Application Guide

How to Apply for Deputy Editor, Future Perfect

at Vox Media

🏢 About Vox Media

Vox Media stands out for its mission-driven approach to journalism, particularly through Future Perfect's unique focus on effective altruism and evidence-based solutions to global problems. The company empowers creative professionals to make meaningful impact through smart, accessible storytelling that reaches millions of readers.

About This Role

As Deputy Editor for Future Perfect, you'll shape the next generation of journalists by directly managing three reporting fellows while overseeing the section's newsletter and editorial operations. This role is impactful because you'll influence both the quality of coverage on effective altruism topics and the development of early-career reporters at a major digital publication.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might begin with reviewing fellows' story pitches and providing guidance on reporting approaches, followed by editing newsletter content and coordinating with Vox partners on cross-platform projects. Afternoons could involve deep editing sessions on drafts, designing training materials for brown-bag sessions, and planning recruitment strategies for the next fellows class.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Vox Media Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of digital news editing experience with proven ability to coach writers through multiple drafts from concept to publication
  • Demonstrates a clear philosophy on developing early-career journalists, balancing direct feedback with mentorship to build trust
  • Possesses strong story judgment for effective altruism topics and can identify gaps in Future Perfect's coverage of doing good in the world
  • Has experience managing editorial workflows in fast-paced environments and can shape newsletter content to engage Vox's audience

📝 Tips for Applying to Vox Media

1

Highlight specific examples of developing early-career reporters in digital journalism, not just general editing experience

2

Demonstrate familiarity with Future Perfect's content by referencing 2-3 recent articles and explaining how you'd approach similar topics

3

Include a brief (1-2 paragraph) sample edit of a complex idea about effective altruism to show your editorial judgment

4

Mention experience with newsletter management tools and strategies for growing subscriber engagement

5

Show how you've identified coverage gaps in previous roles and developed stories to fill them

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your philosophy on coaching early-career journalists with specific examples of reporters you've developed", 'How you approach editing for both clarity and impact on topics related to effective altruism or doing good', 'Experience managing editorial workflows and collaborating across teams in digital newsrooms', "Specific ideas for how you'd contribute to Future Perfect's mission of exploring the best ways to do good"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read at least 10 recent Future Perfect articles to understand their approach to effective altruism topics
  • → Study Vox Media's editorial standards and voice by examining how different sections approach similar topics
  • → Review the current reporting fellows' work to understand the program's output and identify areas for development
  • → Analyze the Future Perfect newsletter's recent issues to understand its structure, tone, and engagement strategies

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach coaching a fellow who's struggling to move from research to a compelling narrative structure?
2 What gaps do you see in Future Perfect's current coverage and what story ideas would you propose?
3 Describe your process for editing a newsletter to maintain consistent voice while keeping content fresh
4 How do you balance giving direct feedback with maintaining positive momentum with early-career reporters?
5 What metrics would you use to measure the success of the reporting fellows program?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on your writing experience without demonstrating editing and management capabilities
  • Showing no familiarity with Future Perfect's specific focus on effective altruism and evidence-based solutions
  • Providing generic feedback examples instead of specific coaching scenarios with early-career journalists

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Vox Media!

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