Junior Editor-in-Chief

We’re a creative media team producing story-driven, visually striking videos for global audiences. We’re looking for a seasoned writer to join as Junior Editor-in-Chief. 

‍

‍

What this is about

We’re looking for someone to join the editorial leadership of fern. Joining our team as (Junior) Editor-in-Chief means filling a role with real responsibility: strategy, management, editorial excellence, team leadership, developing topics, and maintaining quality. That’s why we will test your skills as a journalist, writer, and as a manager. We want to make sure you can fill that role both professionally and personally.

‍

‍

Trial Process

We’ll give you a topic to research and develop largely on your own. We’ll provide guidance and examples along the way.

After delivering a sample of 4-5 pages, we will evaluate your writing style. If you meet our standards, you will move on to write a full script.

You’ll conduct background interviews, develop a coherent structure and visualization ideas, and implement feedback. You’ll work closely with an Editor-in-Chief and the production team, and get to know our editorial processes in more depth.

This stage is paid on a day-rate basis, to be negotiated individually.

If this stage goes well, we’d like to work with you on a long-term and regular basis. 

‍

‍

Trial phase as (Junior) Editor-in-Chief

As a Junior Editor-in-Chief you will support and supervise a writer throughout the script development process. You’ll help shape the key ideas, structure, dramaturgy, and tone. You’ll make sure journalistic standards and sourcing guidelines are met. You’ll give feedback and edit across multiple rounds. A Senior Editor-in-Chief will support you. 

This stage is also paid on a day-rate basis, to be negotiated individually.

If you don’t pass this trial, we may still continue working with you as a Senior Writer.

If you do pass, you become a permanent part of the editorial leadership team.

‍

‍

Becoming a permanent part of the editorial leadership

• You are a permanent member of the editorial leadership of fern.
• You work regularly with members of the editorial team on stories and provide feedback.
• You help shape and develop our editorial vision and give the channel a strategic voice.
• You are involved in the development of topics.
• You lead the editorial team both professionally and personally — including supporting the growth of team members, giving feedback, and helping with hiring.
• Over time you may progress from Junior to Senior Editor-in-Chief. If you have prior editorial management experience, you may skip the Junior phase. 

‍

‍

What you should bring

• Several years of experience in journalism, ideally in video journalism. Experience in podcasting or audio is also welcome.
• Outstanding storytelling instincts — you understand how to turn a topic into a compelling story.
• Strong journalistic standards and solid sourcing skills.
• An organized way of working, leadership ability, strong communication skills, and sensitivity in dealing with conflict.
• English is your mother tongue. 
• Bonus: prior experience leading editorial work or taking responsibility for larger editorial projects.
• Bonus: experience with investigative reporting.
• Bonus: experience with YouTube.

‍

‍

What we offer

• A young, creative, ambitious, international, award-winning team of exceptional journalists, filmmakers, motion designers, and 3D artists.
• Reach and relevance — we run one of the largest YouTube channels in the German-speaking world, and fern is one of the fastest-growing international edutainment channels.
• Fair pay, adjusted to your role and level of experience.
• Collaboration with a committed, young team.
• A fully remote setup, plus occasional team events in Europe. 
• Flexible working hours.

‍

‍

What your application should include

• Your CV
• A cover letter
• Work samples

Please send your application by email to jobs@watchfern.com 

We’re looking forward to getting to know you. 

‍