HUMOR EDITOR

LiP Magazine, a national quarterly of radical politics, culture, sex, and humor, is looking to add a Humor Editor to our team. That's right: funny and politically relevant would be your beat. Imagine The Onion, but with a consistent point, and you're in the conceptual neighborhood we have in mind. Imagine headlines like: "The Politics of Poop," "I Love to Burn the Flag," "To Change Darth Vader's Heart, We Must First Change Our Own," "Three Weeks on St. John's Wort & I'm Still a Bitch," "Che Guevara Goes to Business School," and "The Starving Planet Guide to Guatemala," and you've probably been reading our online archives.

LiP's mission is to use a well-written, well-edited magazine with an accessible pop sensibility to promote a structural understanding of contemporary US and global society while providing tools, strategies, (as well as badly-needed comic relief), for equitable transformation. It's twice been nominated by Utne, in 2003 for Best Online Cultural Coverage, and again in 2004 for Best New Title, and has also garnered a 2005 Best Magazine distinction from Clamor Magazine, and two 2005 Project Censored awards. LiP is also the only non-women-centric independent publication in the U.S. with a majority female editorial group, contributor base, and readership.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Humor Editor is a contributing member of our all-volunteer editorial group, and works mostly with the director, managing editor, and associate editors. Brainstorm and develop ideas for upcoming issue themes, identify, contact, and collaborate editorially with new and prospective writers/humorists, and regularly contribute your own writing to the project. Prospective humor editors will be asked to write a detailed, humorous essay explaining your interest in LiP, and what drew you to a career in mirth.

SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate should have several years of independent writing and editing experience, though not all of it need be funny. Experience publishing under regular deadlines, and the demonstrated ability to thoroughly lampoon ideas, movements or individuals while handling multiple tasks in a fairly organized manner is a plus. An ability to brainstorm effectively with strong-willed editorial collaborators is a must, as is a comfort with collaborating primarily by email and phone. The Humor Editor need not be located in the Oakland Bay Area, where LiP is based. The Humor Editor must be able to commit to at least one year (four issues), and must be aware that this position is, for the foreseeable future, unpaid. Alternative means of compensation (gift certificates, books, trinkets, or platonic love) may be available.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:

Please send resume and at least two writing clips to: jobs@lipmagazine.org, with "Humor Editor" in the subject line.

Writing samples should reflect a commitment to social change and a radical analysis of race/ethnicity, gender, hierarchy, and class. Samples (or examples) of humorous or satirical writing are also highly welcome, especially if they're funny.

LiP welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, and especially those currently or formerly involved with social change work, artistic endeavors, or other interesting side projects. People of color and/or typically marginalized genders are especially encouraged to apply.

You may also send all materials via snail mail, to:

LiP: Informed Revolt
PO Box 3478
Oakland, CA 94609

"LiP is what radical journalism should be, but rarely is in the U.S.: sharp, witty, and unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom."
-Tim Wise, antiracist activist and author of White Like Me: Notes From a Privileged Son

"LiP is marvelous. There's nothing that comes close to it in the culture today. Witty, but substantial, a product of a brilliant and diverse collection of excellent writers and contributors, mostly young, LiP is a must read."
-Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, historian, and author of Red Dirt: Growing Up Okie

"Intellectually rigorous, politically uncompromising, and consistently high quality."
-Lisa Jervis, Founder & Publisher, Bitch: Feminist Response to Pop Culture

"A print and online outfit with creative flair and meaningful substance, that seeks to reach beyond typical progressive audiences."
-Michael Albert, author, editor of Znet, and co-founder of Z Magazine

"I like LiP. It's tough, smart, and takes no prisoners. Read everything in it."
-Andrei Codrescu, poet, novelist, and commentator for National Public Radio