Freelance Journalist

Role
:
Freelance Journalist

Position Type: Part-Time (Internship applications are Welcome)

Location: East Brunswick, NJ and surrounding communities

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 Word Press or similar content management systems

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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)

• 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…