Researcher

Salary: $16 - $23 per hour depending on education, experience, and salary history
Education: Bachelor (BA, BS, etc.)
Location: Santa Monica, California, 90401, United States
Posted by: ProCon.org
Job Category: Research
Language(s): English
Job posted on: September 2, 2008
Area of Focus: Education and Academia, Library or Resource Center, Voting, Democracy, and Civic Engagement
Type: Full time
Last day to apply: November 1, 2008
Last updated: September 3, 2008

Description:
ProCon.org, a Santa Monica-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (http://www.ProCon.org) needs a full-time Researcher to develop content for websites devoted to a balanced presentation of controversial issues.

ProCon.org has been referenced on Forbes, 60 Minutes, New York Times, BBC, Wired, LA Times, and many other media sources. ProCon.org websites received over 3.5 million website sessions in 2007.

The site topics currently include the 2008 election, medical marijuana, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, origins of sexual orientation, US in Iraq, ACLU, “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance, electronic voting machines, illegal immigration, felon disenfranchisement, euthanasia, prostitution, milk, death penalty, insider trading by Congress, and new topics such as alternative energy, performance enhancing drugs in sports, and others that will emerge in the coming years.

The position requires significant research experience, strong computer literacy, terrific time management, demonstrated excellence in prior work, keen attention to detail, and preferrably journalism/editing experience. HTML experience and writing skills are a plus.

The candidate must be motivated, a self-starter, precise, intelligent, and reliable (being nice is also valued). Applicants must demonstrate a high level of initiative, creativity, and productivity. The candidate must have strong media literacy, and must be prepared to interview VIPs in his/her topic areas.

The position requires 8 hours of work per day (40 hours per week) from our offices a few blocks from the beach in Santa Monica. The Researcher reports directly to the Managing Editor.

Compensation is commensurate with related research experience and education. Benefits include but are not limited to medical, vision, dental, life insurance, parking, and a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan.

How to Apply:
THREE REQUIRED ITEMS (AND AN OPTIONAL ONE) FOR APPLICATION:

Candidates interested in this position should visit one of the 14 ProCon.org websites and submit a one-page critique of the site they choose. Applications without this critique will not be considered. Critiques should focus on the site's content, presentation, approach, etc. not your personal views on the site's topics.

In addition to the one-page critique, we require a resume and cover letter.

You may also submit an optional sample (3 pages max.) of your research writing. Complete applications should be submitted via fax to 310-393-2471 or via email to jobs [at] procon.org. No phone calls please. We do not work with recruiters. Only direct applicants will be considered. Given a high volume of job applicants, ProCon.org will not necessarily respond to all candidates.