General Assignment Freelance Reporter

Position: General Assignment Freelance Reporter  

Supervisor: Managing Editor 

BenitoLink is a free hyperlocal website focusing on news, information, events, ideas and discussion in  San  Benito  County,  California.  An  independent,  non-partisan,  non-profit  organization,  BenitoLink is supported by donors, sponsors, and grants. The Mission is to connect San Benito  County residents through local news and information, encouraging public dialogue to foster an engaged community. Our goal is to be San Benito County’s primary source for trusted information.

BenitoLink, along with hundreds of news groups across the nation, creates original local news to match our community’s needs. The staff and board work with the understanding that participating in a nationwide movement requires flexibility and calls on everyone to contribute to innovative approaches and solutions. This commitment can compel us to cross-train, try out new ideas and  negotiate and adjust, when needed, work rules fair to all.  

Summary Description   

BenitoLink is looking for an experienced General Assignment Freelance Reporter to write news articles for our website. In this position, you will both pitch and take on article assignments working with our managing editor, research the topic, and write an easily understood article that follows basic journalistic and ethical  guidelines. This is a deadline-driven job, so you should be well organized and have excellent time-management skills. Since this is a freelance position, we will pay you per piece. Our ideal  applicant has several years of writing and reporting experience and a portfolio that demonstrates excellence in your craft. While formal education isn't necessary, a bachelor's degree in English or creative writing is preferred. In some cases, schedules can be flexible, including evenings, holidays and weekends.  

Areas of Responsibility 

• Maintain notes, photos, videos and audio recordings 

• Cooperate with reporters, editors, producers etc 

• Stay up-to-date with the latest current events in the “beat” by studying papers, social media and attending events etc. 

• Maintain deadlines 

• Uphold the highest journalistic standards

• Proficient on MicrosoftWord, Excel, Google Docs   

• Proven working experience as a Reporter  

Qualifications and competencies:  

• BS degree in journalism or mass communications (preferred)  

• Have strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.  

• Demonstrate analytical skills and the ability to problem solve.  

• Demonstrate ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.  

• Have outstanding verbal and written communication skills.  

• Work effectively as part of a team.  

• Maintain confidentiality.  

• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, Google Workspace; document management, calendaring, and email management.  

Rate of Pay and Hours  

• Articles are paid by piece and will be negotiated based on experience. They typically begin at $125 per piece   

• Hours vary   

To Apply  

• Please submit your resume and portfolio materials as an attachment to [email protected] with the title of the job in the subject line.  

• The application may be downloaded or accessed at benitolink.com/employment  

• Resumes can be submitted but will not be accepted in lieu of an employment application.  

BENITOLINK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of age, ancestry, color, religious creed, denial of Family and Medical Care  Leave, disability (mental and physical), marital, familial or parental status, medical condition, genetic information, military and Veteran status, national origin (including language use restrictions), race, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical  conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, and gender expression, political affiliation on or sexual orientation.