Assistant Editor at Mercy for Animals

Job Description

Assistant Editor at Mercy for Animals

Mercy For Animals aims to end industrial animal agriculture by constructing a just and sustainable food system. We envision a world where animals are respected, protected, and free.

 As a leading farmed animal advocacy organization, we know that achieving this goal requires a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment—one that welcomes and sparks new perspectives and innovative ideas. If you are passionate about our mission, driven to make a big impact for animals, and eager to be part of a dedicated team, join us!

We currently seek an assistant editor-copywriter, english to join our public engagement team. In this role you will assist the editor in chief in ensuring that Mercy For Animals’ English-language communications meet the organization’s editorial standards and to create diverse, dynamic content for the United States-Canada team.

You will do invaluable work: 

Primary Responsibilities

• Edit written communications to impart the following qualities where necessary: 

• Concision and clarity 

• Grace (smooth flow, effective and appropriate tone)

• Dynamic language and cadence 

• Logical organization of ideas, proportionate development of ideas, and overall coherence

• Grammar and punctuation 

Secondary Responsibilities

• Create English-language content as needed for the United States-Canada team, which could include the following:

• Op-eds and letters to the editor

• Blog posts

• Public-facing emails

• Video scripts

• Website content

• Fact sheets

• Grant proposals and grant reports

• Manuals and SOPs

Your qualifications will take our public engagement team to the next level:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in writing, linguistics, or related field (or equivalent experience) (preferred)

• Exceptionally high performance standards

• Rigorous attention to detail

• Outstanding written communication skills, including agility (e.g., ability to edit a blog post about fun foods as effectively as an academic paper or high-dollar grant proposal)

• Proficiency in or willingness to learn The Chicago Manual of Style’s comprehensive standards

• Proficiency in or willingness to learn The Associated Press Stylebook’s comprehensive standards

• Proficiency in or willingness to learn APA citation style

• Thorough knowledge of or willingness to learn Google Docs

• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office

• Proven organizational and time-management skills

• Support for Mercy For Animals’ philosophy and ability to professionally advocate our positions

• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization

• Commitment to continued personal and organizational growth in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles

About Your Team Leader

Brooke is Mercy For Animals’ editor in chief, having joined the organization in 2007. She holds a bachelor’s in linguistics from the University of Michigan and has taught both academic and conversational English in the United States and abroad. Brooke values brilliant wordsmiths with high performance standards. Outside Mercy For Animals, she maintains personal trainer and nutrition coach certifications, and someday she may actually use them. In her spare time, Brooke can be found at a boxing gym, dance studio, or margarita bar. She resides in Evanston, Illinois, with her rescue bulldog, Roxy.

Compensation and Benefits(nonexempt)

Earn an annual salary of around $55,200–$61,800 (paid hourly), *depending on qualifications. In addition to a collaborative and innovative work environment, you will be able to take part in our benefits package, including no- or low-cost health, vision, and dental insurance; generous paid time off and sick leave; and 401(k) retirement plan, with a dollar-to-dollar employer match of up to 3 percent of your annual earnings.

*Benefits and salary outside the United States will be shared early in the interview process.

Application Details

We consider traditional and nontraditional qualifications and carefully review each application, resume, and cover letter. Feel encouraged to go outside a traditional cover letter and state how you would add to our culture; what we would gain from having you on our team; and how you align with our organizational vision, mission, and values. 

Our Commitment to You

Mercy For Animals is a globally minded organization. We are committed to the principles of equity and justice, and our culture celebrates authenticity—enabling every team member to shine. All employment decisions are based solely on individual qualifications, job needs, and job requirements, and potential team members of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, veteran status, and ability are encouraged to apply. We strive to include candidates from historically marginalized communities and those from or in communities impacted by environmental, social, and economic injustice. 

Come as you are, and help us transform our society and construct a truly compassionate food system.