Join Us
Sunstroke Press is looking for new volunteers to join our team.
We’re looking for folks who want to grow alongside an emerging independent press! Learn more about our open volunteer positions below. Applications will close on November 15, 2026 at 11:59pm PT. If you have any questions, send us an email at info@sunstrokepress.com.
Location & Commitment
Applicants must be 18+ and based in New York, though some positions offer flexibility in location. Sunstroke operates remotely, but our local staff will occasionally get together for in-person meetings, events, launches, bookstore visits and other press activities in New York City.
Positions will generally require a commitment of approximately 5 hours per week, with flexibility depending on workload, publishing schedules and the needs of each department.
Roles like the Designer position are structured differently as on-demand creative roles, with work assigned around active projects rather than a standing weekly commitment.
Volunteering
All positions are volunteer-based. We understand that volunteering is a commitment, so we try to keep workloads realistic and flexible around jobs, school, creative practices and lives outside of the press.
Term
Staff positions are ongoing rather than limited to a fixed term. Sunstroke or the staff member may end the volunteer arrangement at any time with written notice.
Perks
- Complimentary copy of Sunstroke publications you’ve worked on
- Complimentary Sunstroke merchandise
- Free admission to Sunstroke events, including a +1 (if ticketed)
- Opportunities to attend publishing, literary and art events through Sunstroke’s network
- Waived reading fees and priority review for personal book and zine submissions
- Audience-facing credit and attribution for applicable work across our website, publications, social channels
- First consideration for future paid, freelance and expanded roles as opportunities become available
- Resume and LinkedIn endorsements
- Letters of recommendation upon request
- Support in receiving internship or academic credit through your college or university, where eligible
FAQ
Can I apply for more than one position?
Yes! If you’re interested in and qualify for more than one position, you’re welcome to apply for each. Please submit them as separate applications.
Do I need publishing experience?
Not necessarily. Relevant experience is helpful, but it doesn’t need to come from a traditional publishing job. We’re interested in experience from literary magazines, student publications, bookstores, independent projects, arts organizations, freelance work, creative practices and other places where you’ve developed your skills.
Can I receive internship or academic credit for my work with Sunstroke?
Potentially! If your college or university allows academic or internship credit for volunteer work, we’re happy to work with you and your school to provide applicable documentation, supervision and verification of your work. Eligibility and final approval are determined by your institution.
Open Positions
Social media & Marketing Manager
New York City
~5 hours/week
- Work alongside our Creative Director and Photo & Marketing Director to refine Sunstroke’s marketing approach and social media strategy
- Develop and execute original and relevant social media, newsletter and/or digital marketing campaigns as needed
- Manage and maintain the Sunstroke Instagram account
- Record and report on engagement to reveal what’s resonating with our community
- Pitch and execute creative ways to promote our backlist
- Support at launches, readings, collaborations and events
Financial Manager
New York City
~5 hours/week
- Maintain and organize internal financial records
- Work with Sales & Distribution Manager to track invoicing
- Track revenue, expenses and royalties across titles, projects and events
- Propose and manage budgets for individual titles and other initiatives
- Research funding opportunities for the press and future titles
- Maintain a grant calendar and track application deadlines
- Analyze the financial performance of the press and its titles
Sales & Distribution Manager
New York City
~5 hours/week
- Manage outreach and communications with prospective stockists
- Maintain and grow our wholesale contacts
- Track and organize wholesale orders, inventory and restocks
- Research potential stockists and broader distribution opportunities
- Coordinate local bookstore deliveries and fulfillment
- Assist with book fairs, pop-ups, launches and other direct-sales opportunities
- Research and introduce systems for inventory tracking and sales
Editor (Fiction or Non-Fiction)
New York City OR REMOTE
~5 hours/week
- Read and evaluate assigned manuscript submissions
- Participate in editorial discussions and meetings and acquisitions decisions
- Share thoughtful and thorough evaluations of manuscripts under consideration
- Provide editorial feedback and work directly with authors on addressing revisions and other issues pertaining to the manuscript
- Manage assigned titles from acquisition to editing, design, production and publication
- Assist other Editors in reviewing nonfiction and/or hybrid manuscripts when needed
- Keep up with emerging writers, literary magazines, independent presses and literary communities
Designer, Digital
New York City OR REMOTE
HOURS BASED ON PROJECT
- Work with the Creative Director to establish the visual identity of the assigned project
- Work with the Creative Director, Photo & Marketing Director and Social Media & Marketing Manager to design campaigns, graphics and other marketing assets
- Assist in design revisions throughout the campaign creation and development process
- Provide design feedback when needed
- Maintain working and exported files, including sizing for social media, web and other best practices
The Designer, Digital position will also receive invitations to design for publication, should they be interested.
Designer, Books
New York City OR REMOTE
HOURS BASED ON PROJECT
- Work with the Creative Director to establish the visual identity of the assigned project
- Develop interior layouts, covers, page design and typesetting as needed
- Assist in design revisions throughout the editing and production process
- Provide design and printing feedback when needed
- Organize working and print-ready files, including print specifications like trim size, margins, bleed, image resolution and other commercial requirements