Join BPR!
The Brown Political Review’s Editorial Board is looking for editors. Apply at this link by December 1st at 11:59pm!
If you’d like to apply to a different entry-level position, check back in January for our Spring 2025 application. If you’re thinking of applying, fill out this interest form to get updates on the application process!
Below is a list of the entry-level positions on BPR. You can find an overview of each board here.
If you have any questions about the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to brown-political-review@brown.edu.
Staff Writers
BPR staff writers write two analytical, niche, and highly researched articles each semester on topics of their choice. Each staff writer is assigned to a section composed of approximately four editors and eight writers. Throughout the production cycle, staff writers share article ideas in pitch meetings and work closely with BPR editors to produce multiple drafts of their articles. Articles are featured on the BPR website and social media accounts, and they will be considered for publication in the print magazine. Some articles may be accompanied by original graphics or illustrations designed by the BPR Creative Board.
Copy Editors
BPR’s copy editors ensure that all information in the magazine is verifiably correct and is rooted in trustworthy sources during fact-checking. During copy edits, copy editors clean up the text of articles to match the BPR style guide. They also ensure that all articles are plagiarism-free, which is vital to maintaining the journalistic integrity of the publication. They are responsible for 1-3 hours per week of live copy editing and may have a slightly larger copy editing commitment during the production cycle.
Creative Associates
Creative Associates conceive and direct the magazine’s layout, aesthetic, and design. They also create original infographic and graphic design content for the magazine and website.
Art Directors: Art Directors work closely with the Creative Directors to guide illustrators to make the best work possible for BPR’s magazine and website. They meet with Creative Directors often to review/critique illustrator concepts and progress. They also communicate regularly with illustrators to provide feedback and guide them throughout the illustration process. Only juniors and below are eligible to apply for this position.
Illustrators: Illustrators create the illustrations that appear in the print publication and website. Each semester, illustrators sign up for one article each based on pitches submitted by the writers. After signing up for an article, illustrators have approximately one week to create three or more thumbnail sketches for each of their illustration(s), which the Art Directors will look over and provide feedback on. After receiving feedback, illustrators have approximately one more week to complete and submit their illustrations. The web production cycle is much the same, though it happens more frequently in the semester.
Design Directors: Design Directors manage the design of the magazine and oversee the rest of the design team. They collaborate with the larger creative team (Creative Directors, Art Directors), direct the visual language of the magazine (select typefaces, design spreads), and delegate tasks to Designers. Only juniors and below are eligible to apply for this position.
Designers: Designers work with Design Directors to execute the layout of the magazine. Designers design certain spreads (interview spread, table of contents, ads, etc.) as well as help form the general appearance (typography, composition) of the magazine. They also work on data visualization, such as creating infographics for articles, and communicate with BPR’s Data Board to find data relevant to articles.
Business Associates
Business Board Associates manage the Brown Political Review’s operations, finances, events, and external outreach. We pitch advertisements to local businesses, operate BPR’s social media, manage alumni relations, distribute the magazine, produce an external newsletter, lead our media campaigns, plan events (guest speakers and a formal), and more.
Multimedia Associates
Media Associates conceptualize, draft, and produce visual and audiovisual media content.
Interviews Associates
Interviews Associates schedule and conduct interviews with political leaders and public intellectuals.
Data Associates
Data Associates produce infographics, write data-driven articles, and create interactives and news apps.
Web Developers
The Brown Political Review web development team is tasked with the design and maintenance of the BPR website.