Do we need to introduce Spokes, Ecsite’s online magazine?
Spokes is THE unmissable publication for science engagement professionals in Europe and beyond. Its ambition is to be an open forum for creative discussion, spreading new ideas, sharing best practice and providing carefully curated news.
A small group of people stand behind the magazine: the Spokes Editorial Committee. The Committee brings together experts from Ecsite member organisations generously contributing their time and energy, and members of the Ecsite communications team in charge of the magazine's daily operations. Join a friendly community of open-minded, inspiring peers: we're recruiting!
Feels like something you'd like to be part of? This call is open to staff of Full Ecsite members. Apply by 15 November.
Spokes Editorial Committee members serve for a mandate of three years, renewable once. The Committee's Chairperson, nominated by the Ecsite Board, is currently Maarten Okkersen, Head of Communications at Museon (The Hague, The Netherlands). Maarten is currently serving his second mandate, finishing in spring 2019.
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Particular areas of expertise needed
The Committee will be needing two new members to cover two distinct areas of expertise:
- Operations, marketing, customer journeys
- Exhibitions - this role involves curating our quarterly "New exhibitions" section (see example towards the bottom of this issue)
Alongside specific experience and expertise, curiosity for a wide range of topics is an important quality for Editorial Committee members: the books you read, talks you attend, films you watch (etc.) will help nourish Spokes. Having a wide professional network beyond the science communication field is desirable, as Spokes is always on the lookout for potential authors. Good writing skills in English and journalistic or editorial experience are a plus but not essential.
Overall, the Committee needs balance of expertise, geographic origins, genders, types & sizes of organisations. Take a look at the composition of the Spokes Editorial Committee to see how your profile could fit.
What being on the Committee entails
Each month: shaping, commenting, checking
We hold a monthly conference call to discuss the specifics of upcoming issues, review article pitches etc. During the month, Committee members are invited to comment on received articles and check Spokes before it comes out. Time commitment varies, depending on each member's availability that month: min 1 hour (if you can only make the call), max 4 hours (if you have the time to follow each step).
Once or twice a year: being “on call” for an issue
The Ecsite Communications team does the "ground work" of putting Spokes together. As the “on call” Committee member, you will be working closely with that team and are in charge of having read everything before that particular issue of Spokes goes out.
Estimated time commitment per on-call issue: 1-1.5 working day
Once a year: attending a physical Committee meeting
We meet once in January at one of the Committee members’ organisations for a full day meeting. This is when we have strategic discussions and shape the editorial calendar for the year ahead, brainstorming topics,authors, trends etc. and each committing to follow up on specific article ideas.
We also try to meet again in June for an informal dinner just before the Ecsite Conference.
Depending on your time and skills: chasing authors, writing, relaying, keeping your eyes open…
Depending on your skills or interests, you can shape your involvement and contribution to the Committee. For instance we are alooking for someone to replace the Committee member who used to put together a quarterly exhibitions section. Other members write book reviews, identify and relay good reads etc. A regular task is chasing authors: once we’ve accepted a proposal, a Committee member acts as the liaison person with the author(s), helping them shape their piece, chasing them when deadlines are close – in short: making sure they deliver.
As a Committee member, you are well placed to volunteer to write articles or conduct interviews on topics of interest highlighted by the Committee (like all other publications of course they’ll be submitted to your peer Committee members’ critical eye). But you don’t have to.
Members cover their own travel and accommodation expenses and unfortunately being a member of the Spokes Editorial Committee does not grant you a free registration to the Ecsite Conference. The networking and learning are invaluable, however!
How to apply
Fill in this application form by 15 November.
If you're selected, the first meeting you'll attend will be taking place at the Copernicus science centre in Warsaw (Poland) on 14-15 January 2019 (lunch to lunch).
Want to know more? Email Ecsite's Communications and Events Manager Julie Becker who will put you in touch with a current member.