POSITION: Next Generation Newsroom - Journalism Apprentice

DEPARTMENT: Center for Media Innovation

REPORTS TO: Teaching Editor, Next Generation Newsroom

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
A journalist who has a demonstrated passion for daily reporting and local news, who can develop sources, recognize news as it happens, meet deadlines, and adeptly navigate challenges to help deliver the news daily with an emphasis on explaining the impact of issues and decisions for residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania. This job is on site in Downtown Pittsburgh.

This is a 12- to 24-month role, intended to support recent graduates in developing a journalism career.

QUALIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Recent college graduate whose experience should demonstrate an ability to be employed as a reporter in newsroom, preferably covering government, education, or a combination.
• Demonstrated ability to find and develop stories that do not involve covering events and meetings
• A minimum of five written clips published by a news outlet and professional experience, including student media, demonstrating a depth and range of reporting
• Demonstrated self-starter who recognizes news as it happens and can develop story ideas
• Ability to quickly locate primary sources to report out stories on deadline
• Experience cultivating sources and developing relationships in a new beat area
• Creativity and sound judgement
• Willingness to work outside of regular business hours
• Multimedia experience creating videos and photographs
• Knowledge of southwestern Pennsylvania's political, social, and economic landscape preferred
• Two or more strong recommendations supporting the applicant
• Ability to pass a criminal background check for working with and alongside minors.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop generate thoughtful, accurate, and timely stories tied to the news cycle daily
2. Develop a rich source network within a defined beat.
3. Pitch creative, timely stories to deputy editor and teaching editor.
4. Produce crisp, engaging error-free copy, visuals and audio that meets Next Generation Newsroom's standards and guidelines
5. Ability and willingness to travel throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania for assignments, as needed
6. Team-minded approach to reporting that encourages and supports others, including mentoring student journalists