Nashville Public Radio is hiring: Freelance Journalist in East Brunswick Townshi

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.