Municipal Affairs and Community Issues Reporter

Village Media International; Newmarket; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Village Media in Newmarket is seeking a talented journalist to join NewmarketToday. You will write breaking news and feature stories on local issues, with a focus on timely reporting that matters to residents.

You will cover council and municipal affairs, craft clear narratives, and adhere to CP Style. The role requires living near Newmarket, strong editing and photography skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced newsroom.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in journalism, or related experience.
• Superior language, writing and editing skills, with a thorough knowledge of CP Style
• Strong photography and video skills.
• Familiarity with York Region is a must
• The successful candidate must live in or near Newmarket, Ontario.

Responsibilities

• Write breaking news and feature stories on community issues.
• Cover council and municipal affairs and translate complex topics into clear stories.
• Report quickly, clearly and accurately under tight deadlines.
• Cultivate sources and community contacts.
• Ask tough questions when required.

Skills

Journalism

CP Style

Photography

Video production

Education

Degree or diploma in journalism

Job description

Do you believe that a well-informed community is a stronger community?

Village Media — a proudly independent, digital-first network of local news sources in 27 cities across the province — is searching for a talented, dynamic journalist to join us at NewmarketToday! Across all of our news sites in Ontario, our primary mission is to tell people what’s happening TODAY. Although our team of reporters is always chipping away at in-depth, enterprising stories, our main focus is to inform our readers about what is happening right now — and why it matters. Our newsroom is aggressive, nimble and driven by a constant sense of urgency. We chase the stories people are talking about (or should be talking about) and tell those stories with authority and accuracy. Think of us like the daily newspaper, without the paper — boots on the ground reporting where you live, work and play.

Our hyper-local focus includes:

• Breaking news
• City Hall coverage
• Crime and courts
• Arts, culture and events
• Real estate, housing and construction
• Transit and infrastructure
• Stories about the people who define their communities

Our successful candidate:

• Has demonstrated experience writing breaking news and feature stories on a wide range of community issues
• Experience covering council and municipal affairs, with the ability to turn complex municipal issues into clear, compelling stories
• Reports quickly, clearly and accurately and is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and deadlines
• Has a track record of success in cultivating sources and fostering community contacts and relationships
• Is not afraid to ask tough questions when required

Our journalists:

• Are compelled to find stories that matter and to engage with our communities
• Are committed to fairness, accuracy and transparency, and have impeccable ethics
• Have exceptional writing and editing skills

The Kind of People We're Looking For

Village Media is beyond a traditional media company. We're a community impact organization. Our purpose is to help communities become stronger by keeping people informed, connected, and engaged. That means we look for people who genuinely care about the places they serve. We need teammates who are curious, collaborative, adaptable, and energized by solving problems. You’ll fit right in if you take initiative, embrace change, and are always willing to step outside your job description to help the team or the community succeed. We're building something ambitious in the digital media space, so we value: Humility over ego, Optimism over cynicism, Ownership over 'that’s not my job'. We move quickly, support one another, and believe meaningful work comes from people who care deeply about both their colleagues and their neighbours. If you're excited by the opportunity to make a real difference where people live, you'll thrive here. At Village Media, aptitude matters. Attitude matters more.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in journalism, or related experience
• Superior language, writing and editing skills, with a thorough knowledge of CP Style
• Strong photography and video skills
• Familiarity with York Region is a must!
• The successful candidate must live in or near Newmarket, Ontario.

Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000

About Village Media

Village Media is a leading digital media company dedicated to strengthening local communities through trusted journalism, technology, and civic engagement. Headquartered in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Village Media operates a growing network of local news publications and community platforms across Canada and the United States. Village Media is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion among our staff, volunteers, programs, and partners. We encourage applicants of diverse abilities, backgrounds, and life experiences to apply. If you require accommodations during the selection process, please contact [e-mail].