Communications Manager

Who We Are

Unruled Masses is a New York-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is building new and dynamic public civic intelligence and direct action infrastructure for peaceful civic engagement. These tools enable ordinary people to expose abuse patterns, map corruption networks and coordinate civic engagement and community building worldwide. We are nonpartisan, guided by evidence, grounded in human rights, and partner-focused to support pro-democratic coalitions. UM seeks to unite people and partners with intelligence, materials and communications to rebuild connected and hopeful communities where institutions are accountable to the people.

Who You Are

You are a sharp, inquisitive writer who believes that information is the ultimate tool for accountability. You don’t just report on facts; you weave them into compelling narratives that move people to action. You have a gritty journalistic spirit and aren’t afraid to dig into complex topics like institutional corruption or social justice movements to find the human story underneath.

You are a seasoned communicator with a background in journalism, English, or communications. You understand that in a fast-paced startup environment, clarity and speed are just as important as style. You are someone who stays ahead of the news cycle, possesses a strong moral compass, and thrives on the challenge of turning dense civic intelligence into accessible, must-read content.

What You’ll Do

As a News Story and Blog Writer, you will:

• Generate Content: Propose original story ideas and blog topics that align with UM’s mission of exposing abuse and rebuilding community agency.
• Execute Assignments: Take briefs from the Head of Communications and transform them into polished, publication-ready news stories or editorial pieces.
• Maintain the Pulse: Write on a deadline to support our aggressive editorial calendar, ensuring our audience receives timely updates on civic actions and corruption networks.
• Bridge Intelligence and Action: Collaborate with our research and intelligence teams to translate data-heavy findings into engaging blog posts that the general public can understand and use.
• Support Social Promotion: Assist the social media team in preparing your stories for social platforms, helping to craft hooks, captions, or summaries that drive engagement and clicks.
• Adopt the UM Voice: Write in a tone that balances professional investigative rigor with a bold, startup energy—making serious topics feel urgent and approachable.
• Edit and Refine: Ensure all output meets high editorial standards, maintaining accuracy, nonpartisanship, and a focus on human rights.

Exceptional volunteers may:

• Lead specialized investigative series on specific corruption networks.
• Manage guest contributors or mentor junior writing volunteers.
• Represent Unruled Masses in interviews or press engagements.
• Shape the long-term editorial strategy and brand voice of the organization.

Content Areas of Interest

We are looking for individuals capable of writing across a variety of themes, including:

• The Deep Dive: Investigative-style blog posts on corruption, abuse of power, and institutional accountability.
• Movement Reporting: Coverage of peaceful protests, resistance movements, and civic action strategies worldwide.
• Educational Pieces: Explaining how to engage in direct action or use UM’s civic intelligence tools.
• Community Profiles: Highlighting the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary work in social justice and community building.

Ideal Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience writing for publication (journalism, digital media, or professional blogs).
• A degree in Journalism, English, Communications, Political Science, or a related field.
• Experience in public interest writing; you know how to write for the people, not just for an academic or corporate audience.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.
• Strong interest in or knowledge of political science, civic tech, social justice, or anti-corruption efforts.
• A creative mindset—you are a pitcher who brings fresh ideas to the table every week.
• Comfortable reporting to the Head of Communications and collaborating in a remote, high-energy startup environment.

Compensation & Commitment

This is an unpaid volunteer role. We are flexible on time commitments but ask for at least five hours a week to be able to provide any meaningful project / program. Those with higher availability and capability will be considered for team, program, or project leadership opportunities. We are an all-volunteer force. However, as fundraising allows we will need to fill paid positions and will provide first consideration to our volunteer leaders.

Benefits of Volunteering with Unruled Masses

• Join the founding team of a high-impact, global movement.
• Build a robust professional portfolio of published work seen by a global audience of activists and experts.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of analysts, researchers, and organizers.
• Use your talent to directly challenge corruption and empower marginalized communities.
• Receive credit and visibility for your stories within a growing civic intelligence network.
• Be part of a mission focused not just on exposing harm—but rebuilding agency, joy, and community.