At a Glance
- Tasks: Report and publish breaking news for a national and global audience.
- Company: Join Northeastern University London, a prestigious institution in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare options, and continuous professional development.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with excellent career growth opportunities in a vibrant campus setting.
- Why this job: Make an impact with your storytelling skills in a dynamic newsroom environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Journalism or related field and substantial reporting experience required.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 55000 £ per year.
About the Opportunity
Department: External Affairs / Communications
Location: London Campus (fully on-site, five days a week)
Term: Full-time; Permanent
Salary: £53,000 – £55,000 per annum, depending on experience
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday allowance (pro rata) plus winter break 27–31 December (excl. Bank Holidays)
- Group life assurance
- Group income protection
- Pension scheme
- Private healthcare (optional)
Reports To: Executive Editor, NGN (Boston, MA)
Start Date: As soon as possible
Key Responsibilities:
- Report, write, and publish breaking news, daily stories, and enterprise features for a large national and global audience.
- Work closely with editors to refine pitches, shape coverage, and uphold high standards of accuracy and editorial quality.
- Develop and maintain reliable sources across the Northeastern community and relevant external stakeholder groups.
- Produce stories that are clear, engaging, and accessible to a broad readership.
- Collaborate with media relations, social media, and multimedia teams to enhance stories with data, graphics, photos, and video.
- Evaluate news tips and identify the most newsworthy story ideas, bringing a curious and relentless approach to reporting.
- Monitor analytics and audience metrics to inform reporting decisions and follow-up coverage.
- Adhere to NGN editorial guidelines, AP style, and fact-check all work thoroughly.
- Identify unique angles on global news cycles that are relevant to Northeastern’s academic and research enterprise.
Person Specification Requirements:
Education & Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (Journalism, Communications, English, etc.)
Experience:
- Substantial, demonstrated reporting experience with commercial daily news organisations (digital or print)
- Demonstrable ability to handle breaking news with speed and accuracy
- Newsroom experience in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Experience interpreting public documents, data, and filings to inform storytelling
- Familiarity with SEO and audience engagement strategies
- Knowledge of current social media platforms and their use in storytelling
- Experience with content management systems (WordPress preferred)
- Experience with multimedia or video reporting
- Data journalism or basic visual storytelling skills
Skills & Abilities:
- Excellent news judgement and a relentless pursuit of newsworthiness
- Superb writing, copy-editing, and interviewing skills
- Excellent command of AP style
- Strong source-building and relationship management skills
- Solid grasp of data and ability to use it to inform storytelling
- Impeccable verbal and written communication skills
- Superb attention to detail and accuracy, without sacrificing speed
- Ability to multitask, manage deadlines, and respond quickly to developing stories
- Superior work ethic capable of handling a heavy, complex, and varied workload
- Collaborative, hands-on, and collegial working style
- Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Working Arrangements:
The role is 5 days in the office on Northeastern’s London campus, which includes reporting around the university and sometimes off campus for certain assignments. Hybrid or remote arrangement is not an option. After-hours work, including weekends and holidays, is routinely required.
Enquiries:
Informal enquiries may be made to: Ann Simmons at a.simmons@northeastern.edu
Additional Information:
Northeastern University London (NU London) is a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London and is part of Northeastern University’s global campus network. NU London offers academically challenging educational programmes designed to inspire innovative thinking, encourage interdisciplinary study, and provide global experiences.
Eligibility and Inclusion: Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged solely on merit.
News Reporter employer: NU London
Northeastern University London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in the heart of London, our modern campus provides state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative environment where staff can thrive. With generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave, continuous professional development opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance, we empower our employees to excel in their roles while contributing to a dynamic academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land News Reporter
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at NU London!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like NU London, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace News Reporter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for NU London:When applying for the News Reporter role at NU London, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what NU London produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at NU London
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within NU London. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
