At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape an editorial platform for engineering culture and career insights.
- Company: Join a mission-driven team focused on connecting talent with opportunity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity, healthcare, wellness perks, and flexible work structure.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in building a unique editorial voice in tech.
- Qualifications: Engineering background, strong writing skills, and a solid network in the tech community.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our Mission
Human time and effort is the rarest thing in the universe. The fact that so many people hate what they do for work is a disaster on so many levels. How many people live quiet lives of misery? How many generational talents do we miss due to circumstance? Dex’s mission is to close the gap between Talent & Opportunity. We believe that work, and being productive, is part of the human condition, that regardless of AI, human passion, ingenuity and a desire to do things means that work will always exist. We are building Dex to create a future where technology helps every individual to understand their strengths, interests and unique abilities, and to connect with opportunities where they can thrive, because more people doing things they love leads to a better, happier and more productive world. We are starting by connecting the world's most ambitious software engineers with the companies that deserve them.
About the role
We're building an editorial platform: where engineering culture, hiring, and career thinking get treated with the seriousness they deserve. It does not exist yet in its final form - you will shape what it becomes. This is a fractional role, two to three days per week, with the possibility of growing into something larger as the function matures. We are looking for someone rare: a person who has worked as a Software Engineer and can write, with an existing following on Substack or similar. Someone who has shipped production code, understands what a Senior, Staff or Principal engineer actually cares about, and can translate that into content a technical audience trusts and shares with their peers. The Editor sets that standard. You will commission and edit work from our contributor network, write original pieces where the brief demands it, and ensure that everything published (mostly long-form, written content) earns the attention of our high-discrimination, high-agency audience. Critically: you already know the people we want to publish. You have the relationships and credibility to get a yes from the Engineers, Engineering Leaders, and technical thinkers who matter. Names like Dave Farley, Charity Majors, and Gergely Orosz are reference points for the level of voice we are commissioning. You know this world from the inside.
In this role you will:
- Own our voice, editorial calendar and commissioning process.
- Know what to publish, when, and why.
- Commission original work from senior technical voices.
- Use your existing network to bring in contributors who have real credibility with our audience.
- Edit with conviction.
- Write original work when the moment demands it.
- Work closely with the Head of Marketing and Head of Growth to ensure editorial output serves both brand and distribution goals and feeds our amplification strategy.
- Hold the line on quality and editorial bar.
About you
- You have an engineering background.
- You have written code professionally and understand the technical and cultural reality of being a senior engineer today.
- You are a genuinely good editor.
- You can tell the difference between a piece that is just competent and one that an engineer would forward to a peer they respect.
- You have a network.
- You know the landscape.
- You have strong editorial opinions and you will defend them.
- You are not looking for a content mill.
Why this is a great opportunity
We work in an industry with an almost total absence of intelligent, intentional editorial. You'll own our answer to that. You'll build it, with the mandate and the relationships to make it matter from day one. The fractional structure is intentional. We want someone exceptional who wants an interesting editorial project, not someone who needs a full-time content marketing job. If the work grows, the role grows with it.
What We Offer
- Above market salary — we're building a world class team and believe pay should match that ambition.
- Significant equity — we want this to be the last job you 'have' to take.
- Full private healthcare & dental — because life happens and we want to support you.
- Fertility benefits & enhanced parental support.
- Gym membership & wellness benefits.
- Claude tokens — lots and lots of Claude tokens.
- Regular socials, offsites and an annual trip.
- MacBook Pro + team kit.
- "Whatever you need" approach to tools and support.
Interview process
We move quickly and with conviction. Broadly you can expect:
- A 30m video call with our Internal Talent Lead; we'll describe the role and business in more detail before digging into your background to understand where your experience overlaps with our core requirements.
- A call with the hiring manager for the role, we'll share more context for the short and medium objectives in the role and you can expect some deeper questions relative to the role requirements.
- Most roles involve a practical task - more detail will be shared on the specifics but usually these are completed offline and reviewed by the team.
- Onsite interview loop where you'll visit the office, meet a cohort of the team, have an interview centred on the task you produced, another on Dex culture and values, and meet with one of the senior team members or Paddy, our Founder.
Founding Editor - Fractional employer: Dex
At Dex, we are committed to creating a fulfilling work environment where passion meets opportunity. As a Founding Editor, you will not only shape an innovative editorial platform but also enjoy above-market salary, significant equity, and comprehensive health benefits, all while working in a culture that values your unique contributions and fosters professional growth. Our fractional role allows for flexibility and the chance to build something meaningful alongside a world-class team dedicated to transforming the engineering landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Editor - Fractional
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
In the publishing and media world, your portfolio is your calling card. Make sure it’s up-to-date with your best work. Whether it’s articles, graphics, or multimedia projects, post them on platforms like Behance or your own website, so potential clients can see your style and capability. If you're working with specific styles, tailor your portfolio pieces to match.
✨Join Industry Freelance Platforms
Sign up on platforms like Reedsy, PeoplePerHour, or even MediaBistro that specifically cater to publishing and media gigs. They’re teeming with opportunities and can connect you with clients looking for freelance talent in our field. Keep your profile active and apply to projects regularly to get your foot in the door.
✨Network Through Local Events
Get involved in local writer's meetups, book fairs, and media conferences. These events are perfect for meeting fellow freelancers and potential clients. Bring your business cards (or a digital version) and don’t be shy about showcasing what you do. People are more likely to remember you if they can put a face to your work!
✨Leverage Social Media for Visibility
Utilise social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on industry trends or projects you’re working on. Engaging with publishing-related hashtags can help you gain visibility. Plus, don’t forget to tag companies like Dex when you share relevant content—it could catch their eye and lead to opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Editor - Fractional
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Portfolio with Flair:As a freelancer in the publishing and media field, your portfolio is your calling card. Ensure it showcases a variety of your best work that highlights your writing style, versatility, and any published pieces. Think creatively about how to present your work—maybe include a blog, articles, or even multimedia projects!
Show Off Your Industry Knowledge:Let your passion for media shine through your application. Tailor your CV to include relevant experience, such as internships or freelance gigs you've had in the past. Highlight any specific areas of expertise—like content strategy, editorial skills, or knowledge of digital media trends—that make you a perfect fit for Dex.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Freelancing often revolves around your schedule, so be upfront about your availability in your pitch. Let Dex know how many hours you can dedicate each week and if you have flexibility with deadlines. This shows professionalism and helps them see how you can fit into their team.
Tailor Your Application for the Role:Make sure each application you send out, especially to Dex, is custom-crafted. Reference specific projects or initiatives they've undertaken that excite you, and explain how your unique skills can contribute to their success. We want to see that personal touch!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dex
✨Showcase Your Portfolio Creatively
As a freelancer in the publishing-media sector, your portfolio is your calling card! Make sure to not only present your work but also tell the story behind each piece. Highlight your creative process and the impact your projects had, especially if they involved collaboration with others.
✨Understand the Latest Trends
Keep your ear to the ground about current trends in publishing and media. Be ready to discuss how they might influence your work and the projects you'd like to pursue at Dex. This shows you're not only prepared but also passionate about the industry.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Rates
Freelance work means you're essentially selling yourself, so be upfront about your rates and what they include. Understand the value you bring to the table and be prepared to negotiate, ensuring you come across as professional and confident.
✨Prepare to Pitch on the Spot
In freelance interviews for publishing-media, you might be asked to come up with ideas or a quick pitch. Have a few concepts ready that align with their vision at Dex. It could be a potential article, campaign idea, or even a content strategy that showcases your creativity and strategic thinking.