Breaking News Correspondent

Howard University•Washington, DC

20h•$50,000 - $55,000

About The Position

As part of Howard University’s newly-launched Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS), The Emancipator is an award-winning nonprofit digital magazine that reimagines the nation’s first abolitionist newspapers for a new day. Our mission, like those who came before us, is to leverage the power of journalism to turn public opinion against racist policies and ideas. We expose the history, harms, and pervasiveness of racial inequity and injustice in all aspects of life, and explore solutions for its abolition. From health disparities, the wealth gap, climate inequality and police violence to racism experienced by those throughout the world, The Emancipator confronts the biggest racial justice issues of our time. JOB PURPOSE: As a key member of The Emancipator’s editorial team, the Breaking News Correspondent is an integral part of the news organization’s daily news coverage ensuring we “stay in the conversation” with mission-focused content that is sharp, timely, relevant, fast, deftly researched and vetted, and well reported and written. The Breaking News Correspondent nimbly reports, writes, and web produces timely news stories, essays, scripts, and social posts. This position offers early-career journalists an opportunity to build their reporting muscles in a fast-paced, mission-driven newsroom with hands-on mentorship and clear growth pathways. You’ll learn to strengthen reporting, writing, and publishing regularly in a collaborative newsroom where editors provide active feedback and development. This position is funded by a one-year grant, with the possibility of renewal. The Breaking News Correspondent reports directly to the Managing Editor.

Requirements

Based in the Washington D.C. metro area.
Bachelor’s Degree or higher in journalism
Minimum one year of journalism experience (including internships, on campus publications, and/or freelance work)
Demonstrated reporting on race and justice editorial content
Demonstrated ability to participate on teams of varied sizes–including those that include freelancers/contributors
Demonstrated experience in directly producing breaking news content
Knowledge of digital publishing protocols and analytics
Experience with CMS and digital editing software
Strong attention to detail and organization accuracy with recordkeeping
Troubleshooting and problem solving expertise
Demonstrated initiative to work self-directed yet with a collaborative style
Strong verbal and written communications skills

Responsibilities

Collaborate with The Emancipator team on editorial matters
Ensure the confidentiality and preservation of sensitive information
Adhere to newsroom operational structure and editorial workflows
Attend newsroom meetings and events as well as those conducted by HIAS more broadly where required and as needed
Utilize editorial support services such as webpage hosting, photos, videos, Slack, and social media
Serve as a collegial, professional, and efficient newsroom presence
Support the strategic editorial coverage plan and execution
Adhere to the publishing calendar and cadence
Pitch timely, relevant, mission-aligned content
Report, write, and web produce stories, essays, scripts, social posts
Collaborate with team members and contribute to group projects
Support fellow reporters, producers, and freelancers by offering feedback and guidance
Help maintain a collegial and professional newsroom environment
Coordinate with other departments or external partners when necessary and directed
Communicate collegially, clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally
Collaborate with the Editor-In-Chief and Managing Editor on the pursuit of and attendance at professional development opportunities such as conferences, lectures, and speaking engagements
Collaborate with the Editor-In-Chief and Managing Editor and, where applicable, Howard University public relations office, on media appearances and statements