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Posted March 7, 2026
Project Editor — Firsthand
Location: New York City preferred; open to remote (U.S.-based)
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Independent Contractor; 8-month term
About Firsthand
The Bell is launching Firsthand, a national student journalism initiative exploring innovation and engagement in America’s schools, told directly by the young people experiencing it.
Inspired by a large body of research on Gen Z and education from Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation, the project will elevate what students say is working — and not working — in their K–12 schools, and translate those lived experiences into rigorous, student-led journalism.
This is not a traditional newsroom project. It’s a student-powered reporting effort designed to shift the national conversation about schools by centering the people who know them best.
We are looking for an experienced editor to design and lead the project end-to-end.
The Opportunity
The Project Editor will lead the editorial execution of Firsthand’s pilot year. You’ll work closely with The Bell’s leadership and program teams to turn a strong vision into a clear, step-by-step editorial process that supports student reporters in New York City, Jackson, Mississippi, and across the country.
You will:
Set clear expectations for what makes a strong student story
Build simple, usable systems for pitches, edits, deadlines, and publication
Work directly with students to shape their reporting and revisions
Ensure published stories meet a high bar for accuracy, sourcing, and clarity
This role is equal parts systems-builder, mentor, and hands-on editor.
Role Details
This is an independent contractor role.
Contract Term: 8 months (with potential extension by mutual agreement)
Commitment: Expected average of 30 hours per week; some periods will be busier than others over the course of the term.
Compensation: $6,500–$8,000 per month, commensurate with experience
Hours: Flexible, project-based schedule; must be largely available for collaboration during standard business hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET)
Location: New York City preferred; open to U.S.-based remote
Scope of Work
The Project Editor will design and manage the full project from ideation to final publication.
1. Build the Editorial Framework
Create a Firsthand style guide and clear editorial standards
Build a pitch review process with transparent criteria
Establish a straightforward workflow:
Pitch → Reporting Plan → Draft → Revision → Fact-Check → PublishSet clear timelines and keep multiple work streams moving at once
2. Translate Research into Reporting Lanes
Use insights from Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation’s Gen Z research to define clear reporting lanes (e.g., AI in schools, career-connected learning, belonging, assessment, mental health)
Help students move from broad topics to focused, reportable story ideas
Develop pitch frameworks that make expectations accessible for first-time reporters
3. Edit and Coach Student Journalists
Review, refine, and greenlight student pitches
Edit written features, audio pieces, and short-form video
Push for strong sourcing, sharp angles, and clear structure
Provide feedback that strengthens the work without diluting student voice
Help students develop habits around deadlines, revisions, and fact-checking
4. Lead the Summer Production Sprint
Manage intensive reporting and editing during the summer production period
Work in-person with students in New York City and/or Jackson, Miss., where we plan to host non-overlapping summer workshops
Meet virtually with student reporters from other parts of the country on regular cadence to monitor progress and offer support
Lead the transition from reporting and drafting to publication-ready stories
5. Prepare Stories for Launch
Oversee final edits and fact-checking
Ensure stories are publication-ready across formats
Support coordinated rollout with media and distribution partners
Qualifications
We’re looking for someone who believes students are credible narrators of their own education and who knows how to support them as journalists.
You may be a strong fit if you:
Have 7+ years of newsroom experience, including experience as an editor
Have experience with education reporting, solutions journalism, youth media, and/or community-centered storytelling
Are comfortable editing across formats: written features, audio, and short-form video
Have built editorial systems or contributor pipelines before
Know how to hold a high editorial bar while mentoring emerging reporters
Balance strong data journalism skills with human-centered narrative storytelling
Project Timeline
Months 1–2 (Spring 2026): Build the Foundation
Finalize editorial standards and workflow
Define reporting lanes
Recruit student contributors in collaboration with The Bell’s staff
Review and approve the first wave of student pitches
Months 3–5 (Summer 2026): Production Sprint
Intensive reporting, editing, and multimedia production
Close mentorship of student teams
Move stories through structured revision cycles
Month 6-8 (Fall 2026): Distribution & Launch
Finalize stories
Support design of a microsite that will house all Firsthand content
Guide development of promotional assets for each story
Coordinate publication across platforms and partners
Support public rollout of the Firsthand stories
How to Apply
Please submit a proposal (no more than 4 total pages) that includes:
Your Vision: Color in the lines and help us understand what you can uniquely bring to the project.
Your Approach: A note describing how you envision balancing high editorial standards with opportunities for student learning and growth while leading the project.
Portfolio: A résumé, links to three reporting projects you’ve edited (ideally at least one audio or video example), and three professional references.
Submit the materials as a single PDF in an email to hiring@bellvoices.org with the subject line: Firsthand Editor Application.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until April 10, 2026.
Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination
The Bell (Bell Voices, Inc.) is committed to diversity and inclusion. Our selection processes and contracting decisions are based on project needs, requirements, and individual qualifications. The Bell prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
Accommodations
The Bell is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Taylor McGraw at taylor@bellvoices.org with the subject line "Accommodation Request."
Background Check Statement
This project involves direct contact with minors. Engagement for this contract is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The Bell complies with New York City’s Fair Chance Act and will not inquire about criminal history until after a conditional offer to contract has been extended.
