At a Glance
- Tasks: Write engaging news articles and conduct interviews to uncover impactful stories.
- Company: Join the International Women’s Initiative, a passionate team promoting women's rights globally.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in journalism while supporting vital community projects.
- Other info: Flexible remote role with a minimum commitment of 10 hours per week.
- Why this job: Make a difference by sharing stories that promote gender equality and women's health.
- Qualifications: Strong writing skills, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for journalism.
Founded in August 2012, International Women’s Initiative (IWI) is a Community Interest Company (CIC) working towards the promotion of women's rights and gender equality around the world. We believe that we will achieve this through the creation of volunteer and professional networks and the provision of a platform for engaging in constructive commentary and ideas-sharing in the field. Funds raised by the organisation are used to support and resource partnerships with community-based organisations or projects. We are currently focusing on advancing our Safe Birthing Programme which seeks to reduce the high levels of maternal mortality in the Amolatar District, Uganda.
Job Description
- Verifies accuracy of facts and obtains supplemental material and additional details from files, reference libraries, and interviews with knowledgeable sources.
- Organises material and writes stories conforming to specified length, style, and format requirements.
- Interviews people in a range of different circumstances as needed.
- Builds contacts to maintain a flow of news, for example, police and emergency services, local council, community groups, health trusts, press officers from a variety of organisations, the general public, etc.
- Seeks out and investigates stories via contacts, press releases, and other media.
- Works closely with the news team, photographers, and editors, producing concise and accurate copy according to the newspaper's house style and to strict deadlines.
- Researches and writes longer feature articles, sometimes for subsidiary publications and supplements.
- Creates news content for the website.
- Engages in 'live' online reporting or real-time blogging when covering important events.
Qualifications
- Written Communication
- Problem Solving
- Deadline-Oriented
- Expertise in news-gathering, writing, and editing for short-form and long-form reports
- Experience in journalism
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Time Commitment: The minimum commitment is an average of 10 hours per week including a weekly one-on-one meeting with the Director of Communications, Alyssa Chassman.
How to Apply: Please apply through smartrecruiters. You must apply with a CV and cover letter that outlines why you think you are suitable for the position (please refer to the requirements for this position). Additionally, please stipulate how many hours you are able to contribute to IWI a week. If your application does not fulfil these requirements it will not be considered.
News Writer - Volunteer employer: International Women's Initiative
International Women’s Initiative (IWI) is an exceptional employer dedicated to promoting women's rights and gender equality globally. As a volunteer News Writer, you will be part of a supportive and collaborative work culture that values your contributions while providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. With a focus on impactful projects like the Safe Birthing Programme in Uganda, IWI offers a unique chance to engage in meaningful work that makes a real difference in communities.
Contact Details:
International Women's Initiative Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land News Writer - Volunteer
✨Get Involved in Local Media Communities
Join local journalism groups or media guilds in your area. They often have volunteer opportunities that can help you network and get your foot in the door. Plus, being active in these communities can lead to solid references and connections!
✨Offer Your Skills to Non-Profits
Many non-profit organisations need media help for newsletters, social media, or event coverage. This is a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience and bolster your portfolio while also doing something meaningful.
✨Attend Journalism Workshops and Events
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, and networking events on journalism. Not only will you learn new skills, but you’ll also meet fellow aspiring journalists and industry insiders who could have leads on volunteer positions.
✨Show Your Work Publicly
Set up a blog or a social media page where you can showcase your writing. Share the stories that matter to you and tag relevant organisations or publications. This visibility can attract attention from local media outlets looking for eager volunteers like us!
We think you need these skills to ace News Writer - Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Samples:As you're diving into the world of journalism-media, make sure to include a few of your best writing pieces in your application. Whether it's articles, blog posts, or even social media content, showcase your range and style. We want to see how you tell stories and engage readers!
Tailor Your CV for the Media World:Your CV should reflect your passion for journalism. Highlight relevant experiences, even if they’re volunteering gigs or class assignments that relate to media. Get creative with your layout—consider including links to your published work or any media platforms you've contributed to. We love seeing initiative!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to share your enthusiasm for the role at International Women's Initiative. Talk about why you’re drawn to this volunteer position specifically, and how it fits into your journey as a budding journalist. Let us in on your motivations and what you hope to learn!
Be Ready to Collaborate:Since this is a volunteer role, emphasise your willingness to work with others in the media field. Mention any group projects or collaborations you’ve done in the past. Skills like teamwork and communication are vital in journalism, and we want to see that you can thrive in a collaborative environment!
How to prepare for a job interview at International Women's Initiative
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
As a volunteer in journalism-media, we need to present samples of our best writing. Curate a portfolio that highlights different styles – features, news reports, or opinion pieces. Be prepared to discuss the thought process behind your pieces and how you approach different topics.
✨Be Conversational and Engaged
Interviews in the media field can feel more like a chat than a formal interrogation. So, let’s be enthusiastic about our ideas and show a genuine interest in the role. Prepare some engaging questions about the type of stories International Women's Initiative covers and their approach to journalism.
✨Know Your Media Tools
Familiarity with tools like CMS for writing and editing, or social media for content promotion can set us apart. If you've used any multimedia tools or video editing software, don’t hesitate to mention them—it shows versatility and a modern edge in our media approach.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Volunteer Work
Since this role is a volunteer position, we need to convey why we're passionate about journalism and what we're hoping to learn or contribute. Share our motivations for joining International Women's Initiative and how this role aligns with our personal goals in the media industry.
