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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Journalism Assistant

💰 $35,000 - $55,000

MediaJournalismCommunicationsEntry-Level

🎯 Role Definition

As a Journalism Assistant, you are the backbone of our editorial team, providing critical support that enables our journalists and editors to produce high-quality, impactful content. You will be immersed in the daily operations of a fast-paced news environment, assisting with everything from initial story research to final publication. This is not just an administrative role; it's a launchpad for your journalism career, offering invaluable exposure to the entire content lifecycle. We're looking for a highly organized, curious, and resilient individual who is eager to learn and contribute to our mission of delivering accurate and compelling news.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Journalism or Communications Internship
  • Freelance Contributor / Stringer
  • University Newspaper / Media Program

Advancement To:

  • Staff Writer / Junior Reporter
  • Content Producer / Associate Producer
  • Social Media Editor

Lateral Moves:

  • Public Relations Coordinator
  • Content Marketing Specialist
  • Corporate Communications Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive, in-depth research and meticulous fact-checking for articles, reports, and broadcast segments to ensure complete accuracy.
  • Provide direct support to senior journalists and editors throughout the entire story lifecycle, from initial pitch and development to final publication.
  • Actively monitor real-time news sources, including news wires, press releases, social media feeds, and government channels, to identify breaking news and compelling story leads.
  • Accurately transcribe lengthy interviews, press conferences, and other audio/video materials, preparing detailed notes for reporting staff.
  • Assist in scheduling, coordinating, and confirming interviews with a diverse range of sources, including experts, officials, and community members.
  • Manage and update complex editorial calendars, ensuring all deadlines and project milestones are tracked and communicated effectively to the team.
  • Draft, write, and edit short-form content such as news briefs, event listings, photo captions, and social media updates under editorial guidance.
  • Collaborate on the production and editing of multimedia content, including clipping videos for social platforms, preparing audio for podcasts, and selecting images for articles.
  • Perform thorough proofreading and copy-editing on articles and other content, checking for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and adherence to AP style guidelines.
  • Systematically gather and verify complex information, data sets, and statistics from various primary and secondary sources for data-driven stories.
  • Prepare and assemble detailed research packets, background briefs, and source lists for reporters ahead of interviews or assignments.
  • Proactively pitch relevant, well-researched, and original story ideas during daily or weekly editorial planning meetings.
  • Format and publish final content using the organization's Content Management System (CMS), ensuring all elements are optimized for the web.
  • Assist in attending press conferences, legislative sessions, and community events to gather information, take detailed notes, and identify potential follow-up stories.
  • Build, maintain, and regularly update a comprehensive database of contacts, sources, and subject-matter experts for the newsroom.
  • Support broadcast operations by logging video footage, locating archival material, and preparing on-screen graphics and chyrons.
  • Handle initial vetting of incoming news tips and public inquiries, escalating credible leads to the appropriate editors or reporters.
  • Collaborate with the audience engagement team to help promote stories across various social media platforms and newsletters.
  • Provide research support for long-term investigative projects, including document requests (FOIA) and public records searches.
  • Assist with photo research, securing permissions and ensuring proper credit for all visual assets used in publishing.

Secondary Functions

  • Manage various administrative tasks for the newsroom, including handling correspondence, answering phones, and routing inquiries.
  • Contribute to maintaining and organizing the newsroom's digital and physical archival systems for easy retrieval of past work.
  • Monitor competitor media outlets and industry trends to help inform our own content strategy and identify coverage gaps.
  • Assist in compiling and distributing internal newsletters or daily reports summarizing key news developments for the editorial team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • AP Style Proficiency: Deep knowledge and practical application of the Associated Press Stylebook.
  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with platforms like WordPress, Arc, or similar publishing systems.
  • Advanced Research Skills: Mastery of online search techniques, academic databases (e.g., LexisNexis), and public records requests.
  • Fact-Checking Methodologies: Proven ability to rigorously verify information, quotes, and data.
  • Social Media Platforms: Professional-level use of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for news gathering and distribution.
  • Transcription: Fast and accurate typing skills and experience with transcription software or services.
  • Basic Multimedia Editing: Familiarity with basic functions in Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, or Audition is a plus.
  • SEO Principles: Understanding of basic SEO best practices for headlines, meta descriptions, and article structure.
  • Digital Archiving: Experience with organizing and tagging digital assets for a library or archive.
  • G-Suite / Microsoft Office: High proficiency with collaborative tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Microsoft Word/Excel.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Attention to Detail: A meticulous nature with a commitment to accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
  • Unwavering Curiosity: A genuine desire to ask questions, learn new things, and dig deeper into subjects.
  • Resilience Under Pressure: Ability to remain calm, focused, and adaptable while working against tight deadlines.
  • Strong Written & Verbal Communication: Ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely, both in writing and in person.
  • Time Management & Organization: Superb ability to juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines consistently.
  • Collaborative Spirit: A proactive team player who enjoys supporting colleagues and contributing to a shared goal.
  • Strong Ethical Judgement: A solid understanding of journalistic ethics and principles.
  • Proactive Problem-Solver: Resourceful and able to anticipate needs and find solutions independently.
  • Adaptability: Eagerness to learn new technologies and workflows as the media landscape evolves.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Confidence and professionalism when interacting with sources, colleagues, and the public.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma with significant relevant experience, or currently pursuing a relevant Bachelor's degree.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Journalism
  • Communications
  • English
  • Political Science
  • Liberal Arts

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years of relevant experience in a newsroom, student newspaper, media organization, or a related field. Internship experience is highly valued.

Preferred: Prior internship at a professional daily newspaper, broadcast station, or digital-native news outlet. A portfolio of published clips (written, audio, or video) is strongly preferred.

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