Posted January 15, 2026
Director of Revenue
Location: New York City preferred; open to remote (U.S.-based)
Reports to: Executive Team
Status: Full-time, exempt
About The Bell
The Bell equips students with the tools to tell impactful stories today and the skills to thrive in the media careers of tomorrow. Through tiered journalism experiences in and beyond the classroom, we center student voices, build community, and expand access to high-quality journalism education—particularly for young people from historically underrepresented communities.
Founded in 2018 in New York City, The Bell has grown into a $1M+ organization with national partnerships and an expanding footprint, including a new regional hub in Jackson, Mississippi. Our work sits at the intersection of journalism, education, and civic participation at a moment of significant transition for local news ecosystems nationwide.
As newsrooms rethink how they reach new audiences and build trust, The Bell is investing in the next generation of storytellers—and in the systems needed to sustain that work. We are entering a new phase of organizational growth and are seeking a strategic, hands-on Director of Revenue to help lead us through it.
Position Overview
The Director of Revenue will lead The Bell’s comprehensive revenue strategy, overseeing fundraising across individual giving, foundations, government, corporate partnerships, and earned revenue. This role combines strategic leadership with direct execution and is well suited for an experienced development professional who enjoys building systems, strengthening relationships, and closing gifts.
Working closely with the Executive Team, Board of Directors, and senior staff, the Director of Revenue will play a central role in diversifying revenue, strengthening donor stewardship, and ensuring The Bell’s long-term financial sustainability. This role will also serve as a senior thought partner on how The Bell evolves its funding model in response to changes in journalism, education, and philanthropy.
Key Responsibilities
Revenue Strategy and Leadership
Develop and execute annual and multi-year revenue strategies aligned with organizational priorities
Set revenue targets, monitor progress, and report regularly to the Executive Team and Board
Identify opportunities to diversify revenue streams and reduce reliance on any single funding source
Play a key role in annual revenue budgeting and forecasting in partnership with the Executive Team and finance leadership
Individual Giving and Donor Stewardship
Lead individual giving strategy, including annual appeals, major gifts, recurring donors, and stewardship
Directly manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects across the full donor lifecycle—from identification and cultivation through solicitation and stewardship
Partner with staff and, where appropriate, students to incorporate authentic program impact into fundraising efforts
Institutional Giving
Oversee foundation and corporate fundraising strategy, including prospect research, proposal development, and reporting
Collaborate with program and finance teams to develop accurate, compelling grant narratives and budgets
Support government funding opportunities where applicable
Earned Revenue
Help refine and expand earned revenue streams such as trainings, events, partnerships, ads/sponsorships and content collaborations
Work cross-functionally to ensure earned revenue aligns with mission, capacity, and long-term sustainability
Systems, Operations, and Team Development
Oversee and continuously improve fundraising systems and infrastructure, including CRM/DRM management, reporting, and data integrity
Build and maintain effective development workflows, calendars, and stewardship processes that can scale with the organization
Supervise development staff and/or contractors as the function grows
Support board engagement in fundraising, including donor introductions, cultivation, and strategy
Serve as a senior representative of The Bell in meetings with funders, partners, and at relevant conferences or convenings
Assist communications staff with crafting fundraising messages and appeals across newsletter and social media channels
Lead close collaboration with program, editorial, and operations teams to advance new initiatives and emerging lines of work
Qualifications
Commitment to equity and alignment with The Bell’s mission of centering young people
7+ years of experience in nonprofit development or revenue leadership, with a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue goals
Experience managing multiple revenue streams (individual, foundation, corporate; government funding a plus)
Strong relationship-building skills and comfort engaging donors, funders, and institutional partners
Highly organized, systems-oriented, and experienced working cross-functionally
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Strong familiarity with CRM/DRM systems, mass email and text messaging platforms, and data-informed fundraising practices
Experience supporting or working closely with boards on fundraising efforts
Experience fundraising for education, journalism, youth development, and/or media organizations strongly preferred
Location and Travel
Preference for candidates based in New York City, where The Bell has deep partnerships and its strongest donor base
Open to remote candidates within the U.S.
Occasional travel to New York City and Jackson, Mississippi
Travel to an estimated 4 conferences per year
Compensation and Benefits
Salary range: $90,000–$110,000, commensurate with experience and location
Benefits include:
Full health benefits
401(k) with employer match
20 days of paid vacation, plus paid holidays and a winter holiday office closure
Flexible, hybrid work environment
Generous parental leave policies
Growth opportunity: This is a foundational role in a growing organization. As The Bell’s revenue, team, and geographic footprint expand, the scope and leadership responsibility of this position is expected to grow over time.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and up to three professional references in a single PDF to hiring@bellvoices.org with the subject line: Director of Revenue Application.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with a Feb. 15 priority deadline.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Bell (Bell Voices, Inc.) is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
Accommodations
The Bell will not discriminate against and will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this position, please contact Taylor McGraw at taylor@bellvoices.org with the subject line "Accommodation Request."
Background Check Statement
This position involves direct, unsupervised contact with minors. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The Bell complies with New York City’s Fair Chance Act and will not inquire about criminal history until after a conditional offer of employment has been extended.