Summary of the Alaska Energy Transparency Project (AETP) Editor Position job at AKPIRG

Contract Position Description

Position open until filled, applications received by October 8 given priority.

Scope of work/ Services:

This contract does not specify any set word count or designated number of articles per week, however it is expected that articles and newsletters will be released in a timely manner, at appropriate intervals, and as needs arise (new policy development, decision in the legislature, etc.) This work is flexible and scope may vary depending on the contributions of volunteers or interns; if there are ample contributors then there will be lower expectations for the editor to produce their own content. The scope of work may include:

• Preparing and circulating a monthly newsletter with updates on energy news, relevant legislation, and regulatory filings, particularly those relevant to the Railbelt utilities
• Engaging with partner organizers across the state to understand the needs of communities 
• Promoting volunteer involvement in AETP to build our base of knowledgeable and engaged citizens 
• Editing articles from other contributors
• Participating in collaborative fundraising efforts for the Alaska Energy Project
• Maintaining/updating the AETP website as needed

Duration

This contract is at will and begins on the date determined by the Editor and the Project. This contract will remain in effect for future notice, unless otherwise determined by either party. 

Compensation

Contractor shall be entitled to compensation for performing Services related to the Scope of Work. Compensation is for 20 hours of work per week at $30/hour DOE until this agreement is terminated or modified.  

About AETP

AETP Guiding Document

Statement of need: 

In Alaska, there is limited publicly available and universally digestible information about energy issues in the State, including information needed for the public and electric utility cooperative members to make educated decisions. Often, news outlets will discuss energy issues through an economic or a highly technical framework, but it is rare that these issues are shared in a digestible format for a general audience. The lack of information inhibits public engagement, particularly among member-owners of electric cooperatives. As a result, issues involving the public interest receive limited public engagement. The founders of the Alaska Energy Transparency Project recognize a need for both accurate, digestible information and reporting, as well as a platform for community engagement in this area.

Mission: 

Maintain a respected news outlet for energy democracy issues to promote community engagement around electric utilities and other energy issues. Engage member-owners in the process of democratizing energy issues through citizen journalism. Monitor the work of the four Railbelt cooperatives, placing it in its larger regulatory and legislative context when necessary.

Goals:

• Bring transparency and digestibility to the decisions being made at the Railbelt utilities and other regulatory entities
• Foster conversations about energy issues among the public, particularly among ratepayers

Output: 

• Online platform for journalistic and community information.
• Monthly newsletter with links to other sources and brief capsules of co-op news.

Format:

Layout: Four main sections:

• Journalistic content: Investigative and news reporting written to journalistic standards (objective reporting, no word count cap)
• Community perspectives: Observations, eyewitness accounts, and opinions from community members about energy issues (cap at 3,000 words)
• Elections: Dedicated page for information about cooperative board elections
• Reference: Short pieces explaining important concepts, glossary of frequently used terms in energy discussions, list of acronyms

Funding: 

No funding will be accepted from entities for reporting about those entities, funding will be grants-based and member-sourced, but there will be no paywall.