I. Job Summary | Major goals and objectives.
The staff writer for the news team will work nights (2pm to 10pm PT), Monday to Friday, with the primary goal of supporting the lead evening editors by writing and fielding traffic-driving stories during the crucial after-hours shift. This person must be comfortable working on a large volume of stories but also have an insight into the breaking news and top topics and personalities that our PEOPLE readers love.
In addition to having an eye on what’s trending, the ideal candidate should be a self-starter who is ready to work in a fast-paced environment with daily breaking news assignments. The content assigned spans all of PEOPLE’s 16 content verticals, meaning stories can run the gamut from entertainment news and royals’ coverage to crime and human interest, and content about food or pets.
The ability to deliver clean copy, in a timely manner with impeccable journalism standards is crucial, as is a knowledge of SEO. They must also be willing to call reps, publicists, the police, etc. to verify and confirm information to make sure that PEOPLE maintains its reputation for accuracy and reliability.
II. Essential Job Functions
Weight %
Accountabilities, Actions and Expected Measurable Results
10% – Helping to identify story opportunities and urgent news during the course of the shift
50% – Writing digital news stories
10% – Occasionally editing digital news stories
30% – Contributing reporting, writing and ideas to special projects and digital tentpoles
III. Minimum Qualifications and Job Requirements | All must be met to be considered.
Education:
BA (Preferable but not essential)
Experience:
2-3 years min.
Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Digital news writing, a deep knowledge of the celebrity news landscape, an ability to report on a breaking news situation, whether it be celebrity or human interest, ability to interview celebrities or human interest subjects
% Travel Required (Approximate): 0%
It is the policy of Meredith Operations Corporation (“Dotdash Meredith”, “the Company”) to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Accommodation requests can be made by emailing ddm.hr@dotdashmdp.com.
The Company participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees
Pay Range
Salary: $53,600 – $67,000
The pay range above represents the anticipated low and high end of the pay range for this position and may change in the future. Actual pay may vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to work location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of Dotdash Meredith’s total compensation package for employees. Other compensation may include annual bonuses, and short- and long-term incentives. In addition, Dotdash Meredith provides to employees (and their eligible family members) a variety of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, unlimited paid time off (PTO), adoption or surrogate assistance, donation matching, tuition reimbursement, basic life insurance, basic accidental death & dismemberment, supplemental life insurance, supplemental accident insurance, commuter benefits, short term and long term disability, health savings and flexible spending accounts, family care benefits, a generous 401K savings plan with a company match program, 10-12 paid holidays annually, and generous paid parental leave (birthing and non-birthing parents), all of which may vary depending on the specific nature of your employment with Dotdash Meredith and your work location. We also offer voluntary benefits such as pet insurance, accident, critical and hospital indemnity health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance.
