lifestyle, or sustainable businesses.” The annual salary range is $65,000-$75,000 for editors based in Oakland, CA or Washington, D.C., but a “lower starting salary may apply for remote based hires.” 

–The Good is hiring freelance writers to produce two or three pieces of content per month on customer research, CRO, web design, product design, or customer and user experience. The starting rate will generally be $250 per post and will max out at $500 per piece. 

-Jamie Ditaranto is hiring freelance writers to produce neighborhood guides on Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Chiang Mai for a “new startup targeting professional remote workers.” The rate is $400 per guide of 2,000 words. Send inquiries and clips to [email protected]. 

EVENTS AND COURSES

–Mongabay is hosting a free webinar on reforestation tomorrow, March 24 at 6PM EST. The panel discussion will feature two leading experts in the reforestation sector, Robin Chazdon and Erin Axelrod, and journalist Nithin Coca. The webinar aims to help journalists find possible story ideas for reporting on reforestation. 

-The School of Visual Arts is hosting a paid Design Writing and Research summer intensive. The online course will allow participants to “experiment with essential techniques such as interviewing, archive research, close observation, analysis and critique, and then to develop and finesse several projects.” The tuition for the course is $1,800, and the course will run from June 6-17. The deadline to apply is next Friday, April 1.

-Joe Fassler, deputy editor of The Counter, is hosting an eight-week workshop on food and environmental nonfiction for Sterling College. The course will teach students to craft compelling stories, allow them to workshop their pieces and pitches, and includes multiple guest speakers. The tuition will be $1,250, but there are four fellowships available: three for BIPOC writers and one for a veteran. The course runs from April 4 through May 27.

NEW: -Sylveon Consulting is hosting a two-day virtual workshop on how to “competently and respectfully cover trans people and gender-related issues.” The workshop is taught by journalist and educator Tuck Woodstock. There is a fee of $175 for both sessions, but a sliding scale option starting at $50 exists for freelancers paying out of pocket. The workshop will run on April 13 and April 20 from 2 to 4PM EST. 

-Meredith Talusan, a writer and contributing editor at them, is hosting a weekend workshop for “academics who want to transition to writing for the public.” The two-day bootcamp will include a lecture on May 21 and workshops on May 21 and May 22 that will cover op-eds, long-form essays, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and autobiographical fiction. Tickets are $125 for the lecture only, and $300 for the lecture and workshops, however there are scholarships available to cover the costs for both the lecture and workshop. 

GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS, CONTESTS, AND AWARDS

-The International Women’s Media Foundation is accepting nominations for their Gwen Ifill Award. The award is given to a woman, non-binary, or gender-nonconforming journalist of color in the U.S. with “a track record of mentorship, leadership, and a commitment to diversity in journalism.” They accept both third-party and self-nominations. The deadline to nominate is this Saturday, March 26.

NEW: –The Hechinger Report is accepting applications for their paid grant program. The program aims to provide funding to freelancers or reporters in local newsrooms in the West and the South to produce one education feature story. The program provides access to an experienced education editor and grants of $3,000, plus up to $1,000 for travel and photography funding. The deadline to apply is this Monday, March 28. 

-The McGraw Center for Business Journalism is accepting applications for their paid grant program. The program aims to support the production of deeply reported enterprise and investigative stories on critical economic, financial, or business issues across a wide array of subjects. The program provides editorial support and grants of up to $15,000. You do not need to be a business reporter to apply. The deadline to apply is next Thursday, March 31.

–The Atlantic is accepting applications for their paid 2022 Michael Kelly Award. The award recognizes work published in a U.S.-based print or online publication that exemplifies “the fearless pursuit and expression of truth.” The winning entry will be awarded $25,000, and each finalist will receive $3,000. The deadline to apply is next Friday, April 1.

-The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine is accepting submissions for their paid Excellence in Science Communication awards program. The program aims to highlight work by science journalists and research scientists who have produced excellent work on science, engineering, or medicine. Submissions are accepted in six categories, including for freelance journalists and early career journalists. They will award six top prizes of $40,000 and 18 regular prizes of $20,000. The deadline to submit is next Sunday, April 3.

