Associate Reporter

Shtetl is an independent non-profit media outlet covering the ultra-Orthodox/Haredi community of New York and beyond. We seek to provide groundbreaking reporting on this growing demographic that currently receives little independent coverage. We cover issues that matter to the Haredi community and to New Yorkers in general. Our mission is to report honestly and accurately, to be a source of truthful information and engaging content that can inform the public and hold the powerful accountable. 

Shtetl is seeking to hire one full-time associate reporter to join our team of talented journalists. This individual would write and publish stories under his or her own byline, by conducting original research and making use of shared resources.

Ideal candidates would have excellent writing skills and a good understanding of the Haredi community. Journalism experience is a plus, but this position is also open to those without journalism experience if they have the requisite writing skills. This is a great opportunity for individuals with a passion for writing, independent media, and the Jewish community.

You will work closely with the Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, and other reporters as part of a dynamic team to shape stories, draft articles, work in collaboration with other team members, and connect the community to its own news. 

Your responsibilities will include:

• Working with other reporters and editors to write up news stories for the Shtetl website
• Receiving tips/leads for particular news stories, and assessing their newsworthiness
• Helping to shape and develop ideas for news stories
• Conducting research on potential news stories
• Reaching out to sources for comment/quotes for relevant news reports
• Synthesizing disparate pieces of information into a single news story
• Distilling complex concepts and language into stories that are easily understood
• Identifying gaps in news stories for background and context or other relevant information
• Keeping close tabs on Haredi media, and compiling potential items for Shtetl coverage
• Monitoring the general news media for stories about the Haredi world, and preparing weekly news roundups of the most interesting stories
• Writing engaging content for blogs, email newsletters, social media posts
• Helping create style guides or suggesting changes to ensure content is consistent and clear
• Entering news stories into our CMS (Content Management System), applying appropriate formatting, and preparing items for publication
• Creating and scheduling posts for multiple social media channels
• Attending local events and press briefings

Prerequisites:

• Should be ambitious, self-driven, bold, and motivated
• Must be able to take direction and perform tasks quickly and efficiently
• Must be able to multitask, work under pressure
• Must have broad familiarity with news media
• Must be willing to study/follow principles of ethical journalism and understanding/ mastering its best practices
• Must have excellent English-language writing skills
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required. High school diploma or GED is generally required. (Exceptions may be made for those with non-traditional educational backgrounds, such as yeshiva graduates, who can otherwise demonstrate the requisite skills. .)

Experience:

• Must have prior English writing experience
• Must have experience with office suite applications & Google Docs

Additional criteria: 

The following are not required, but will enhance a candidate’s application:

• Familiarity with ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities
• Familiarity with Yiddish and/or Hebrew
• Some knowledge of New York city and state politics
• Web development skills 
• Graphic design skills/familiarity with Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator

Compensation:

40-50k, commensurate with experience and compatibility

Additional benefits:

401k, Health Insurance, Generous PTO policy,

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing samples to careers@shtetl.org.