Deputy Writer

Kite & Key Media is seeking a candidate with outstanding writing abilities and a strong understanding of public policy to join our content team.

While this role will encompass a wide range of responsibilities, the most important will be working on scripts for Kite & Key’s Originals video series. The role blends both analytical and creative writing abilities — including a scriptwriter’s ability to draft clear, concise, witty prose under deadline pressures — with a sophisticated understanding of public policy.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working on a wide range of policy issues; conversant in the kind of research produced by think tanks, universities, and investigative journalists; and will have an eye for detail that allows them to translate complicated policy ideas into accessible prose without sacrificing accuracy.

This is a full-time role, preferably based out of our New York City office (though a remote arrangement with recurring travel to NYC may be considered for exceptional candidates).

Responsibilities:

• Drafting, revising, and editing original scripts under the supervision of Kite & Key's head writer
• Participating in content brainstorming, pitching new video topics
• Assisting in development of written bonus materials for video releases
• Selecting material for, and managing the operations of, a new data visualization series
• Research & fact-checking (supplemental to that conducted by Kite & Key’s in-house researcher)
• Potential project management responsibilities
• Interfacing with Kite & Key's marketing team to ensure accuracy and precision of promotional copy
• Monitoring the public policy sector for new research, ideas, etc. that could form the basis for future Kite & Key videos

Experience and skills:

• Exceptional writing and editing skills (previous experience, especially in a related field, is strongly preferred)
• Ability to write humor in addition to more conventional public policy content
• Experience with, interest in, and conversancy in public policy issues
• Understanding of statistics, research data, and methodology
• Startup mindset — willingness to take initiative on managing or initiating new projects
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Intellectual curiosity and ability to quickly become conversant in new topics
• Ability to work well in a team setting
• Detail oriented and responsible with deadlines

To be considered for this role, please make sure to do the following:

• Submit your resume and a cover letter that demonstrates your familiarity with Kite & Key and describes your skill set as related to the experience and skill section above
• Submit 2-3 writing samples
• Candidates who advance through the interview process will be asked to submit a sample Kite & Key script (all previous scripts are available on our website for reference)

Please send this information to [email protected].

Salary range: $65,000-$85,000/year

*If you are only interested in part-time work or are concerned that you may not meet all of the criteria listed here, we encourage you to submit your materials anyway. Kite & Key will likely add more junior writing roles (in addition to roles on a contract basis) in the near future, and we are happy to consider candidates accordingly. Please specify if you are applying on this basis when you submit your application.