Patch.com is recruiting journalists. Here’s where you can apply. If you are a journalism student, you may not have quite the experience they’re looking for in an editor (the editors’ bios are at the top of each local site). But you can see if there’s a Patch in your hometown and do some freelancing for them.
Patch bills itself as a start-up that is “radically reinventing community journalism.” Time will tell if this proves to be true. They launched a little over a year ago and have a number of sites up and running around the country. They’re expanding – hence the job openings.
For journalism students, it’s instructive to look at what they’re looking for in an editor. I think it’s a sign of the times that in addition to the usual journalistic skills like knowledge of AP Style, applicants need to know how to edit video and use social networking tools in their reporting.
These jobs look like great opportunities for journalists who like community journalism, are good multi-taskers, have embraced multi-media journalism and want to be part of an experiment that may or may not be the new face of journalism.
Required skills:
- Recent community journalism experience
- Ability to manage, direct, and motivate a team of freelancers.
- Ability to manage a budget
- “Bull-doggish” reporting instincts and willingness to ask tough questions of important people
- Experience in online journalism
- Experience editing video, producing a Web site and/or excellent photography skills.
- Must have a firm grasp of AP style.
Desired skills:
- Passionate about the web, social networking, and of course community journalism
- Be able to quickly grasp the interests, rhythms, and identity of a community.
- Unparalleled organizational skills
- Have great news judgment
- Like working hard.
Educational background:
- Degree from a J-School (preferred)
- Degree in journalism or similar discipline
- Ideal candidate will have been involved with their school paper as an editor or reporter
Unique requirements:
- Must be a flexible, independent, self-starter – you’ll work from home, the coffee shop, your car, the high school football game
- Tools for the job … best of all we will provide them: including a laptop, video camera, police scanner, etc.
- Must own a car
- Must be willing to relocate
- Ability and willingness to work various hours outside of the typical M-F and 9-5. To include some weekends.
journoprof 