Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Report, photograph and write well-researched, accurate hard and soft news articles, features, headlines and photo captions for the Co-op City Times and related media as assigned, delivering work that meets the informational needs and quality standards of readers, advertisers and the editor-in-chief
• Substantively edit, copy edit, fact-check and proofread all material submitted for publication in the newspaper, posted on the paper’s website, social media accounts and the Co-op City in-house TV channel (Riverbay crawler). Conduct additional research and interviews as necessary to ensure content is thorough and accurate
• Implement editorial quality standards based on AP and Co-op City Times style when writing, editing, fact-checking and proofing content
• Proofread and make editorial and design corrections on pages/content slides prior to publication
• Pitch weekly story ideas to Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor and produce written content as assigned
• Build a base of knowledge about affordable housing, Mitchell-Lama housing, HUD/HCR and local housing interactions that impact Co-op City, legal and legislative issues regarding affordable housing and identify valuable news and trends by monitoring industry media and interviewing relevant officials when necessary
• Assist Editor-in-Chief with new media projects – script writing and editing, on-camera interviewing and reporting, critiquing video productions, suggesting changes/edits; assisting new media producer to film and edit productions, as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s in English, Journalism or Communications
• Basic photography, photo editing
• Excellent command of the English language, including, but not limited to, excellent grammar, spelling and punctuation
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends
• Must be a team player, willing to learn, creative thinker and have strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, high pressure and often changing environment

Work Experience and Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum 2-3 years working experience in print and/or digital community journalism; or HS Diploma, plus 2-3 years’ field experience in community journalism
• Strong interviewing, reporting, editing, time management and organizational skills
• Exemplary writing, research and communication skills
• Proven success in listening, framing appropriate questions and welcoming diverse perspectives
• Proven ability to meet stringent deadlines
• Ability to multitask high-priority projects simultaneously
• Knowledge of newspaper production, content management, basic multimedia production (video, websites, social media) and Infogram preferred

Testing:

• Drug screening, as permitted by, and consistent with, applicable law.

Physical Requirements:

Persons performing service in this position classification may routinely exert up to 30 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. This type of work will involve regular walking or standing for extended periods of time. It may involve stooping or bending. Handling and working with various materials and objects are important aspects of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person to perform the essential functions of the job.