Managing Editor - The UpTake
December 9, 2011 9:16 AM
See description here or read below!
The UpTake.org, which specializes in crowd-sourcing video and associated information and data, and in adding context for our community and media partners, is seeking a talented, technologically savvy journalist and manager to lead its Minnesota news operation.
An ideal candidate will share our enthusiasm for journalism. He or she will work with volunteers, staff and freelancers to fulfill the The UpTake’s mission of providing more transparency and citizen engagement in covering government, enabling citizens to cover stories they are passionate about, and providing journalistic review and context to these stories..
It requires shooting and editing videos, organizing and editing video feeds, writing compelling stories and headlines, and orchestrating interns, volunteers, staff and freelancers to work together to cover important events. Final review of work before its publication will be a frequent job function. The ability to coach people to be better writers, videographers, and editors will be a critical skill, as will knowledge of social media. Expect to work long hours during the legislative session (Jan-May in most years). Other job duties may be assigned as needed.
The ideal candidate will motivate people by example, be a team builder, and have a clear idea of how to tell a story, but also be open to ideas from staff, interns and volunteers. We want someone who relishes conversation and dialogue.
Qualifications for an ideal candidate:
• Previous journalism experience in print, web, TV or radio. (Preferably more than one.)
• Previous management experience.
• Journalism or equivalent degree preferred.
Desired skills:
• Good eye for video and good ear for audio. You must be able to tell when something is wrong with either.
• An appetite for new technology and a passion for following tech trends.
• Storytelling—must be able to make a story interesting to an audience.
• Knowing how to “sell” a story to an audience—succinctly explaining “what’s in it for me” to that audience in a headline, lead sentence, Tweet or any other medium we use to get peoples’ attention.
• Excellent interpersonal communications skills. The ability to teach volunteers who are learning how video and journalism works.
• Ability to develop and execute an editorial plan: Define what topics and communities we’ll cover and how we’ll cover them (e.g. live/produced, do we recruit volunteers, work with other organizations).
• Ability to help develop a communications plan: How will we harness social media, newsletters, web site and face-to-face interaction to inform and amplify the editorial plan
• Understanding of copyright law and laws dealing with libel and slander.
Software and equipment you will need to know how to use:
• Final Cut, Adobe Premiere or iMovie.
• WordPress.
• Mini-DV tape cameras & most consumer video cameras.
• Apple computer running OS X.
• Windows computer.
Knowledge:
• Knowledge of how social media (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc.) work is a must.
• General knowledge of html is helpful.
• Background in Minnesota politics desired. Failing that, be a very quick study on the political players.
• Experience researching government data, particularly campaign finance records a plus.
Other requirements:
Must be able to type 30 WPM or faster.
You must have your own transportation or access to public transportation to get to our offices in downtown St. Paul and the State Capitol Building as well as where news is happening in Minnesota.
To apply, send us an email telling us why you want the job and are a good candidate for the job. Email Jobs@TheUpTake.org. Include links to samples of your work including text, video or other multimedia. If you have references, please send those too.
Consideration will be given to all, but particularly those who can follow these instructions and meet most if not all of the qualifications and requirements.
This is a salaried position with compensation dependent upon your experience level and qualifications. The hire will be made as soon as possible.
The UpTake on Facebook.
payscale: Depends on experience level
job type: full-time
The UpTake.org, which specializes in crowd-sourcing video and associated information and data, and in adding context for our community and media partners, is seeking a talented, technologically savvy journalist and manager to lead its Minnesota news operation.
An ideal candidate will share our enthusiasm for journalism. He or she will work with volunteers, staff and freelancers to fulfill the The UpTake’s mission of providing more transparency and citizen engagement in covering government, enabling citizens to cover stories they are passionate about, and providing journalistic review and context to these stories..
It requires shooting and editing videos, organizing and editing video feeds, writing compelling stories and headlines, and orchestrating interns, volunteers, staff and freelancers to work together to cover important events. Final review of work before its publication will be a frequent job function. The ability to coach people to be better writers, videographers, and editors will be a critical skill, as will knowledge of social media. Expect to work long hours during the legislative session (Jan-May in most years). Other job duties may be assigned as needed.
The ideal candidate will motivate people by example, be a team builder, and have a clear idea of how to tell a story, but also be open to ideas from staff, interns and volunteers. We want someone who relishes conversation and dialogue.
Qualifications for an ideal candidate:
• Previous journalism experience in print, web, TV or radio. (Preferably more than one.)
• Previous management experience.
• Journalism or equivalent degree preferred.
Desired skills:
• Good eye for video and good ear for audio. You must be able to tell when something is wrong with either.
• An appetite for new technology and a passion for following tech trends.
• Storytelling—must be able to make a story interesting to an audience.
• Knowing how to “sell” a story to an audience—succinctly explaining “what’s in it for me” to that audience in a headline, lead sentence, Tweet or any other medium we use to get peoples’ attention.
• Excellent interpersonal communications skills. The ability to teach volunteers who are learning how video and journalism works.
• Ability to develop and execute an editorial plan: Define what topics and communities we’ll cover and how we’ll cover them (e.g. live/produced, do we recruit volunteers, work with other organizations).
• Ability to help develop a communications plan: How will we harness social media, newsletters, web site and face-to-face interaction to inform and amplify the editorial plan
• Understanding of copyright law and laws dealing with libel and slander.
Software and equipment you will need to know how to use:
• Final Cut, Adobe Premiere or iMovie.
• WordPress.
• Mini-DV tape cameras & most consumer video cameras.
• Apple computer running OS X.
• Windows computer.
Knowledge:
• Knowledge of how social media (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc.) work is a must.
• General knowledge of html is helpful.
• Background in Minnesota politics desired. Failing that, be a very quick study on the political players.
• Experience researching government data, particularly campaign finance records a plus.
Other requirements:
Must be able to type 30 WPM or faster.
You must have your own transportation or access to public transportation to get to our offices in downtown St. Paul and the State Capitol Building as well as where news is happening in Minnesota.
To apply, send us an email telling us why you want the job and are a good candidate for the job. Email Jobs@TheUpTake.org. Include links to samples of your work including text, video or other multimedia. If you have references, please send those too.
Consideration will be given to all, but particularly those who can follow these instructions and meet most if not all of the qualifications and requirements.
This is a salaried position with compensation dependent upon your experience level and qualifications. The hire will be made as soon as possible.
The UpTake on Facebook.
payscale: Depends on experience level
job type: full-time