Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Journalism Writer

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

Writing & EditingMedia & CommunicationsJournalismContent Creation

🎯 Role Definition

We are on the hunt for a talented and ambitious Journalism Writer to craft compelling narratives that inform, engage, and inspire our audience. In this role, you will be at the forefront of our content creation efforts, responsible for pitching, researching, and writing a variety of content, from breaking news and in-depth feature articles to investigative reports and human-interest stories. You are a natural storyteller with a nose for news, a rigorous approach to fact-checking, and a deep understanding of digital media landscapes. This position is perfect for a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity while driving audience engagement.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Reporter / Staff Writer
  • Editorial Assistant / Associate
  • Content Creator / Specialist

Advancement To:

  • Senior Journalist / Senior Writer
  • Feature Editor / Section Editor
  • Managing Editor or Editor-in-Chief

Lateral Moves:

  • Communications or Public Relations Specialist
  • Content Strategist or SEO Specialist
  • Technical Writer or Copywriter

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Pitch, research, and write a high volume of engaging, accurate, and clean copy for our digital platforms, including long-form features, breaking news articles, and evergreen content.
  • Conduct thorough and insightful interviews with a diverse range of sources, from high-profile experts and officials to everyday individuals, to build compelling narratives.
  • Develop and maintain a network of contacts and sources within key beats or topic areas to ensure a steady stream of exclusive and original story ideas.
  • Adhere to strict deadlines in a fast-paced newsroom environment, managing multiple assignments simultaneously without compromising on quality or accuracy.
  • Meticulously fact-check all information, data, and sources used in your reporting to ensure every piece published meets the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
  • Translate complex subjects, data, and events into clear, accessible, and engaging content that resonates with our target audience.
  • Collaborate closely with editors, photographers, and graphic designers to create a cohesive and visually appealing final product for every story.
  • Stay consistently informed on current events, industry trends, and developments within your assigned beat to identify timely and relevant story opportunities.
  • Write compelling, SEO-optimized headlines and meta descriptions to maximize article visibility and drive organic search traffic.
  • Employ a variety of storytelling formats, including text, video scripts, and photo essays, to best serve the narrative and engage the reader.
  • Generate original story ideas through independent research, source development, and by actively monitoring news feeds, social media, and industry reports.
  • Attend press conferences, industry events, and community meetings to gather information and build a strong reporting presence.
  • Revise and edit your work based on feedback from editors, demonstrating a collaborative spirit and a commitment to continuous improvement.
  • Uphold the ethical and legal standards of journalism at all times, including considerations of fairness, impartiality, and privacy.
  • Develop in-depth, investigative pieces that require extensive research, data analysis, and source cultivation over longer periods.

Secondary Functions

  • Actively participate in daily and weekly editorial meetings, contributing to brainstorming sessions and content planning.
  • Engage with our audience by responding to comments and messages on social media platforms to foster a sense of community and gather feedback.
  • Utilize content management systems (CMS) to format, publish, and update articles on the website, ensuring all elements are correctly implemented.
  • Analyze content performance using analytics tools (like Google Analytics) to understand audience behavior and inform future content strategy.
  • Assist in mentoring junior writers or interns, providing guidance on reporting techniques and adherence to our style guide.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • AP Style Mastery: Deep knowledge and consistent application of Associated Press (AP) style guidelines in all written work.
  • Advanced Research & Fact-Checking: Proven ability to conduct deep-dive research using primary and secondary sources and rigorously verify all facts.
  • Interviewing Prowess: Expertise in sourcing, securing, and conducting compelling and informative interviews with a wide range of individuals.
  • SEO for Writers: Solid understanding of search engine optimization principles, including keyword research and on-page SEO, to enhance content visibility.
  • CMS Proficiency: Hands-on experience with content management systems such as WordPress, Drupal, or similar platforms.
  • Digital Analytics Acumen: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics to interpret content performance data and audience insights.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Storytelling: An innate ability to identify a compelling angle and weave facts and narratives into an engaging and coherent story.
  • Unwavering Curiosity: A natural and persistent desire to ask questions, dig deeper, and understand the 'why' behind the story.
  • Deadline-Oriented & Resilient: Thrives under pressure and consistently meets tight deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced news environment.
  • Strong Ethical Judgment: A firm grasp of journalistic ethics and a commitment to fairness, accuracy, and transparency.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and able to quickly pivot between different topics, formats, and breaking news situations with ease.
  • Superb Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex ideas clearly and concisely.
  • Collaborative Spirit: Works effectively with editors, designers, and fellow writers to achieve a shared goal.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree in Journalism or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Journalism
  • Communications
  • English
  • Political Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of professional experience in journalism, reporting, or a related writing-intensive role.

Preferred: A strong, diverse portfolio of published bylines demonstrating exceptional writing and reporting skills, particularly in a digital-first newsroom.

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