News24 has a vacancy for a Schools Journalist, based in Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Find, research, investigate and pitch original content and ideas for news, feature and analysis stories around the positive work of schools in South Africa;
- Write quality news and feature articles related to this good news beat, adhering to strict deadlines and News24’s style;
- Break developing events and original reportage when required;
- Create target-market-specific articles and contribute to multi-media content;
- Generate ideas for news and features stories on a daily and weekly basis;
- Adhere to the quality, style and content standards as laid out and required by News24;
- Comply with the requirements of the South African Press Code;
- May be required to assist and support freelance staff and junior permanent staff;
- Proofread articles;
- Generate and liaise with network of contacts to assist with research or completion of articles/features;
- Will be required to take photographs and shoot video;
- Live tweet stories from location as they unfold;
- Secure newsmakers for in-depth interviews on topical issues.
Skills & Competencies:
- A passion for South Africa's schools and future leaders;
- Proficient in relevant computer software packages and application used in the media field;
- Passion for media, knowledge of current affairs and schools in South Africa;
- Established network of contacts (over and above official spokespersons);
- Strong command of English;
- Creativity;
- Able to work under extreme pressure and to strict deadlines;
- Good time management, the ability to multitask effectively and complete tasks timeously;
- Sound news judgement;
- Knowledge of the online news environment and digital publishing tools, including mobile video and photos;
- Knowledge of social media;
- Detail orientation;
- Good people skills;
- Quality orientation and the ability to deliver clean copy;
- Good decision-making abilities;
- Persistence and results orientated;
- Strong questioning and listening skills;
- The ability to work independently;
- Resilient.
Minimum Requirements:
- Diploma or degree in journalism, languages, politics or media studies;
- Experience writing for an online or wire news operation, or mainstream newspaper, magazine or a broadcast news service;
- At least 1-3 years’ experience;
- Preferred would be some experience in producing multi-media content;
- Good general knowledge;
- Insightful knowledge of South Africa’s socio-political landscape;
- Knowledge of topical issues and current affairs;
- Demonstrable network of contacts and a portfolio of work;
- Valid driver’s licence.
Given the employment equity policy of Media24, preference will be given to suitable candidates from the designated groups.