Hiring: Community Journalist

The Jackson Association of Neighborhoods (JAN) is hiring a Community Journalist to lead a community-focused education and engagement effort funded by the Community Foundation for Mississippi through the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The role keeps Jackson residents informed about issues that affect daily life and equips them to participate in collaborative solutions. A core focus is building community information systems that connect residents to their neighborhoods and the greater city, especially during crises.

What You’ll Do

• Report, shoot, edit, and publish fact-based multimedia stories (text, photo, video, and audio) across JAN’s website, email, and social channels.

• Identify and explain local issues; develop human-interest features; collect oral histories; and highlight neighborhood solutions using a constructive journalism lens. Content will be primarily written and translated to social media in its best form.

• Build and maintain source relationships with residents, business owners, neighborhood leaders, and public officials. This includes attending community events and meetings, such as Jackson’s city council.

• Monitor local news and public data to fill gaps, provide context, and follow ongoing stories that matter to neighborhoods.

• Script, record, and edit short-form videos and reels. Produce photos, graphics, and simple motion assets that enhance storytelling.

• Plan, record, and edit interviews for web and social media; ensure clear audio and accurate captions.

• Draft and proofread copy and captions in AP style; ensure accessibility, clarity, and consistency.

• Produce email newsletters and micro-surveys to inform and gather feedback from targeted audiences.

• Support basic mapping and data visualization for the JAN website to help residents navigate resources and neighborhood information.

• Track outcomes and assist with grant reporting and also recommend ways to sustain and scale the program.

• Collaborate with JAN’s board and committees on related programs and neighborhood communications.

What You’ll Bring

• Background in journalism, multimedia reporting, or integrated marketing communications preferred. Ability to write journalistically required

• Portfolio demonstrating reporting, writing, photography, and video editing for digital platforms

• Working knowledge of AP style and newsroom ethics

• Proficiency with mobile and desktop editing tools for video and audio (e.g., Premiere Pro, CapCut, Descript, Audition, or GarageBand)

• Experience creating platform-native content for Facebook, Instagram, and email newsletters

• Basic graphic design skills and familiarity with Canva or Adobe Express

• Familiarity with mapping or data visualization tools a plus (e.g., Google My Maps, Flourish, Datawrapper)

• Strong interviewing, listening, and community relationship skills; comfortable in both virtual and in-person settings

• Self-motivated, curious, organized, and deadline-driven

• Willing to participate in anti-bias and ethics training and to create content mindful of Jackson’s lived experiences and cultural context

Details

• Full-time (40 hours a week) contract position funded by a one-year grant

• Housed at the Jackson Association of Neighborhoods (JAN)

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter, résumé, and a portfolio including three writing samples, three social media posts, and two additional samples (preferably photo or video). Email materials to the Jackson Association of Neighborhoods at info@jxnneighborhoods.com with the subject line “JAN Community Journalist.” Please apply by 11:59 p.m. on November 14, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to live in Jackson to apply?
   Yes. Applicants must be current residents of the City of Jackson and familiar with local neighborhoods and issues. Being present and connected to the community is essential to the role.

2. Is this a full-time position?
   Yes. This is a full-time, one-year contract position that pays $5,000 per month. The workload and expectations reflect a full-time commitment, including consistent coverage, reporting, and publishing.

3. How often is content published?
   Content should be published daily across JAN’s website and social media platforms. This includes stories, interviews, photos, videos, and community updates.

4. Will I need to attend community meetings and events?
   Yes. The Community Journalist is expected to attend neighborhood meetings, community gatherings, and city sessions such as City Council. Each event should be documented and recapped for JAN’s platforms.

5. What kind of experience do I need?
   Applicants should have experience in journalism, storytelling, or communications. Strong writing, interviewing, and multimedia production skills are required, with the ability to adapt content for digital and social media.

6. What tools will I need?
   You should be familiar with mobile and desktop editing tools for video and audio such as CapCut, Descript, or Adobe Premiere and comfortable using Canva or Adobe Express for basic design.

7. How independent is this role?
   The Community Journalist will manage their own schedule and workload while meeting daily publishing goals. Reliability, organization, and initiative are key to success.

8. What type of stories will I tell?
   Stories that highlight residents, neighborhood projects, city initiatives, and local challenges or successes, always focused on solutions and community impact.

9. Who will I collaborate with?
   The Community Journalist will work closely with JAN’s leadership and committees to ensure stories align with the organization’s mission and engagement priorities.

10. How do I apply?
    Submit a cover letter, résumé, and portfolio including writing, photo, and video samples to info@jxnneighborhoods.com with the subject line “JAN Community Journalist.” Applications are due by November 14, 2025.