About The Examination
The Examination launched in 2023 to tell urgent stories about who and what is responsible for tens of millions of preventable deaths each year, and about the people in harm’s way.Our journalism draws on the scientific method and rigorously-collected evidence. It is informed by research showing that certain commercial products and practices are responsible for more than a third of all global deaths. Marginalized communities often pay the highest price.
Coverage areas include the tobacco, ultra-processed food and fossil fuels industries. We focus on not just what went wrong, but on actionable solutions that could pave the way to healthier communities and a healthier world.
As 2024 begins, we are a fully operating investigative team with 16 full-time staffers, a striking website, partnerships with major news organizations, an engaged advisory council and 20-plus published stories — with many more in the works. We have collaborated with news outlets on four continents, co-published front-page stories with The Washington Post and New York Times and launched a vibrant weekly newsletter.
Our work is already making a difference. In the United States, it prompted the Federal Trade Commission to take action against a beverage industry trade group that is paying dieticians to tout sugary products on Instagram and TikTok. In Cameroon, it promoted the closing of a battery recycling facility that is spreading deadly lead into the local community. We are encouraged by the strong positive reaction from readers, the health community and other journalists to our mission and model.
As we continue to build our organization, develop a strategic plan and launch new investigations in 2024, we are seeking individuals who are passionate about our mission to add their skills, resources and connections to our Advisory Council. If you share our vision for fearless journalism that is exposing the root causes of our world’s most pressing health challenges and sparking solutions to improve and save lives, we hope you will consider this opportunity to work alongside us as a member of our Advisory Council.
Advisory Council Background and Purpose
The Examination launched in 2023 with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and a grant from the Pulitzer Center. Our fiscal sponsor is Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.
Our Advisory Council is the governing body for The Examination, responsible for ensuring we stay true to our mission and overseeing our Executive Director. It is currently made up of seven members, including leaders in media, public health and journalism. To date, the council has been vital to building a structure for good governance and fiscal responsibility, as well as providing critical subject-matter expertise to help The Examination deliver rigorous, unbiased, and actionable journalism. The council has five committees: Executive, Audit, Scientific Advisory, Nominating and Fundraising. Council members are expected to serve on at least one committee.
We are excited to recruit two to four new Advisory Council members in 2024. We have a specific and immediate need to build up a fundraising committee, and are eager to identify people willing to leverage their experience and networks to help our young organization diversify its revenue and build a secure future. As a nonprofit news organization we are seeking diverse revenue sources that support our commitment to providing rigorous, unbiased journalism in the public interest.
As we move to full independence from our fiscal sponsor, the council will become our Board of Directors.
Role description
Leadership, Governance and Oversight
Provide sound governance and accountability, upholding the legal duties and laws regarding nonprofit governance
Ensure strong fiduciary oversight and financial management, including participating in an annual budget review and approval process
Collaborate with the Executive Director and staff to develop and implement The Examination’s strategic plan in accordance with the organization's mission
Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization, including leveraging connections, networks, and resources to advance The Examination’s mission and impact
Fundraising
Serve on the Fundraising Committee and fully engage with Development Team members to identify and secure the financial resources and partnerships necessary for The Examination to grow and diversify its revenue
Act as an ambassador for the organization among personal and professional networks
Consider The Examination a personal philanthropic priority and make a meaningful financial donation at least once per year
Personal specifications
A desire to help build a young nonprofit news organization that can grow and thrive
Relevant professional and/or board leadership experience; fundraising experience a plus
A collegial approach with strong relationship-building abilities
A commitment to and understanding of The Examination’s mission, and a strong belief in journalism as a force for positive change
Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for exposing and eliminating health inequities that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities around the world
The ability and willingness to represent the organization and leverage your own network to advance the mission and goals of the Examination
Commitment to participate in five virtual advisory council meetings and one in-person meeting per year. Plus additional subcommittee meetings as necessary
How to apply
To apply for the role of Advisory Council Member with The Examination please email your resume/CV and a brief statement of interest to Tricia Puskar at tricia@theexamination.org.
We are accepting applications on a rolling basis, and will begin conducting virtual interviews in February 2024.
If you would like to have an informal discussion about this opportunity before applying, please email Tricia Puskar at tricia@theexamination.org.