Current (Student)

American University•Washington, DC

19h•$18 - $25•Remote

About The Position

Current seeks an advanced undergraduate or graduate journalism student to research and report on issues affecting public media in the United States. Current is an independent news service covering public media, including NPR, PBS and stations, and operates a website and quarterly print publication. Student reporters research, report and write their own stories with support from Current’s editors and staff reporters. The role offers experience in journalism and news publishing, and may help prepare students for internships and professional positions at other news organizations. This part-time position is for 20 hours per week, with dates from January 11 through May 7, 2026. Exact dates and the daily work schedule will be arranged with the supervisor. Current operates as a virtual workplace. The position is available only to enrolled American University students and is eligible for recognition through the School of Communication’s Dean's Internship program.

Requirements

As of spring 2027, be a junior, senior or graduate student majoring in American University's School of Communication.
Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.25.
Graduate students must have completed their first semester of study to be considered.
Have experience reporting for advanced School of Communication journalism courses.
Have analytical, quantitative and writing skills.
Have an interest in journalism, public media, the media business and/or public policy.

Nice To Haves

Web publishing skills and familiarity with WordPress; training is provided as needed.
Experience reporting in-depth stories or analyses for student journalism organizations or previous editorial internships.
Familiarity with the WordPress content management system.

Responsibilities

Research, report and write original coverage.
Gather information and multiple perspectives through interviews, analysis, reading, observation and events.
Check facts, spellings, numbers and assumptions to confirm details of news events.
Produce timely material for digital coverage and report on developing stories.
Revise work in progress and collaborate with editors to prepare coverage for online publication.
Advise editors on art direction by collecting photos, artwork and graphics, and identifying opportunities to present data and multimedia elements.
Work with Current staff on production, planning and discussion.
Develop and pitch story ideas.
Produce social media posts sharing links to Current news articles while adhering to Current’s editorial practices.
Collaborate with the digital editor and managing editor in responding to reader reactions.