DESCRIPTION:

The Tennessee Firefly is a non-partisan statewide news operation named after Tennessee’s official state insect. We have been “shining a light” on the untold and under-told educational stories in the Volunteer State since 2002 and are looking to expand the work we do to better cover West Tennessee.

LOCATION:

Memphis/Shelby County. This is a position that will mostly involve remote work, but we do need someone who can attend important school board and government related meetings in Memphis as needed.

POSITION OVERVIEW:The Tennessee Firefly is seeking a creative writer to cover education related stories in Memphis, West Tennessee, and from time to time, within state government. This position will lead our coverage of Memphis-Shelby County Schools and keep our readers informed of important education news in West Tennessee.

We are looking for someone who can find and aggressively cover important education stories. This position may be covering school budgets one day and school board races the next. We also want someone who can provide leadership to other Firefly staff and the news operation as a whole.

As an essential member of our Firefly team, you will be responsible for pitching, developing, and writing content for the Tennessee Firefly each day.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Tennessee Firefly Reporter will have the following primary responsibilities:

• Use creative storytelling to accurately inform and engage our readers about the problems and solutions impacting West Tennessee students.

· Demonstrate clear and concise writing skills with an emphasis on “why this is important to families and students.”

• Develop and pitch multiple education stories a week.
• Participate in daily editorial decisions.
• Provide occasional mentorship to Firefly staff and help the managing editor oversee website operations.
• Capture basic photos and videos as needed.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience: At least two years of experience working as reporter for a weekly or daily newspaper, online news service, or television/radio news operation.

Job Type: Part Time, Hourly (up to 30 hours weekly)

Travel: As needed depending on the story.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please send cover letter and PDF of your resume via email to sky@tnsuccess.org.

1. Cover letter and PDF of your resume.

2. A writing sample similar to that which may be produced in this job.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: Up to $50.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Remote