Role: Freelance Journalist

Position Type: Part-Time (Internship applications are Welcome)

Location: East Brunswick, NJ and surrounding communities

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic part-time journalist/editor for our hyperlocal digital news platform serving East Brunswick and surrounding townships. This dual-role position combines hands-on reporting with editorial responsibilities, perfect for an experienced journalist who thrives in a fast-paced digital environment. You'll be responsible for breaking news, community coverage, and maintaining the editorial standards of our growing hyperlocal news network.

Key Responsibilities

Digital-First Journalism

Produce 5-7 articles per week covering breaking news, municipal government, and community events
Write SEO-optimized headlines and articles designed for digital consumption
Publish content directly to our content management system with proper categorization and tagging
Monitor local police scanners, municipal websites, and social media for breaking news opportunities
Respond quickly to developing stories with timely updates and follow-up reporting

Community Engagement & Source Development

Build and maintain relationships with local officials, police departments, fire departments, and school administrators
Cultivate community sources including business owners, nonprofit leaders, and engaged residents
Attend township meetings, school board sessions, and community events (typically 2-3 evenings per week)
Engage with readers through comments, social media, and community feedback

Editorial & Content Management

Edit and fact-check all content before publication
Ensure all articles meet platform style guidelines and editorial standards
Optimize content for search engines and social media sharing
Create compelling social media posts to drive traffic to articles
Monitor article performance and engagement metrics

Visual Content Creation

Take photographs at events, meetings, and news scenes
Create basic graphics, charts, and infographics using design tools
Source and properly attribute stock images when needed
Maintain a library of local community photos and graphics

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field
2+ years of digital journalism experience, preferably in community news
Proven track record of meeting daily/weekly publication deadlines
Experience with WordPress or similar content management systems

Digital Media Proficiencies

Strong understanding of SEO principles and digital news best practices
Proficiency with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for news distribution
Basic graphic design skills (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar)
Experience with Google Analytics, social media insights, and content performance tracking
Familiarity with email newsletter platforms and audience engagement tools

Core Journalism Skills

Exceptional writing and editing abilities with attention to detail
Strong news judgment and ability to identify compelling local stories
Knowledge of media law, ethics, and public records access
Ability to work independently while meeting consistent publication schedules
Experience with live reporting and social media updates during breaking news

Preferred Qualifications

Local Connections

Resident of East Brunswick, Milltown, Helmetta, Spotswood, or surrounding Middlesex County areas
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for local coverage
Existing relationships with local government officials, police, or school administrators
Understanding of local zoning, development, and municipal finance issues

Advanced Digital Skills

Experience with live streaming or video content creation
Knowledge of email marketing and subscriber engagement strategies
Familiarity with crime reporting and police blotter coverage
Experience with data visualization and public records analysis
Bilingual capabilities (Spanish preferred for diverse community coverage)

Performance Expectations

Content Production

Minimum 7 articles per week with consistent publication schedule
Quick turnaround on breaking news (within 2-4 hours of events)
Monthly feature stories highlighting community members or local businesses
Seasonal coverage of school events, municipal budgets, and election cycles

Engagement Metrics

Grow local readership through compelling, shareable content
Maintain high editorial standards with minimal corrections needed
Build email subscriber base through quality content and community engagement
Achieve target page views and social media engagement rates

Working Conditions

Flexible daytime scheduling
Regular evening meeting attendance (township, school board, planning board)
Occasional weekend coverage for community events and breaking news
Home-based work with frequent field reporting requirements
Must be available for urgent news coverage during business hours

Compensation & Growth Opportunities

Competitive rate based on experience and performance metrics
Performance bonuses tied to readership growth and content engagement
Mileage reimbursement for local news coverage
Professional development support for digital journalism training
Opportunity to expand coverage area based on performance
Path to increased responsibilities within our regional network

Technology Requirements

Reliable high-speed internet connection for remote publishing
Smartphone with camera for field reporting and social media updates
Access to laptop/computer for writing and content management
Willingness to learn new digital publishing tools and platforms

Application Process

Submit the following materials

Resume emphasizing digital journalism and community reporting experience
Cover letter explaining your approach to hyperlocal news coverage
Portfolio of 5-7 recent articles showing range of community reporting
Examples of social media engagement and audience-building efforts
Two professional references from recent journalism positions

Our Editorial Mission

We serve as the primary digital news source for engaged local communities, providing timely, accurate reporting on the issues that matter most to residents' daily lives. Our platform thrives on breaking news, municipal transparency, community celebration, and fostering civic engagement through accessible, mobile-optimized journalism.

We're looking for a journalist who understands that hyperlocal news is about more than just reporting events, it's about building community connections, promoting civic engagement, and serving as a trusted information resource for busy residents who want to stay informed about their hometown.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to building a diverse newsroom that reflects the communities we serve.

TAPinto East Brunswick

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