At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research and editorial efforts to shape the future of work with impactful publications.
- Company: Join a high-growth AI company transforming labour markets globally.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with top minds in a dynamic environment focused on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on labour markets and influence policy with your writing.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in research or journalism with a strong portfolio and quantitative skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
About Firstwork Labour markets are broken. Millions of people are ready to work and can't start. Screening, right-to-work checks, contracts, onboarding and scheduling still run across disconnected systems, with hundreds of manual decisions in between. Firstwork builds AI agents that run frontline workforce operations end to end. We activate hundreds of thousands of workers a month globally for some of the world's largest employers and staffing firms, working forward-deployed inside the customer's operation. Backed by Y Combinator and Gradient (Google's AI fund), with offices in New York, and London and Dubai opening this year.
Why this role Frontline labour markets are badly measured. Governments publish unemployment and vacancy statistics. Nobody publishes a credible number for how long it takes to get a qualified person from application to first shift, what that delay costs, or how much of it is regulatory rather than operational. We see activation at scale, across sectors and jurisdictions, so we can measure what nobody else can. Publishing it sets the terms of the debate, gives policymakers something real to work with, and gives our commercial teams something better than a pitch deck. The standard we are aiming at is work a member of government or tier one investor forwards along to their colleagues.
What you'll do:
- Set the research agenda
- Write and publish flagship reports and white papers
- Own editorial standards across everything Firstwork publishes
- Build data stories with our data and engineering teams
- Lead policy engagement on European labour and employment regulation
- Produce the CEO's long-form writing and speaking material
- Build partnerships with academics, institutions and industry bodies
- Manage a Content Producer who turns the research into video, graphics, podcasts and report design
What we're looking for:
- Seven or more years in research, journalism, think tanks, policy, or a strategy function producing original published work
- A portfolio with at least one piece that changed how someone thought about a subject
- Quantitative comfort. You can interrogate a dataset and recognise when it won't support the claim you want to make
- Real interest in labour markets, migration, regulation or the economics of work
- The spine to hold a line on accuracy when there is commercial pressure not to
- Editorial judgement. You can commission, edit and improve other people's work
- Use of AI across the research process, on the understanding that it raises the verification bar rather than lowering it
This is a rare opportunity for a serious writer and content creator to help shape the future of work at a high-growth, well-funded company with strong opinions about what the world should look like in the age of AI. Firstwork is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.
Head of Research & Editorial employer: Socket.dev
Genentech is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly in the vibrant city of Boston. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive compensation, and a commitment to advancing healthcare through cutting-edge research. Joining Genentech means being part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the field of oncology, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will drive significant advancements in patient care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Research & Editorial
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at Socket.dev!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like Socket.dev, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research & Editorial
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for Socket.dev:When applying for the Head of Research & Editorial role at Socket.dev, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what Socket.dev produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Socket.dev
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within Socket.dev. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
