We’re looking for an experienced, dynamic writer in the Washington, DC area to work on a major publication.
We’re writing a short book on constructive responses to hatred online, which we’ve studied for five years and want to present to a broad audience in a vivid, engaging way. You’ll write the draft of this pathbreaking document, using our abundant research: interviews, papers and reports, meeting notes, transcripts of live events, and slide decks – and some new research of your own. You’ll also solicit and edit contributions to the book from some of the activists who respond to online hate.
Once the book is near completion, we will work with you and a web designer to translate it into interactive, ‘choose your own adventure’-style online content that will allow visitors to engage with the work in different ways depending on their backgrounds and interests.
The book will be self-published and you will be credited as an author.
Clear, concise, engaging writing is crucial to our work, so a person successful in this role is very likely to be considered for future contract and employment opportunities with the Dangerous Speech Project.
Qualifications
You’re a seasoned, agile, professional writer in English, expert at describing research in a way that’s compelling and useful for a general audience. Your background might be in journalism, academia, popular writing, art, or something else. You’re in the Washington, DC area, close enough to meet in person once a week, and fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (or have a qualifying medical or religious exemption).
Budget
We have $50,000 for this contract, to be paid in installments tied to deliverables. As an independent contractor, you’ll be responsible for providing your own equipment and space to work, covering any commuting/travel expenses, and paying all taxes on this income.
Timeline
We expect this engagement to last one year, with the bulk of the work being done in the first six months. The first draft needs to be completed by the end of March 2022, with editing and website content production happening afterward.
Application Process
Please submit a proposal or cover letter, a resume that describes your relevant experience and qualifications, and two writing samples that demonstrate your vivid, engaging, narrative style.
We’ll review proposals on a rolling basis starting the week of August 30, and will reach out to top candidates for initial conversations after that. We’ll select finalists to work on a smaller-scale paid writing project starting in September. We’ll be sure to let you know whether or not you’re chosen.
About the Dangerous Speech Project
The Dangerous Speech Project (DSP) is an independent research team that works to counter dangerous speech and the violence it can catalyze, through original ideas, research and policy work. Dangerous speech is “any form of expression (speech, text, or images) that can increase the risk that its audience will condone or participate in violence against members of another group.”
You will be working for and signing a contract with the DSP’s executive director. This work is supported by a two-year, project-based grant from Public Safety Canada’s Community Resilience Fund to create new resources about counterspeech.