-The Carter Center is accepting applications for their Benjamin von Sternenfels Rosenthal Grant for Mental Health Investigative Journalism program. The program provides training from behavioral health and journalism experts and a grant of $10,000 for a journalist to produce an in-depth investigation into a mental health topic of their choice. Applicants must have at least three years of journalism experience. The deadline to apply is April 6.

–Truthout is accepting submissions for their paid Keeley Schenwar Memorial Essay Prize program. The content will highlight original, first-person essays of 1,500 words or less on the topic of prisons, policing or a related subject. The contest is only open to people who are currently or formerly incarcerated. The two winners will be awarded a prize of $3,000 each, and their essays will be published on Truthout. The deadline to submit is May 1.

–Oxford American is accepting submissions for their Fall 2022 Fiction Contest. Submissions must be made by a “writer whose fiction has not yet been published in a print publication with a circulation over 5,000 copies.” They are especially interested in submissions with “ties to the South or a story that furthers our mission of exploring the complexity and vitality of the South.” The contest winner will receive a prize of $1,000 and be included in their Fall 2022 issue. The deadline to submit is May 15.

-The International Women’s Media Foundation is accepting applications for their United States Journalism Emergency Fund program. The program provides financial assistance to US-based journalists of any gender (including men) who have been “targeted as a result of [their] reporting at events related to the highly charged political unrest and polarization in the US.” The fund covers medical aid, mental health and legal services, and destroyed or stolen equipment or protective gear. Requests will be reviewed in the order they were received.

–SpotlightDC is accepting applications for its investigative journalism grant. The grant awards up to $10,000 for investigative or explanatory journalism projects focused on health care, crime, transportation, corruption, and other matters of public interest in the Washington, DC; Maryland; and Virginia regions. Grant applications are reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis.

FELLOWSHIPS AND INTERNSHIPS

–New York Public Radio is accepting applications for their paid Death, Sex & Money Internship program. Interns will work with staff to create content for their podcast feed, social media pages, and website. The rate is $15 per hour, and interns are expected to work 35 hours per week from June 6 through August 12. The deadline to apply is this Friday, March 25. 

–MIT Technology Review is accepting applications for their paid Emerging Journalist Fellowship program. The program provides intense and rigorous training that aims to help journalists refine their chosen beat and produce content on that beat. The rate is $20 per hour and fellows are expected to work full-time for six months. The program can be remote or based in Cambridge, MA. The deadline to apply is next Thursday, March 31. 

JOBS 

NEW YORK

–The New York Times is hiring an editor to lead and shape coverage of their Book Review section. Candidates should have at least five years of editorial experience, a passion for running books coverage and criticism, and a knowledge of the books industry and its major players. 

–Rolling Stone is hiring a staff writer to cover the hip hop music genre for their print and digital publications. Candidates should have at least three years of music journalism experience, and a deep knowledge of popular music, especially current hip hop. 

–Cool Culture is hiring a communications coordinator to write and edit web articles, press releases, social media, and other materials. Candidates should have at least one year of project management experience in the nonprofit sector, and some experience working with families and communities. The salary range is $50,000-$60,000. 

–AllArts.org is hiring a digital content editor to support the production of their online content, including social media content. Candidates should have at least two years of editorial experience, and an in-depth understanding of social platforms. 

–Aperture is hiring an assistant editor to project manage and support their book publishing program, including producing editorial content for the PhotoBook Review section of their print magazine. Candidates should have some editorial experience in illustrated books, an arts organization or publisher, or related field, and knowledge of photography is preferred, but not required. 

-The Morgan Library & Museum is hiring an editor to oversee all printed material, including multi-author catalogs, smaller publications, and exhibition didactics. Candidates should have at least five years of editing experience, including a “demonstrated record of producing heavily illustrated, museum-quality catalogs and, ideally, exhibition didactics.” The salary range is $75,000-$90,000, commensurate with experience. 

-Storyline Media is hiring a program manager to create, run, and evaluate their programming, including co-designing and launching their apprenticeship program. Candidates should have at least five years of project management experience and a knowledge of and interest in art, cinema, and documentary. The salary range is $65,000-$69,000. The deadline to apply is next Thursday, March 31.  

