“No god will save us,” declared Humanist Manifesto II (1973), “we must save ourselves.”

That, in a nutshell, is secular humanism. It is grounded in a nontheistic, naturalistic philosophy and a consequentialist ethical system where humans are responsible for doing good based on rationality, evidence, and outcomes. Humanism transcends parochial and divisive identity politics and instead embraces individual dignity and worth.

The Center for Inquiry is looking for the new editor of Free Inquiry magazine, America’s bimonthly journal of secular humanist ideas. Whoever occupies this position will be a leading voice for secular humanism in the United States and will establish the editorial direction of the magazine for six issues per year.

They will be charged with increasing circulation of Free Inquiry and raising the profile of Free Inquiry, the Council for Secular Humanism, and the Center for Inquiry.

This is a part-time independent contractor post that is fully remote.

Duties include:

• Determine and implement the editorial voice for Free Inquiry magazine.
• Deliver content that attracts large numbers of subscribers and encourages people to formally affiliate with secular humanism, CSH, and CFI.
• Plan and implement an editorial calendar for submissions and publishing.
• Make assignments and review solicited and unsolicited submissions.
• Build an active online platform of varied voices for secular humanism beyond what is published in the print Free Inquiry.
• Edit print and online publications, ensuring accuracy and consistently high-quality offerings.
• Expand offerings in other media such as podcasts, vlogs, blogs, and webinars.
• Market content on various online platforms and with various creative campaigns.
• Write and supervise fundraising appeals and subscriber solicitations.
• Determine visual presentation of Free Inquiry magazine and digital footprint.
• Develop an annual budget for the magazine and department.
• Utilize digital tools to track audiences and implement best practices to build on engagement and conversion successes.
• Supervise staff and manage vendor relationships.
• Negotiate print contracts and other necessary contracts.
• Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues across the organization.
• Write pieces for Free Inquiry.
• Present lectures, workshops, and presentations on secular humanism, and help organize those by others.
• Engage in long-term and strategic planning.
• Travel occasionally for meetings and conferences.
• Report progress regularly to the CEO, board of directors, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to secular humanism and CFI’s mission.
• Knowledge of secular humanism, freethought, and atheist history and philosophy.
• Experience managing and editing print and online publications.
• Demonstrated ability to increase subscribers and attract new audiences to publications.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Docs, WordPress, Adobe PDF, and other routinely used software.
• Experience with new media and platforms.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Experience in organizational management.
• Is a solid lecturer and public presenter.
• Able to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Able to produce and maintain budgets.
• Able to produce content with speed and accuracy.
• Able to do big-picture thinking and planning while keeping track of details.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required,
• Graduate degree preferred.

Compensation:

Independent Contractor fee is commensurate with experience.

The Center for Inquiry is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter that is specific to this position and a resume to: careers+editor@centerforinquiry.org.

Position will remain open until filled.