Position Description: Director of Newsroom Relationships

Location: Remote

Reports to: Director of The Center for Just Journalism

Status: Full-time, Exempt

THE CENTER FOR JUST JOURNALISM

The Center for Just Journalism acts as a resource for new and experienced journalists covering public safety issues. The style and substance of media coverage have ripple effects that influence everything from public policy and our collective sense of safety to the dignity and well-being of people who are directly impacted by crime, policing, and incarceration. Too often reporters are asked to cover these complex and high-stakes issues without the background or resources they need. The Center connects journalists with research, experts, personal narratives, data, and best practices that help them tell stories that are rooted in fact and lacking in sensationalism. Learn more at justjournalism.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Newsroom Relationships will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that lead to real practice change at the newsroom level. In this role, they will lead the Center’s engagement and relationship building with journalists, create resources for reporters and editors covering safety issues, and develop partnerships with media organizations that enable the Center to expand its reach and maximize its impact. We are looking for a candidate with a journalism background who understands both the urgent need for a new approach to crime and safety reporting and the nuts and bolts of what it takes to create that change.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Supporting change at the newsroom level.

• Identify newsrooms interested in changing the way they cover crime and safety issues, from which stories are assigned and the sources they rely on to the images and words used in those stories.
• Meet with reporters and editors to determine how the Center can support these newsrooms.
• Work with the Center’s team to create recommendations and resources for these newsrooms (i.e. networking events with potential new sources, style guides, retrospective audits of the issues covered by outlets, breaking news standards, etc…).
• Present at key journalism conferences.

Connecting journalists with the Center’s work.

• Distribute the Center’s publications and other work to a wide network of journalists covering crime and safety issues at the local and national levels.
• Learn how journalists and newsrooms are engaging with the Center’s work and suggest new projects that are responsive to the needs of reporters and editors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in journalism.
• Deep understanding of the standards, practices, challenges, and incentives of newsrooms.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the criminal legal system.
• Proven writing ability and strong organizational skills, with the ability to adapt to new conditions, assignments, and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a collaborative remote team.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

Salary: $90,000-$110,000

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees (and their families). Employees are able to enroll in 401k retirement plan and are eligible for a 3% automatic contribution and up to a 3% employer match on 401k contributions. Employees are also eligible for pre-tax transportation benefits. Employees will receive 200 hours of vacation time, 80 hours of health leave, up to 2 days of casual leave, and 20 hours of volunteer leave annually. Employees will also receive 13 paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are eligible for 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave after 90 days of employment.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a resumé and cover letter to hiring@justjournalism.org. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

HIRING STATEMENT

The Center for Just Journalism is a project of Hopewell Fund (Hopewell), a 501(c)(3) public charity that incubates new and innovative public-interest projects and grant-making programs. Hopewell is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. Hopewell’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.

E-Verify

Hopewell participates in and will provide the federal government with employees’ Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the United States. Job candidates and employees authorized to work on the basis of national origin or citizenship status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Remote