The Ben Bagdikian Fellowship Program - Mother Jones magazine

The Ben Bagdikian Fellowship Program offers a crash course in investigative journalism. Mother Jones fellows dive deep into every aspect of a national multimedia outfit—from making news to making it pretty, ensuring its impact, and mastering the inner workings of nonprofit publishing. Fellowship positions include:

• Editorial fellow
• Online editorial fellow
• Social media fellow
• Digital media fellow
• Strategic communications fellow

Mother Jones fellowships are full-time positions lasting six months, with the opportunity to extend the position for an additional six months after that. Those who are still in school or are only available part-time are not eligible, nor can fellowships be used for course credit. Mother Jones is unable to furnish work visas for those applying from outside of the United States. 

Editorial Fellowship (San Francisco and DC): The editorial fellowship is a research-intensive foray into investigative journalism. Fellows work closely with reporters and editors on everything from fact-checking and researching to reporting. You’ll receive training in every aspect of the editorial process, from research tools and tactics to libel law and reporting strategies. You’ll attend regular skill-building sessions covering topics that span the operations of a media organization.

Online Editorial Fellowship (San Francisco): Are you obsessed with digital media and eager to strengthen the accuracy and quality of what gets passed around the internet? Online editorial fellows work alongside our editorial fellows to fact-check, produce, and improve content, but they also work under the direction of our web production team to build and test new digital-based projects that keep our website looking fresh.

Social Media Fellowship (San Francisco): Our all-star social media fellows create web content, keep us current on social platforms, and enhance our coverage of breaking news. This fellow will work closely with Mother Jones’ digital news team across our three offices. You’ll learn about every aspect of modern online publishing, collaborating alongside seasoned editors and reporters. Aside from helping promote Mother Jones stories, you’ll help fact-check our website.

Digital Media Fellowship (New York City): The digital media fellow helps keep Mother Jones current on social platforms and enhances our multimedia coverage of breaking news—especially with snappy, smart video. This fellow works closely with the digital and multimedia news team to learn about every aspect of modern online publishing, collaborating with seasoned editors and reporters. You’ll also attend regular skill-building sessions covering topics that span the operations of a media organization.

Strategic Communications Fellowship (San Francisco): This fellow will work with Mother Jones’ communications strategist—in collaboration with staff across the organization—to build buzz for Mother Jones investigations and breaking news, increase our impact, and engage with our audience. The communications fellow will assist in pitching television and radio appearances, building communication with key organizations and influencers, and identifying events and speaking opportunities for MoJo staff.

Mother Jones accepts new fellow cohorts twice a year, on June 1 and December 1, unless otherwise noted. Applications are due two months in advance of the start date, on April 1 and October 1.