Broadway News Contributing Staff Writer

Title: Broadway News Contributing Staff Writer

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid: Mon - Th In Office)

time type: Part time

job requisition id: R100629

Job Description:

THE JOHN GORE ORGANIZATION is the leading presenter, distributor, and marketer of Broadway theatre worldwide.  Under the leadership of theater producer and owner John Gore, its family of companies includes Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com and Group Sales Box Office.  Its productions span Broadway, Off Broadway, London’s West End, Japan and 48 North American markets. It has won Tonys in every producing category as well as numerous other Drama League, Drama Desk and Olivier awards.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and supportive culture, where employees have equal opportunity for growth.

$30.00/hour

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Broadway News is the new home for original theater journalism on Broadway. Broadway News delivers powerful stories and smart analysis that bring theatergoers behind the curtain and enable theater industry members to run the show. From breaking news to deeply reported long reads and exclusive interviews, subscribers rely on Broadway News for every Broadway story that matters. Broadway News' newsroom delivers in-depth coverage of currently running Broadway shows, as well as those in development and on tour around the world.

As a part-time staff writer, you will work directly with Broadway News’ executive editor to accurately report news and break exclusive news stories, as well as develop feature content and support our social media presence. The staff writer will be expected to take on daily news assignments based on press releases, as well as seek out news stories for coverage. You will be expected to find stories that answer to Broadway News’ areas of interest and to tailor writeups to the publication’s style guide and general tone. You will be expected to research and write independently, but will receive regular feedback from your editor to improve your writing and reporting skills. As Broadway News continues to expand its editorial coverage, you will be encouraged to brainstorm topics for feature content. You will occasionally be assigned feature stories — as the news workload allows. You will receive support and mentorship to meet professional goals. The staff writer is a crucial member of the editorial team — shaping Broadway News’ coverage, position in the media landscape and role in the theater industry.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Write multiple daily news items based on Broadway News’ scope of coverage
  • Must write all articles with a Broadway News lens
  • Write articles based on received press releases
  • Track social media chatter, investigate tips, correspond with sources to lead to original reporting and breaking news
  • May attend events for on-site reporting and write articles accordingly
  • Pursue exclusive news items
• Contribute weekly Grosses Analysis column
• Occasionally pitch and write feature stories
• Occasionally assist with research for executive editor’s feature articles
• At times, create and schedule social posts based on articles for Broadway News social media accounts

Functional Competencies

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Excellent news writing skills; experience writing news based on press releases as well as original reporting
• Ability to pitch news and feature stories
• Fact-checking, reporting, writing and proofreading capabilities
• Solid news judgment with understanding of journalistic standards and editorial ethics
• Excellent research and data analysis skills
• Understanding of the business of Broadway, knowledge of an passion for Broadway history
• Knowledge of social platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
• Photo editing and basic design editing ability using Canva

Qualifications aka KSAO

• Independent writer

• Collaborative team member
• Clear communicator
• Strong ability to work in a fast-paced environment with daily deadlines
• Proactive
• Thorough, particularly in areas of research and problem-solving
• Honed instincts for news reporting
• Practiced at developing trust with sources
• Naturally curious
• Data-minded
• Passion for theater, specifically Broadway, a must

Education and/or Experience

• 1-3 years of previous news writing experience (required)

• Previous experience covering theater or entertainment (preferred)
• Journalism degree or role at collegiate publication (preferred)

Communication Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret press releases, published studies and other news articles

• Ability to write articles that adhere to prescribed style and format
• Ability to read data reports and effectively summarize and contextualize
• Ability to complete thorough research and compile original data for reporting business trends, etc.
• Ability to form clear and comprehensive questions for sources and interview subjects
• Ability to effectively present information to Broadway News readership
• Ability to respond to inquiries from sources and industry professionals

Critical Thinking

• Must be able to digest a lot of information and resynthesize into a legible report for the average reader — and quickly
• Must be detailed and organized
• Must be able to write independently
• Must incorporate ongoing feedback from editor

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to:

• Sit (or stand) at a computer and write for multiple consecutive hours
• Communicate with sources over phone or email

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to:

• Confidential information regarding Broadway productions and the creative and business decisions that contribute to them
• High-profile sources, from powerful producers to A-list onstage talent

Acknowledgement

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Employees will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The John Gore Organization is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal employment opportunity to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, creed, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other legally protected classification under local, state or federal laws.

HIRING PRACTICES

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification or position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

The John Gore Organization’s recruitment policies are designed to place the most highly qualified persons available in a timely and efficient manner. The John Gore Organization may pursue all avenues available, including promotion from within, employee referrals, outside advertising, employment agencies, Internet recruiting, job fairs, college recruiting and search firms.