News Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY 

Quanta Magazine is seeking an organized and enthusiastic News Assistant with web production skills and a strong interest in science communication. You will support Quanta’s editorial and art teams with digital publishing and day-to-day administrative and operational tasks. 

In this role, you will assist with production workflows and Quanta’s WordPress Content Management system, coordinate with colleagues across Quanta and the Simons Foundation, and contribute to a welcoming, supportive, and productive newsroom atmosphere. This position will report to Quanta’s Managing Editor. 

This is a full-time position based in the Simons Foundation offices in New York City. For more information, visit www.simonsfoundation.org/careers.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the web producer in preparing article packages for publication, including formatting, posting and updating articles, images and other digital content on QuantaMagazine.org.

• Assist the web producer and art director with researching and editing photos, illustrations, videos and other visual content, as well as securing usage rights.

• Coordinate with developers to help maintain and improve website features.

• Help coordinate editorial tasks and freelance fact-checking and copy-editing schedules.

• Serve as the first point of contact for in-person staff, visitors, and guests. 

• Respond to telephone calls, inquiries and requests, handling them directly or referring them to the appropriate person.

• Manage and maintain various calendars, including the editor in chief’s appointments.

• Schedule internal and external meetings and conference calls for staff.

• Coordinate staff travel and partner with the Events Team to plan the annual board meeting and other events.

• Support the annual board meeting by polling attendees, collecting materials, coordinating calendars and providing A/V support.

• Process incoming freelancer invoices and maintain approval matrix processes.

• Monitor the Quanta team’s shared email inbox.

• Handle routine correspondence and prepare expense reports via Concur for the editor in chief and designated senior staff.

• Perform other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience

• At least one year of professional experience in web production and/or administrative support.

• Experience coordinating travel, managing complex calendars and scheduling meetings and events.

• Experience working in a newsroom or scientific setting is a plus.

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Strong organizational skills, consistent accuracy and close attention to detail.

• Ability to anticipate needs, set priorities and manage multiple assignments at once.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Sound judgment, resourcefulness and discretion.

• Familiarity with WordPress, HTML, Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word in Mac OS environment. 

• Comfort with learning new software and tools. 

• Ability to take ownership of responsibilities and work effectively and efficiently.

• A proactive, team-oriented approach and a commitment to helping create a positive workplace culture.

• Interest in learning new tools in online content creation and production. 

• Enthusiasm for scientific content is a plus. 

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• Include a résumé and cover letter describing your interest in the position.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $63,000 - $67,000, depending on experience. 

• In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

ABOUT QUANTA

Quanta Magazine is an award-winning, editorially independent online publication launched by the Simons Foundation to enhance public understanding of science. Our reporters and editors focus on developments in mathematics, theoretical physics, theoretical computer science and the basic life sciences, with an emphasis on delivering timely, accurate, in-depth and well-crafted articles for our broad, discerning audience. Quanta was awarded a 2022 Pulitzer Prize in explanatory reporting, a 2020 National Magazine Award for general excellence, and a 2025 National Magazine Award for best single-topic issue. Quanta has syndication partnerships with Wired, The Atlantic and other publications, has published two books (Alice and Bob Meet the Wall of Fire and The Prime Number Conspiracy) and our articles have been translated into several languages.

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.