Lead Writer

Lead Writer

Thousand Currents funds, connects, and supports visionary grassroots groups and movements leading solutions in food, climate, and the economy.

We support our movement partners in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia and the Pacific with core, flexible, long-term grants and value-added services. We believe in the power of community-led change, and in the power of words to make change visible, credible, and irresistible to the people with resources to accelerate it.

We envision a future where community-led movements have transformed the way we grow food, generate energy, and build economies, creating a world where people and planet thrive together. To realize this vision, we embrace and practice a clear set of values:

• Courage – We confront injustice and inequality with love, strength, conviction, and integrity.
• Humility – We are part of a greater whole. We are one among many currents. We recognize our place among many forces for good and change that exist in the world.
• Experimentation – In order to take principled actions together, we prioritize learning, commit to self-reflection, embrace trial and error, and honor multiple ways of knowing.
• Creative collaboration – We share power, practices, and resources to reimagine new ways of living.
• Interdependence – With our futures intertwined, we respect all beings and build authentic relationships to move forward together.

We are looking for a dynamic, powerhouse writer with a sharp creative voice, and the ability to break through the noise and shape compelling narratives that strengthens donor understanding of and support for movement-led solutions. The ideal candidate brings creativity, a strong narrative instinct, and the ability to tell fresh and persuasive stories about complex issues. The Lead Writer must be able to discern what story needs to be told, for which audience, and why, and translate complex movement realities, data, and geopolitical context into persuasive, high-impact writing, tailored to audiences as needed. Experience in telling the stories of social and climate justice movements is a plus.

Working under the direction of the Director of Communications, the Lead Writer will manage organizational writing and content development to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with Thousand Currents' voice and brand. They will write high-impact, donor facing communications (one pagers, fact sheets, concept notes, educational materials and messaging for donor organizing and education); thought leadership pieces (op-eds, speeches, "Letters from the CEO," long form website posts); and other more traditional organizational materials (organizational brochures, Annual Report).

Compensation, Location, Travel, & Benefits

Position: Full time, Exempt Team: Philanthropic Partnerships & Influence (PPI) Location: Remote, availability to maintain at least four hours of overlap with Pacific Time (UTC−8/UTC−7 depending on daylight savings) Travel: Up to 10% Position Reports to: Director of Communications Compensation:$104,275 Benefits:

• 100% of employee and dependent cost for Health, Dental, and Vision for employee + medical travel insurance for employee
• 10 paid annual holidays + open PTO policy allowing flexible time off
• Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave
• Up to $1,000 stipend to set up work space, $2,000 per year wellness stipend, $1,500 per year work from home expenses, and up to $2,000 per year for learning and development
• Remote, flexible schedule
• Retirement contribution allowance of 4% of gross salary
• Life Insurance + Long and Short Term disability insurance
• Possibility of sabbatical leave after seven years of employment

Key Responsibilities

Writing and Narrative Strategy (50%)

Write high-impact articles, op-eds, speeches, and letters that articulate Thousand Currents' vision and strategies. Produce writing that cuts through conventional narratives, sparks curiosity, and, positioning Global South movements as indispensable to solving global crises. Bring creativity and strong editorial judgment to narrative framing, experimenting thoughtfully with structure, tone, and storytelling approaches to help Thousand Currents reach key stakeholders. Serve as a thought partner and editorial collaborator to the Director of Communications, President & CEO, and senior leaders to shape and produce thought leadership that advances Thousand Currents' influence in philanthropy and climate justice spaces. Identify narrative opportunities and emerging conversations where Thousand Currents can contribute a unique perspective Provide crisis communications writing/editing support, ensuring clarity, alignment, and tight messaging under time-sensitive conditions. Translate data,movement realities, and strategy into writing that is accessible, fresh, and free from jargon or overly institutional language. Stay up to date on philanthropic trends, movement ecosystems, and geopolitical developments to inform writing and ensure timely, relevant content.

Supporters & Community Communications (35%)

Craft stories that expand audiences' understanding of the roles, contributions, and solutions of movements, connecting local experiences with global trends, and showcasing solidarity across borders. Work in close cooperation across teams to develop educational materials, stories, and messaging for donor organizing and education, campaigns, website content, donor journeys, and evergreen materials. Create, oversee, and update key materials for donor audiences including one-pagers, fact sheets, reports, brochures, and other materials as needed. Serve as lead writer for major organizational products such as the Annual Report and other organizational priorities. Ensure all fundraising and donor communications maintain editorial excellence and align with Thousand Currents' voice, tone, and values.

Team Collaboration & Operational Support (15%)

Work in close collaboration across the Philanthropic Partnerships and Influence Team (PPI), the Center for Transforming Philanthropy, and the Global Programs Team to strengthen storytelling systems, information flow, and success of organization wide activities and events. Participate in organization-wide learning, including staff meetings, retreats and training. Manage regular personal administration, including timely submission of receipts, reimbursement requests, scheduling, travel planning, filing HR paperwork etc. Provide back-up support for social media and communications operations

Thousand Currents is committed to responding flexibly to changing circumstances and priorities which means that the expectations of every position are dynamic. This description reflects the assignment of essential functions, but does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Role Requirements

We recognize that people gain skills through a variety of experiences. We encourage applications from candidates who meet most of the criteria and are committed to our values. We welcome candidates from journalism, advocacy communications, creative nonfiction, or other writing-centered backgrounds.

At least 5+ years of professional writing and editing experience, including long-form content (articles, reports, speeches, op-eds, or thought leadership). Exceptional writing and editorial judgment, including a distinctive voice, strong narrative instincts, and the ability to write vivid, memorable, and persuasive stories across audiences and formats. Demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to experiment with narrative approaches, formats, and storytelling techniques; ability to bring fresh ideas and continuously evolve how communications work is approached Proven experience translating complex ideas, data, and complex realities into clear, compelling narratives for donors, partners, and public audiences. Experience writing in partnership with senior leaders, adapting to distinct voices while advancing strategic messaging. Experience in partner-centered storytelling, with an ability to write across cultures and power dynamics with care, accuracy, and accountability. Strong project management skills, with proven ability to manage multiple deadlines and shifting priorities. Alignment with Thousand Currents' mission and values, including solidarity, humility, experimentation, and interdependence. High learning orientation, openness to feedback, and sound judgment in sensitive or high-visibility communications. Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment with a remote, geographically dispersed team. Ability to travel as needed, up to 10% of the time (both nationally and internationally) and to engage virtually across time zones. Please note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship or relocation assistance. Availability to maintain at least four hours of overlap with Pacific Time (UTC−8/UTC−7 depending on daylight savings) and collaborate effectively across multiple time zones. Fluency in social movements and the role of grassroots leadership in driving systems change, and experience working in the climate justice sector and/or for global organizations is a plus but not required.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands of this position are light and may require walking or standing to a significant degree. The position requires frequent computer use at a workstation. As Thousand Currents staff work in a number of locations and come together for meetings on occasion, all staff must be able to travel by car and plane to meetings at locations nationally and internationally. Availability to travel and maintenance of a valid passport is required. National or international travel represents up to 25% of the time for this position. Thousand Currents will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This job description and its physical requirements will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential