Posted On: April 1, 2022
Journalism Job
Media Organization: Montclair Local Nonprofit News
Company Description
About Montclair Local: Montclair Local is a nonprofit organization supported by the community. It serves as a focal point for the town and is an essential anchor for news and information, providing a check and balance to the local government and schools while also reporting on sports and community events.
Job Description
Montclair Local is seeking a full-time reporter for its Human Connections beat.
The Human Connections reporter’s job is to seek out stories that start with people, not institutions and meeting schedules — but will often involve discussions of how structures and systems are (or aren’t) serving the needs of Montclair’s diverse community.
The reporter focuses on the struggles, triumphs, solutions, artistic expression and culture of Montclair. The reporter’s job is not to give voice to the voiceless — but to turn an ear toward those whose voices can and must be amplified, in the service of reflecting a complex and varied community equitably.
We’re a small operation, so the reporter must also need to be nimble and flexible enough to jump into breaking news at any time, and may carve out other beats that are explored with an approach that incorporates the priorities described above.
To date, that’s involved significant reporting on arts and business — Montclair has a vibrant community of locally owned businesses, key to the town’s character and vitality — and how both intersect with the lived experience of those in Montclair.
Most weeks, the reporter will produce between three and seven news or feature stories, reflecting the principles and priorities described here.
The reporter will also help prepare community announcements and other material specific to MontclairLocal.news, as a shared responsibility with other members of the reporting and editing staff.
The reporter will take ownership of the presentation of his or her material online — writing strong headlines, seeking out or creating accompanying art and multimedia and positioning it on social platforms.
The reporter may also play a role with some community-facing events and engagement efforts on behalf of the news organization.
A reporter in this role will demonstrate and develop:
A commitment to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, with practical application to day-in, day-out community journalism. The reporter understands engagement with the needs and culture of communities isn’t accomplished only with pieces about their specific concerns, but instead by exploring the ways any and all stories may intersect with their lives. This role isn’t only about the needs and culture of marginalized communities, but the reporter must be ever-thoughtful about incorporating and exploring them as a core value.
An understanding of accountability and solutions journalism, with specific ideas about how to pursue both in Montclair.
An understanding of principles of community organizing, and their application to community partnership, engagement and story development.
Insights into how arts, business and other beat reporting can engage the principles described above.
This position is a full-time role, with benefits including health insurance and a Simple IRA. The salary range is $40-44,000, depending on experience. Candidates of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans and women are encouraged to apply.
Montclair Local Nonprofit News, Inc. (Montclair Local) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities at Montclair Local are based upon one’s qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
To Apply
To apply, send a resume and samples of journalistic writing — from other publications, classwork or similar experience — to Louis Hochman (hochman@montclairlocal.news).