This position and its start and end dates are dependent on funding.

 

The Columnist is responsible for pitching, researching and writing columns for the weekly print issues of The Daily Barometer or the three regular print issues of DAMchic. The columnist also produces online content as required by the editor-in-chief of the Barometer, DAMchic and Beaver's Digest publications.

The columnists are held to the highest ethical and professional standards and practices. The columnist builds others up through mentoring, coaching and supporting.

The columnist follows OMN policies and procedures while advancing Orange Media Network’s reputation for excellence as a welcoming, engaging and inclusive organization.

 

Pay Rate:  $36 per column

 

 

Qualifications:

  • Possesses exceptional written communication skills
  • Is knowledgeable in news gathering and fact checking strategies
  • Is knowledgeable in Associated Press (AP) Style or willing to learn AP style
  • Is knowledgeable of the SPJ Code of Ethics
  • Able to work flexible hours including nights and weekends
  • Able to meet deadlines
  • Is a strong writer, communicator and comfortable with public speaking
  • Is organized and reliable
  • Is experienced with giving and receiving feedback
  • Able to remain professional and calm when working with difficult individuals and situations
  • Meets university eligibility requirements, including but not limited to:
    • Must be currently enrolled at Oregon State University for at least 6 academic credits
    • Must have a minimum GPA of 2.0
    • Must remain in a good academic standing from the term prior to selection and during the entire period of employment
  • Due to ongoing COVID-19 response needs, some responsibilities in this position description may need to be adjusted to comply with evolving health and safety expectations that are unknown at the time of this posting. Examples may include: studio and other facility use, social distancing requirements, and the need to conduct work remotely or on-site. The successful applicant will be adaptable to this changing environment.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Columnist Responsibilities
    • Pitches column ideas that have news values for the OSU community
    • Conducts research and necessary interviews to produce columns that are accurate, between 500-800 words mininum, with at least three appropriate sources including interviews, demonstrate clear news values, and have a clear stance/opinion
    • Proofreads column and ensures written material is edited for grammar, punctuation, AP style and accuracy
    • Remains objective and provides fair and accurate coverage
    • Participates in readouts with editors to make any necessary revisions in style or content
    • Communicates any errors and corrections to editor-in-chief
    • Pursues news in a timely fashion
    • Suggests photo and/or video coverage to enhance column presentation online
    • Shares stories on social media to reach audience
    • Attends all staff meetings as required by editor-in-chief
    • Ensure you are using, checking and responding to BaseCamp for project management
    • Grow audience engagement
    • Work to ensure that OMN program content is current, relevant, and consistent with OMN’s mission, vision, and policies
    • Ensure that you complete all OMN surveys and meet all deadlines
    • Check and respond to BaseCamp for project management
    • Act in a professional manner at all times and create and maintain collegial working relationships with fellow student leaders, organization members, sources, stakeholders, partners, collaborators and the community
    • Other duties as assigned by the adviser and Director
  • Communication
    • Respond to emails and phone calls the same day, professionally representing OMN
    • Notify adviser and the Director of OMN immediately should any ethical, legal, personnel or controversial problems occur.
  • Leadership
    • Be accountable to your position descriptions and expectations, and publicly acknowledge and celebrate accomplishment and growth at all levels of the organization
    • Be an enthusiastic leader and representative of OMN
    • Lead and coach others to be their best
    • Work to create an inclusive and welcoming culture of celebration and perseverance
  • Policies and Procedures
    • Follow all OMN policies and procedures and hold all staff and volunteers to all OMN policies and procedures
    • Be a collaborator with fellow OMN leaders in the shared use of facilities and equipment
    • Be good stewards of OMN resources by ensuring that OMN equipment is only used for OMN work
    • Alert professional staff immediately on issues with equipment

 

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