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Department:
Time Type:
Part timeFLSA Status:
Non-ExemptJob Description:
Summary:
The Current seeks an advanced undergraduate or graduate student in journalism to research and report on issues affecting public media in the United States. Successful candidates will have strong writing skills; an interest in thinking analytically about media and how it is funded, created, and distributed; and the ability to collaborate on various aspects of news reporting and publishing.
The Current is an independent news service covering public media, including NPR, PBS, and stations. We operate a website and publish a quarterly print publication. Our student reporters research, report, and write their own stories with support from Current’s editors and staff reporters. Many have gone on to successful internships and professional jobs at other news organizations.
Essential Functions:
Research, report, and write original coverage.
Gather information and multiple perspectives for news reporting through interviews, analysis, reading, observation, and events. Check facts, spellings, numbers, and assumptions to confirm details of news events.
Produce timely and valuable material for digital coverage and report on developing stories.
Revise work in progress and collaborate with editors in preparing coverage for online publication.
Advise editors on art direction by collecting photos, artwork, and graphics and identifying opportunities for presenting 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’s news articles, adhering to Current’s editorial practices.
Collaborate with digital editor and managing editor in responding to reader reactions.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Part-time.
20 - 25 hours per week.
Salary Range:
$18.40 - $25.00 per hour.
Required Education and Experience:
As of fall 2025, a junior, senior, or graduate student with a major in American University's School of Communications and a minimum overall 3.25 GPA.
Graduate students must have completed their first semester of study to be considered for this position.
Analytical, quantitative, and writing skills.
Interest in journalism, public media, the media business, and/or public policy.
Experience reporting for advanced SOC journalism courses.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Web publishing skills and familiarity with WordPress are preferred; however, we provide training for these skills as needed.
Experience reporting in-depth stories or analyses for student journalism organizations or for previous editorial internships.
Familiarity with the WordPress content management system.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
Dates of employment are May 11 - August 31.
The Current operates as a virtual workplace.
Applicants are encouraged to upload their resume and three writing samples that best represent their work.
Other Details
This position is available only to enrolled American University students.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an E-Verify employer.
Visit https://www.american.edu/hr/ for additional information about American University employment and benefits.
Current American University Employees
American University current employees (including those employed in student positions) must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.
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