Position Details
Description:
This highly skilled and organized journalist is part of a dynamic, passionate team dedicated to telling the stories of public education. This journalist covers multiple Kent ISD districts as a reporter, using their skills in interviewing, writing, photography and video to showcase teaching and learning, human interest features, news, events and the myriad issues impacting schools. This journalist is also a skilled copyeditor, with responsibilities including editing articles submitted by reporters, assigning editing work to other editors and scheduling stories for publication. This journalist has a passion for education, a resourceful “can-do” attitude, plus a willingness to share their talent with colleagues. Our specialty is in-the-classroom coverage, using student voice to elevate stories and illustrate how learning is taking place. This journalist has strong observational and interviewing skills and the ability to tackle important education issues and present them in understandable, compelling ways.
Essential Qualifications:
3+ years of journalism experience in print and digital reporting preferred
Bachelor’s degree in journalism or closely related degree preferred, or additional years of experience without degree
Ability to expertly interview, then write clear, compelling articles with photos and video to engage audiences
Ability to copyedit articles using AP style
Strong writing, photography and video skills
Excellent news and editorial judgment for planning and assigning stories
Ability to use social media on various platforms in story-telling and engagement
Ability to handle multiple stories and projects and still meet deadlines
Driver’s license and reliable transportation required
Duties and Responsibilities:
Cover news, features and issue stories in up to three school districts in Kent ISD, producing several stories for School News Network per district per month, plus video, social posts and briefs, along with general assignments and work on joint issue stories
Edit several articles each week and communicate with reporters during editing process
Schedule stories for publication and maintaining calendar
Assign editing as needed to other copy editors
Communicate regularly with district point people, administrators and educators
Remain in close communication with managing editor, copy editors, colleagues for joint stories or special projects
Generate story ideas in districts by developing contacts, visiting schools, meeting with teachers and administrators, reading district communications/social media content
Schedule and conduct interviews, cover events, write and file completed stories
Capture photos and videos while on assignment or as the assignment
Use photos/video to create social media posts teasing and posting stories
Participate in weekly news meetings and monthly staff meetings with ideas, suggestions, collaboration
Attend occasional school board meetings
Conduct assigned duties in compliance with all applicable Board policies and laws
Maintain regular and consistent attendance
Other special projects or duties as assigned
Position Type: Full time, year round, 260 days
Salary: Grade 2- Commensurate with education and experience, ($52,698-$57,044 per year) Non-Union Professional, 8 hours per day
Benefits: Robust benefit package includes full medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid sick and vacation days; State of Michigan School Employment retirement program; Kent ISD is a participating employer for student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF SAVE plan) for eligible Federal student loans.
Please note, due to the large number of applications, we are unable to attend to e-mail or telephone inquiries on application status.
The final candidate for this position will be required (at their cost) to furnish Kent Intermediate School District with a current Michigan State Police and FBI criminal records LiveScan check prior to our recommendation to hire.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Alternative requirements that may be appropriate and acceptable to the School Board may be considered. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.