-Futuro Newsroom is hiring an editorial director to lead their editorial teams at Latino USA, In The Thick, and Latino Rebels. Candidates should have at least a decade of experience in audio or digital journalism and at least seven years of newsroom leadership experience. Spanish language fluency and proficiency is strongly preferred, but not required. The salary range is $130,000-$145,000, commensurate with experience. The position can be remote but will require occasionally working out of their office in Harlem, New York. The deadline to apply is next Thursday, March 31.

TEXAS

–Glasstire is hiring an editor-in-chief to oversee all content and lead their editorial team. Candidates should have at least three years of writing and editorial experience, familiarity with contemporary art and art writing, and a track record of strong leadership. The position can be based anywhere in Texas, but preference will be given to candidates based in Houston. The deadline to apply is this Sunday, March 27. 

CALIFORNIA

–Into is hiring an assistant editor to lead coverage of LGBTQIA+ culture and breaking news, including writing four to six stories per day. Candidates should have some experience writing about LGBTQIA+ issues. The salary range is $50,000-$56,000. The position can be remote or based in Los Angeles. Send resumes and clips to [email protected]. 

-Stanford University is hiring a writer-in-residence to participate in the intellectual life of the institute, including hosting their artist salon and teaching one class per year for two years in their Feminist, Gender and Sexuality Studies program. Candidates should have an “extensive publication record and a national profile.” The position will begin in September 2022 and run for two years. The salary is $90,000. They will begin reviewing applications this Friday, March 25, and continue until the position is filled. 

CENTRAL

–MinnPost is hiring a Minneapolis, MN-based editor to lead their newsroom’s coverage of “the politics, policies and people shaping [their] state.” Candidates should have at least five years of experience leading newsroom teams, including managing early-career journalists. The starting salary is $100,000. The deadline to apply is next Friday, April 1.

REMOTE-FRIENDLY

–USA Today is hiring a national digital editor to “amplify and spread newsroom work around race and equality.” Candidates should have some relevant newsroom experience, strong editing skills, and an understanding of different audience platforms. The starting salary is $55,000. 

–Primetimer is hiring a news writer to produce six to eight stories per day “with a specific focus on television news and viral content.” Candidates should have at least one year of writing experience and strong editing skills. The salary is $50,000 per year. 

–Into is hiring an assistant editor to lead coverage of LGBTQIA+ culture and breaking news, including writing four to six stories per day. Candidates should have some experience writing about LGBTQIA+ issues. The salary range is $50,000-$56,000. The position can be remote or based in Los Angeles. Send resumes and clips to [email protected]. 

-Life.io is hiring an associate editor to produce evergreen lifestyle content for three categories: Finance, Mindset, and Health & Fitness. Candidates should have at least three years of editorial, content marketing, or journalism experience, as well as strong editing experience. The starting salary is $60,000, according to their director of content, Amelia Harnish, but they “can pay more for the right candidate.” 

–Bolts is hiring for multiple positions, including a staff writer to cover politics, especially criminal justice and voting rights, as well as a story editor to develop, shape, and produce stories. Candidates for both positions should have a “broad interest in left politics and progressive policy, social movements, criminal justice, and voting rights.” The salary ranges are $70,000-$80,000 for the staff writer and $75,000-$82,000 for the story editor. They began reviewing applications for both positions on Friday, March 11, but the positions will remain open as long as the postings are up.

-Futuro Newsroom is hiring an editorial director to lead their editorial teams at Latino USA, In The Thick, and Latino Rebels. Candidates should have at least a decade of experience in audio or digital journalism and at least seven years of newsroom leadership experience. Spanish language fluency and proficiency is strongly preferred, but not required. The salary range is $130,000-$145,000, commensurate with experience. The position can be remote but will require occasionally working out of their office in Harlem, New York. The deadline to apply is next Thursday, March 31.

–Mondoweiss is hiring for multiple positions, including a director of development to expand their fundraising program, as well as a managing editor to lead their editorial agenda. Candidates for both positions should have a demonstrated commitment to Palestinian human rights. The salary ranges are $75,000-$80,000 for the director of development and $54,000-$60,000 for the managing editor. The deadline to apply for both positions is next Friday, April 1.