We’re hiring: Part-time researcher/reporter on press freedom issues in Canada
Position: Researcher/reporter (part-time)
Reports to: J-Source managing editor Steph Wechsler
J-Source is seeking a researcher/reporter for the Canada Press Freedom Project — a central hub for information and education surrounding press freedom in Canada.
J-Source and the Canada Press Freedom Project
The CPFP is developing an ongoing database of press freedom violations in Canada; stories about issues related to press freedom and threats and violations of those freedoms; and tools and resources for journalists, organizations, media educators and students to understand and counter those threats. Development of the project is supported by the Michener-L. Richard O’Hagan Fellowship for Journalism Education and is operated by J-Source. This position is supported by the Ryerson Journalism Research Centre.
J-Source is produced by a collaboration of post-secondary journalism schools and programs led by Ryerson University (which is currently engaged in a renaming process) and Carleton University. It is supported by J-Schools Canada/Écoles-J Canada, the organization that represents post-secondary journalism programs in Canada, as well as by a group of benefactors who believe in excellence in journalism and its strong and vital future. Our goal is to promote national discussion about journalism and journalism education as well as to provide a source for news, research, commentary, advice and resources for industry professionals, academics, and journalism, media and communications students.
Reporter/researcher
The CPFP reporter/researcher plays a major role in the site’s operation, from monitoring and covering press freedom news, to helping assemble datasets and educational resources for the site. The role also involves co-ordinating with a range of local and national organizations interested in press freedom issues as well as working with news media and their legal counsel. This researcher/reporter will collaborate successfully across the organization and report to the managing editor of J-Source.
This is a part-time, four-month contract of 24 hours per week paid at a rate of $25 per hour, with the possibility of an extension.
Qualifications
- Minimum two years of journalism experience, or equivalent.
- Proven track record of strong source development and social media research for newsgathering.
- Demonstrated commitment to challenging institutional narratives and centring anti-racism in reporting and newsgathering processes.
- Enthusiasm for collaboration, public interest programming, audience engagement, data and entrepreneurial journalism.
- Experience with managing data using Excel or other similar spreadsheet programs; WordPress or other content management systems; and co-working using Google Suite.
Responsibilities
- Monitoring and reporting on press freedom violations and incursions.
- Identifying issues for qualitative treatment (reports, analysis and educational tools).
- Developing roster of and engaging with experts, members of the public and stakeholder groups.
- Co-ordinating with partner organizations.
- Survey development and distribution.
- Supporting J-Source’s regular activities and reporting media stories when time permits.
Compensation
Pay: $25 per hour, 24 hours per week.
This position is based administratively at Ryerson University in Toronto but the successful candidate may work remotely. Toronto-based candidates may access office space at the university on request.
How to apply
A complete application will include a resume, 3 reporting clips, 2 professional references and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you’re interested in working with J-Source and the Canada Press Freedom Project.
Please address applications to J-Source managing editor Steph Wechsler and send by email to info@j-source.ca with “CPFP researcher/reporter application” in the subject line. The deadline for applications has been extended until 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 27.