Journalism jobs

NRU Publishing Inc., a privately owned Toronto-based publishing company established in 1997, is seeking to hire a Planning Reporter.

The Planning Reporter (Land Use Planning) will be responsible for writing stories NRU’s two publications, Novae Res Urbis – City of Toronto (Toronto) and Novae Res Urbis – Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). To view sample editions of NRU’s two publications, please visit https://www.nrupublishing.com/about-nru/.

Novae Res Urbis – City of Toronto (NRU Toronto) is published on Fridays, 50 weeks per year and Novae Res Urbis – Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (NRU GTHA) is published on Wednesdays, 50 weeks per year. Each publication is distributed to subscribers by email on a weekly basis.

The Planning Reporter position requires basic knowledge of urban planning and municipal issues, the ability to research and write articles that are accurate, timely, and concise, and that are undertaken and delivered within established timelines. You will assist in developing stories and covering items as set out by the Editor. You will be responsible to research, report, and write municipal-related news articles for the two publications.

Although the NRU team works closely and cooperatively on each project, the Planning Reporter will report either to the Publisher or to the Editor, depending on the nature of the task.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Your areas of responsibility for newsgathering for our two publications will include:

· Writing a minimum of 2 feature articles for Novae Res Urbis – Toronto and Novae Res Urbis - GTHA (700 to 950 word articles) each week, for a total of 4 articles per week, of which one article must be suitable as a front-page lead story.

· Using multiple sources, documents, data reporting, and other journalistic tools to develop, report, and write feature and special articles and investigative projects.

· Preparing special articles from time to time on election coverage, in-depth features, year-in-review summary, and others, as assigned.

· Collaborating and coordinating with the Editor on the nature of reporting assignments each week, as well as devoting a portion of your five-day work week to researching and writing articles on copy deadlines established by the Editor.

· Identifying images to accompany articles and preparing cut lines identifying image source and describing what the image shows.

· Compiling documentation to facilitate fact-checking of all articles authored.

· Positively representing the Company in all interactions relating to the position.

· Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Minimum of 5 years of writing and reporting experience.

· Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or Urban Planning is an asset.

· Basic knowledge of urban planning and municipal issues, such as politics and public affairs.

· While knowledge of and/or a degree to urban planning is not required, your passion for and interest in Toronto and municipalities in the GTHA, and your curiosity for learning about their ongoing development as cities is a must for this position.

· Strong knowledge of AP style.

· Strong research skills, including familiarity with public records and data-based reporting methodologies.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

· Ability to translate often complex topics into clear, concise language that everyday readers can understand.

· Excellent writing skills, strong communication skills, teamwork, and team-building skills.

· Strong personal drive with the ability to work both independently and within a team.

· Good news judgment and ability to think creatively about the news agenda.

· Curiosity about the subject matter.

· Strong relationship-building and management skills working with internal and external parties.

· Good organisational skills, with the ability to juggle deadlines and priorities.

COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS

This role can be conducted from any location currently, however, our preference is for the incumbent to be Toronto-based. The NRU team has been working 100% remotely since the beginning of COVID-19, leveraging digital tools and systems to meet and collaborate over video. We will continue to do so until we feel it is safe to resume in office operations.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and writing samples.

We thank all candidates for their interest, but only those who are considered for an interview will be contacted.

ABOUT NRU PUBLISHING INC.

NRU Publishing Inc., is a privately owned Toronto-based publishing company established in 1997. The Company offers a limited circulation news service about the people, activities, and services of municipal governments and urban planning. Two newsletters, Novae Res Urbis – City of Toronto (Toronto) and Novae Res Urbis – Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), are distributed electronically to subscribers by email on a weekly basis, ensuring the news are current, relevant, timely, and cost-efficient. To learn more about NRU, please visit https://www.nrupublishing.com/about-nru/.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Extended health care

Application question(s):

• Do you have basic knowledge of urban planning and municipal issues, such as politics and public affairs?

Experience:

• Journalism & Reporting Occupations: 3 years (required)
• Urban Planning: 1 year (required)

Work Location: Remote