Staff Writer

Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Remote, United States, Travel <10%
Compensation: $45,000–51,000
Reports to: Opinion Editor/Editor-in-Chief

Position Overview

UOJ-America is seeking a versatile Staff Writer to produce reported features, explanatory articles, profiles, interviews, institutional coverage, and other original editorial content. The Staff Writer will help readers understand the people, institutions, traditions, and controversies shaping Orthodox life in America and abroad.

Unlike the primarily breaking-news focus of the News Writer/Correspondent, the Staff Writer will concentrate on stories requiring additional context, research, interpretation, and narrative development. The position requires a clear and engaging writing style, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to make complicated subjects accessible without oversimplifying them.

Responsibilities

Research and write original features, profiles, interviews, explainers, and special reports.
Develop story ideas consistent with UOJ-America’s editorial priorities.
Provide historical, theological, institutional, and cultural context for current developments.
Interview clergy, scholars, public officials, institutional representatives, and laypeople.
Review books, reports, public statements, archival materials, and other relevant documents.
Produce recurring columns or editorial series when assigned.
Assist with coverage of major feast days, conferences, anniversaries, institutional developments, and public events.
Work with editors to revise drafts for structure, clarity, accuracy, and style.
Verify factual claims and provide proper sourcing and attribution.
Meet established production schedules and communicate promptly when an assignment encounters delays.
Contribute written material for newsletters, podcasts, video reports, documentaries, and social-media projects.
Maintain professional relationships with sources and subjects.
Follow UOJ-America’s editorial standards concerning accuracy, fairness, corrections, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest.

Required Qualifications

Strong professional or academic writing experience.
Excellent research, organization, and interviewing skills.
Ability to explain complex subjects in clear and engaging prose.
Strong familiarity with Orthodox Christianity, its history, institutions, worship, and contemporary challenges.
Ability to accept detailed editorial feedback and complete substantive revisions.
Careful attention to facts, quotations, names, dates, and source attribution.
Ability to manage several assignments at different stages of development.
Reliable communication and the ability to work independently in a remote environment.
Commitment to meeting deadlines and maintaining professional editorial standards.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous journalism, publishing, academic, nonprofit, or institutional-communications experience.
Experience writing profiles, long-form features, historical essays, or explanatory journalism.
Formal study in theology, history, journalism, political science, international affairs, or a related discipline.
Knowledge of Orthodox jurisdictions and institutions in North America.
Knowledge of Church issues abroad and a strong allegiance to canonical Orthodoxy.
Photography, podcasting, video-production, newsletter, or social-media experience.

Employment Expectations

This is a full-time position with an established weekly production schedule. The Staff Writer will participate in regular editorial meetings and maintain consistent communication with editors. Occasional evening, weekend, or travel assignments will be required.

How to Apply

Please submit the following to B.Dixon@uoj.news:

Résumé or curriculum vitae.
Brief cover letter explaining your interest in UOJ-America and standing in the Church.
Three to five relevant writing samples.
Two proposed feature or explanatory-story ideas.
Contact information for two professional references.

Please use the subject line: Staff Writer Application — [Your Name]