Editorial Staff Reporters

Reports to: Silhouette Section Editor

Hours: Approx 4 - 6 hours per week

***Please see the bottom of posting for special instruction

The Silhouette is McMaster University’s student-run newspaper. The Sil has been in publication for over 80 years, first hitting the newsstands in the fall of 1930. The Sil employs an Editor-in-Chief and 18 undergraduate students part-time on its Editorial Board and welcomes the contributions of other students and community members throughout the year.

This posting closes September 30 at 11:59pm, however, we will be reviewing candidates immediately.

The Editorial Staff Reporter is expected to write one article per week during The Silhouette’s publication schedule. Reporters will primarily contribute to the section for which they were hired: News, Opinion, Arts & Culture, or Sports. Reporters are encouraged to explore other areas of the paper to gain a well-rounded newsroom experience and a broader understanding of how the publication operates .

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Assignment function

Search for stories at McMaster and in Hamilton by reading press releases, looking for events, and talking to students

Maintain communication with section editor to ensure no crossover of content and that stories are relevant to students

Ensure accuracy of piece by researching topic and interviewing when applicable

Pitch article to Section Editor for approval

Writing Function

Write a 400-600 word article, that meets the mandate of the Silhouette, once per week of publication

Transcribe any interviews and upload them to SIL Drive, if applicable

Editing Function

Ensure stories are accurate, coherent, balanced, grammatical, and otherwise well written

Edits are added to the article in a timely fashion

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to write grammatically correct sentences and coherent stories in accordance with Canadian Press and Silhouette style

Assertive and clear communication ability to reach contacts and ascertain correct facts

Personal skills to work with colleagues and the public

Able to use Microsoft Word basic e-mail platforms

Time management and organizational skills

Editing ability

Interviewing and analysis skill

Rudimentary knowledge of Canadian media law and libel is an asset

Effort & Responsibility

Attention to detail to maintain accuracy and balance

Persistence to get the right information from contacts

Responsible adherence to CFMU Radio Inc. Operating Policy – The Silhouette

Approach subjects as layperson in order to get the appropriate information from contacts and provide an objective and clear account

Effort required to maintain consistency of work

Working Conditions

Silhouette shared office around a lounge

Firm deadlines

Time demands may exceed stated hours of work

Training and Experience

Journalism experience (previous volunteer experience with the Silhouette an asset)

Computer and basic photography training will be provided

Equipment

Personal computer equipment for writing responsibilities

Recording tools for interviewing and transcribing

****In addition to your resume, please submit the following assignment:

Assignment

For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please download the full job description.