School News Network Editor/Reporter

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.