Next Generation Newsroom - Journalism Apprentice

Point Park University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 18,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Point Park University seeks a Journalism Apprentice for the Pittsburgh Media Partnership Newsroom in Downtown Pittsburgh. The 12- to 24-month, on-site role supports recent graduates pursuing a journalism career in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates will develop a broad source network, pitch stories to editors, and deliver accurate, timely reporting with multimedia elements. Travel within Southwestern Pennsylvania may be required.

Qualifications

• Recent college graduate with demonstrated reporting ability for newsroom roles.
• Proven ability to identify and develop stories beyond events/meetings.
• Ability to generate ideas and pitch them to editors.
• Minimum five published clips showing reporting depth and range.
• Self-starter who detects news as it happens and develops ideas.
• Ability to locate primary sources quickly for deadline reporting.
• Experience cultivating sources and building relationships in a new beat.
• Creativity and sound judgement; willingness to work after hours.
• Multimedia experience in video and photography.
• Knowledge of Southwestern Pennsylvania political, social, and economic landscape preferred.
• Two or more strong recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Develop thoughtful, accurate, timely stories tied to the news cycle daily.
• Build a rich source network within a defined beat.
• Pitch creative, timely stories to editor.
• Produce crisp, engaging copy, visuals and audio meeting newsroom standards.
• Be willing to travel throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania for assignments.
• Mentor student journalists and support teamwork.

Skills

News reporting

Source development

Deadline-driven

Multimedia storytelling

Networking in beat area

Adaptability

Travel willingness

Recommendations

Background check clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field

Tools

Video editing software

Photo editing software

Social media tooling

Job description

Position

Journalism Apprentice - Pittsburgh Media Partnership Newsroom

Department

Center for Media Innovation

Reports To

Director, Pittsburgh Media Partnership & Assistant Director, Center for Media Innovation

Primary Function

A journalist who has a demonstrated passion for daily reporting and local news, who can develop sources, recognize news as it happens, meet deadlines, and adeptly navigate challenges to help deliver the news daily with an emphasis on explaining the impact of issues and decisions for residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania. This job is on site in Downtown Pittsburgh.

This is a 12- to 24-month role, intended to support recent graduates in developing a journalism career.

Qualifications/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Recent college graduate whose experience should demonstrate an ability to be employed as a reporter in newsroom, preferably covering government, education, or a combination.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and develop stories that do not involve covering events and meetings
• An ideas person with the ability to "think outside the box".
• A minimum of five written clips published by a news outlet and professional experience, including student media, demonstrating a depth and range of reporting
• Demonstrated self-starter who recognizes news as it happens and can develop story ideas
• Ability to quickly locate primary sources to report out stories on deadline
• Experience cultivating sources and developing relationships in a new beat area
• Creativity and sound judgement
• Willingness to work outside of regular business hours
• Multimedia experience creating videos and photographs
• Knowledge of southwestern Pennsylvania's political, social, and economic landscape preferred
• Two or more strong recommendations supporting the applicant
• Ability to pass a criminal background check for working with and alongside minors.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and generate thoughtful, accurate, and timely stories tied to the news cycle daily
• Develop a rich source network within a defined beat.
• Pitch creative, timely stories to editor.
• Produce crisp, engaging error-free copy, visuals and audio that meets the newsroom's standards and guidelines
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania for assignments, as needed
• Team-minded approach to reporting that encourages and supports others, including mentoring student journalists