Community Journalist - Secwepemcúl’ecw

Discourse Media Inc.; Kamloops; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community journalism organization is seeking a dedicated community journalist in Kamloops, B.C., to produce impactful local journalism for Secwépemc communities. The role offers a flexible four-day work week with a starting salary of $50,000 and excellent benefits, including three weeks of paid vacation. Candidates with a connection to Indigenous Peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Extended health and dental benefits

Three weeks paid vacation

Bonus paid time off over winter holiday

Qualifications

• You are from an Indigenous community and understand Indigenous protocols.
• You have a passion for meaningful, original reporting.
• You are dedicated to serving underrepresented communities.

Responsibilities

• Produce quality local journalism for Secwépemc communities.
• Engage in community activities and news coverage.
• Work independently and manage your time effectively.

Skills

Understanding Indigenous protocols

Knowledge of Canada's colonial history

Connection to Secwépemc Peoples

Ability to produce engaging articles

Strong time management skills

Tools

Wordpress

Adobe Photoshop

Mailchimp

Canva

Gsuite

Job description

Overview

Discourse Community Publishing (DCP) is seeking a full-time, one-year contract community journalist based in Secwepemcúl’ecw to support The Wren in Kamloops, B.C. (Tk’emlúps). This position is funded through the Local Journalism Initiative.

As the purpose of this role is to tell stories based in Secwepemcúl’ecw, preference will be given to those with connections to Secwépemc Peoples. DCP is a network of community news outlets dedicated to contributing to a more sustainable and equitable news ecosystem. This position offers the opportunity to learn from, contribute to and be supported by our shared digital newsroom including The Discourse Cowichan, Nanaimo, and Comox; IndigiNews; The Wren; Sun Peaks Independent News; and the Revelstoke Mountaineer. DCP is guided by ten principles and aims to build an inclusive and equitable workplace reflecting the communities we serve. Women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

The community journalist role focuses on producing quality local journalism for Secwépemc communities through weekly reported stories and newsletters. General working hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Thursday, with some flexibility outside those hours required for news coverage and community engagement activities.

Qualifications

• You are from an Indigenous community, understand Indigenous protocols, and prioritize engaging respectfully with Indigenous people
• You have an understanding of Canada’s colonial history, institutions and ongoing practices and the impacts of systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples and communities
• You are familiar with Indigenous governance systems in the areas we serve and/or your own Nation
• You have a connection to and knowledge of Secwépemc Peoples, communities, organizations and residents
• You understand the TRC’s Call to Action for the media and have experience producing stories that centre Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives and the issues impacting them
• You know how to respectfully create new connections with community members and organizations
• You have a passion to provide readers and communities with meaningful, original and in-depth reporting on issues that matter to residents
• You want to be part of an independent media organization dedicated to shaping the future of community news
• You are dedicated to serving underrepresented communities and peoples in our region
• You have a demonstrated ability to produce accurate and engaging news articles for online mediums
• You have a history of working independently with strong time management and prioritization skills and the ability to meet deadlines
• You desire to contribute to a positive newsroom environment and collaborative work culture

Additional assets

• Experience in research, freedom-of-information requests, interviewing, writing, copy-editing, fact-checking, social media, newsletters, photography and videography
• Digital skills and experience in Wordpress, Mailchimp, Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, Canva, GSuite, Slack, Asana, and various social media platforms
• Experience in audience development, community engagement and event planning

Compensation and benefits

Compensation will be based on experience starting at $50,000 annual salary, a $70,000 full-time equivalent as DCP currently operates on a four-day work week (32 hours from Monday to Thursday). DCP offers extended health and dental benefits, for you and your immediate family, as well as life and travel insurance. This position also offers three weeks paid vacation, in addition to bonus paid time off over the winter holiday period.

Application

Please complete the below application, including resume by Sept. 20, 2024. (This deadline was extended on Sept. 3, 2024)

If you worry you’re not qualified, take the leap and apply anyway!