Future Perfect covers the world through a particular prism: What are the best ways to do good in this world? What are the stories that are both important — meaning they affect large numbers of people — yet are undercovered by the media at large? And what are the solutions to those problems that have actual traction in the world we live in? 

Inspired in part by the philosophy of effective altruism — but not beholden to it or any other movement — Future Perfect strives to shine a light on neglected stories that have, or will have, a profound impact on the lives of billions of humans and animals.

Since its launch in 2018, Future Perfect has developed a loyal following for its idiosyncratic, mission-driven approach to news. Among our key subject areas include global poverty and public health, the catastrophic and existential threats that we face, and animal welfare and factory farming. We cover the philosophies and practices surrounding philanthropy and altruism, and the moral and ethical questions that underpin individual and policy choices.

True to the name of the vertical, we constantly ask ourselves: In 10, 20, 30 years, what will we look back on and wish we devoted more time covering? Then we go ahead and do those stories today.

This fall, thanks to a generous grant, we’re hiring three fellows to help us ensure Future Perfect is telling the most important stories to our audience and approaching those stories with nuance and discernment. The fellowship is a one-year, full-time position.

The Future Perfect Fellowship is a perfect opportunity for emerging journalism talent, subject-matter experts looking to move into journalism — especially in our key areas, like animal welfare, AI, biotechnology and global development/health — or established journalists who want to switch beats or gain expertise on a new platform. 

The fellowship will be a year-long program to receive extensive training and mentorship along with opportunities above and beyond that of traditional entry-level positions. Aside from intensive feedback from editors, fellows will also have dedicated mentors, exclusive networking opportunities, skills training sessions featuring journalists from Vox Media and other outlets, and the chance to attend one professional conference per year.

 

WHO WE ARE

Vox candidly shepherds audiences through politics and policy, business and pop culture, food, science, and everything else that matters.

Vox is part of Vox Media, the leading modern media company. We guide our audience from discovery to obsession. We inspire essential conversations about what’s now, what’s next, and what’s possible.

As a community of journalists and storytellers, business professionals, creators and technologists, we believe it is a moral and business imperative to amplify voices: to cultivate diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our organization and media. This applies to our candidates, our teams, our storytelling, our creative work, and our platforms, products, and partnerships.

 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Produce distinct Future Perfect content
• Participate in story meetings and pitch fresh ideas
• Work with editors to shape and improve content
• Participate in skill shares, training, and mentorship opportunities 

 

WHO YOU ARE

• A demonstrated passion for and familiarity with Future Perfect’s areas of coverage, including global poverty and public health; climate change, pandemics, and other catastrophic threats to humanity; animal welfare; moral philosophy; effective altruism more broadly; and philanthropy. A major factor is being able to understand and articulate what makes Future Perfect’s approach different from that of other verticals in subjects like climate change or health that may crossover with our material. Bonus points for demonstrated expertise or previous work in one or more of the above subjects 
• An interest in explanatory journalism of the kind long-practiced by Vox.
• Previous newsroom experience (including college papers) or comparable experience in another field — we have had great luck turning lawyers, think tank staffers, scientists and other subject-matter experts into great journalists
• Tenacious curiosity and a creative approach to storytelling, including an interest in telling stories about the world through the Future Perfect lens

 

If you think you have what it takes, but don't meet every single point in our job posting, please apply with a cover letter to let us know how you believe you can bring your unique skills to the Vox Media team or get in touch! We’ve hired chefs who became editors, DJs who became UX designers, and sommeliers who became writers.

 

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

This job is remote. We’re dedicated to the health and wellbeing of all of our employees, and when we reopen, will require everyone who works from one of our offices to be fully-vaccinated against COVID-19. Employees with approved religious or medical exemptions may be subject to additional safety requirements, such as submitting to regular COVID-19 testing and/or wearing a face covering in our offices.

 

WHY VOX MEDIA? WHAT WE OFFER

This is a temporary, full-time position. This job is benefits-eligible. We pride ourselves in providing comprehensive benefits to support all of our employees wherever they are in life. You can find more information about our benefits here.

This role is a part of the Vox Media Union, represented by the Writers Guild of America, East

 

OUR DEI+ COMMITMENT

Vox Media is committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can show up as their authentic selves and create their best work. We recognize that great stories, platforms, products and services come from people with all manner of backgrounds and experiences. We recognize that our commitments require ongoing work and sustained attention, as well as adaptation to new insights and best practices. We keep our diversity data public for the sake of accountability, transparency and communication. Learn more about our values here, and our approach to corporate citizenship here. 

Vox Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer and qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, national origin, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law. Vox Media will also consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with applicable Fair Chance laws. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations as part of the application process to candidates with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact our People & Culture team (recruitment@voxmedia.com).

 

WHAT COMES NEXT

To apply, please submit a resume and a one-page cover letter that includes the following by December 29, 2023:

• Describe what it is about Future Perfect’s approach to covering the news that inspires you as a potential journalist, what about your experiences makes you right to join our team as a fellow, and the kind of subjects and stories you’d see yourself pursuing as a fellow. 
• One to three previous writing samples (journalistic stories, research papers, reports, etc.). 

Our recruiting team will go through applications in a timely manner. Please note that our recruiting team will only contact you from @voxmedia.com email addresses, never via text message. Read more about how our recruiting team operates, and how to protect yourself from recruitment fraud, here.

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The salary range listed below represents the minimum and maximum base pay for this position at the time of this posting. Final salary offered to the candidate selected for the position will be based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience.

Pay Range$72,000—$72,000 USD